Abstract

Betagh, Thomas (1738-1811) jesuit, was born in Kells, Co. Meath into a family of tanners which had lost its lands in the Cromwellian Wars. When they moved to Dublin he attended John Austin's Jesuit school at Saul's Court where his academic abilities were recognised. He was sent, probably in 1752, to the Jesuit seminary at Pont-à-Mousson in Lorraine. He later taught languages and theology there. Ordained in 1762 he returned to Ireland in 1769 or 1770 and taught in Saul's Court.