Collection P133 - Rynne Family Papers

c. 65 boxes

Papers pertaining to members of the Rynne Family. Material present from and relating to distinct branches and generations of the family, based in Galway and Limerick, including playwright Mary Rynne; revolutionary and diplomat/politician Michael Rynne (brother of playwright Mary Rynne) and Professor Etienne Rynne, son and grandson of Michael and Mary (known as 'Grackkie' to her grandchildren) former Professor of Archaeology at National University of Ireland, Galway.

Mary (Therèse) Rynne was born 28 June 1904, Eling Lodge, Eling, Southampton, England. She was educated at Highgate convent, London (like her mother). Mary was an author who wrote articles and stories for women's magazines in the 1920 and 1930s in Ireland before writing plays for the stage and for radio. She wrote play "Pilgrims" (1938), which was performed in the Abbey Theatre. and which opened 10 October 1938. Mary never married and lived at Strand House in Limerick, the home of her parents, before later living at Harbour Lodge, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, from at least 1965 until death. Mary Rynne She died 16th September 1976, Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin, age 72 years.

Dr. Michael Andrew Lysaght Rynne, (Mary's brother) was born 12th September 1899. He was educated at Clongowes School, Clane. Co Kildare from 1912-17. Following this he attended University College Dublin (UCD) in 1917. In this same year Rynne joined the IRA. During his time at UCD he was elected prefect and made a presentation to Éamon de Valera. Rynne completed his B.A. degree at UCD 1920, before taking further legal studies at King's Inns, 1921.

During the War of Independence Rynne was an IRA officer 1919-21. Rynne was Captain, C Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade IRA. He was aide-de-camp (military personal assistant) to Dick Mulcahy (Chief of Staff of IRA in the War of Independence).

As the Anglo Irish Treaty was being signed in London in December 1921, Rynne was with Richard Mulcahy and Éamon de Valera at the Rynne family house, Strand House in Limerick. Following the signing of the Treaty, Michael aligned himself with the pro-Treaty side, along with Mulcahy. Rynne would go on to become Captain in Free State army in Civil War 1922-23. He was acting Colonel at one time. Michael Rynne retired from the Irish Army in 1923, after which he went to the Continent to study law, in Munich, Germany, and where he earned his Doctorate of International Law, University of Munich. His thesis was published as a book in 1929.

On the third of September 1931, Rynne married Nathalie Fournier. The couple lived for the following number of years with Michael's mother at Airfield, Stillorgan Road, Donnybrook, Dublin. At this time, Michael worked for Irish Ministry for External Affairs, 1932 to 1954. He was legal advisor to Minister for External Affairs. The couple later lived at St. John's, Kimmage Road East, Terenure.

Rynne wrote many articles under the name "Andrew Lysaght" and also wrote poems, radio plays, marching songs.

In 1954, Rynne was appointed Irish Ambassador to Spain, which he held until 1961. At this time Spain was under the rule of General Franco. Rynne was appointed Ambassador in 1954 by Second Inter-Party Government. The Minister for External Affairs that appointed Rynne was Liam Cosgrave.After they came back from Spain, Michael and Nathalie settled in Sydenham House, Dundrum from 1965. Rynne died on 8th February 1981, at St.Michaels Nursing Home, Dun Laoghaire, age 81 years, and was buried at Drumcliff Cemetery, Ennis, Co. Clare. Nathalie lived Dundalk, Co. Louth and died 29 January 1998, age 94 years and was also buried at Drumcliff Cemetery, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Etienne Rynne, son of Dr. Michael Rynne and Nathalie Fournier (1932-2010) was an archaeologist and academic. Etienne Rynne was Professor of ARchaeology at NUI Galway. He held a number of other roles and positions including President of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 1985 - 1989. Rynne joined the National Museum of Ireland in 1957 and worked there for a decade before moving to take up position at University College Galway in 1967 (NUIG). There, he took over as professor of archaeology in 1978 and retired in 1998.
Etienne was editor of the North Munster Antiquarian Journal for thirty-five years from 1964 - 1988 and was a member of the Royal Irish Academy, a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (of London) and president of the Cambrians.

Open

(c) Jams Hardiman Library NUI Galway

Papers of

Red Strong Room

Catalog

18/05/2017
29/07/2025