Tánaiste Micheál Martin leads tributes following death of renowned historian with strong Roscommon roots
Historian Gabriel Doherty, University College Cork, was the keynote speaker at the centenary event at Dripsey Co. Cork in 2022. Pic: Larry Cummins
Tánaiste Micheál Martin has led tributes to noted historian Gabriel Doherty who passed away suddenly at his Cork City home on Friday.
Mr Doherty, aged 56, had strong Roscommon roots, with his late mother Lena Doherty (née Kenny) hailing from Cloonmullen, Loughglynn.
He was well known in the West Roscommon area, and was a frequent visitor to his aunt Angela Doory and many cousins. His late father, Sean Doherty, hailed from Headford, Co. Galway.
The renowned historian was best known for his written works on Michael Collins, Terence McSwiney and the Irish Civil War.
The Tánaiste said he was deeply shocked to hear of Mr Doherty’s death, having met him just last month at a commemoration to republican Dick Barrett, who was executed during the Irish Civil War.
“First of all, I am shocked and very saddened to hear of Gabriel’s passing – he was an outstanding historian based in UCC where he did tremendous work on the War of Independence and Civil War,” Mr Martin said.
President of UCC Prof John O’Halloran also paid tribute to Birmingham-born Mr Doherty, who joined the School of History in UCC in the late 1990s where he taught courses in modern Irish history.
“Gabriel was an outstanding historian who deepened our understanding of key moments in Irish history,” said Prof O’Halloran, adding that his loss will be deeply felt among the university community.
Prof O'Halloran extended his deepest sympathy to Mr Doherty's wife Gill, daughters Meabh and Úna, and son Oscar, as well as his friends and colleagues.
