"FATHER O'FLYNN."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 9 (Supplement)

"FATHER O'FLYNN."

DEATH OF DR. GRAVES. Dr. Alfred Fercival Graves, of Harlech, author of (tie famous song " Father O'Flvnn," of " Songs of Ivillarney," of " To Return io All That," and of many oilier works, died on December 27 at the age of 85. Dr. Graves was (ho son of (he famous mathematician and Irish antiquarian who was formerly Bishop of Limericlf, and was the brother of Mr. Charles L. Graves, of Punch. After a distinguished career at Dublin University ho became a Home Office clerk, and afterwards Inspector of Schools. He was a mellow example of T.C.D. scholarship, combining, as he did, ci udition and elegance. His recent volume of reminiscences of the worthies of Trinity College is full of excellent character sketches and Plutarchian anecdotes. During his long and busy lifetime Dr. Graves did a great deal to spread appreciation of Erse literature and of such Anglo-Irish poets as Samuel Ferguson, though the version of " The Welshmen of Tirawlev " in his anthology, says the Morning Post, is bowdlerised a liftle. Perhaps his best remembered work will bo the famous song of " Father O'Flynn." Dr. Graves was a founder of the Folk Song Society and of the Irish and Welsh Folk Song Societies. He promoted three Harlech historical pageants, and during tho war organised a supply of books for the lighting forces. Ho was for twelve years honorary secretary and was twice president of tho Irish Literary Society. Ho was twice married, and leaves six sons and four daughters.