Famous People

Austin Clarke (1896-1974) Poet, dramatist and novelist. Lived at The Bridge House, Templeogue. Clarke was born in Manor Street, Dublin and grew up on Mountjoy Street. He studied Irish under Douglas Hyde and English under Thomas MacDonagh at University College Dublin. After MacDonagh's execution following the 1916 Rising, Clarke succeeded him and lectured in English until 1921. He then moved to London but returned to Ireland in 1937, settling in Templeogue. He was a founder-member of the Irish Academy of Letters. He also founded the Dublin Verse-Speaking Society and the Lyric Theatre. His voice became well known in Ireland, giving weekly radio recitals.

Liam Cosgrave (1920-) Politician. Cosgrave served as Minister for External Affairs from 1954 until 1957. During his term as Minister, Ireland joined the United Nations. Served as the fifth Taoiseach from 1973 to 1977 during a Fine Gael/ Labour coalition. Retired from Dáil Eireann and politics in 1981. Lives at Beech Park, Templeogue.

William T. Cosgrave (1880-1965) Politician, statesman. Lived at Beech Park, Templeogue. Fought in the South Dublin Union during the Easter Rising in 1916. Following the rebellion Cosgrave was sentenced to death, however this was later commuted to penal servitude for life and he was interned in Frongoch. In December 1922 when the Irish Free State came into being, Cosgrave became its first prime minister, called President of the Executive Council. Cosgrave co-founded Cumann na nGaedheal in 1923. He later became leader of the Fine Gael party. Cosgrave's son Liam was leader of Fine Gael from 1965 to 1977 and Taoiseach from 1973 to 1977. His grandson, also Liam, was a TD and Senator.

Charles Lever (1806-1872) Novelist. Lived in Templeogue House. He was editor of the Dublin University Magazine from 1842 to 1845. His published novels include Harry Lorrequer (1840) and Charles O' Malley (1841).

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