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4pp. Browne & Nolan Ireland watermarked paper with MLS on the first page.The letter to Miss Walsh reads: "I'm very glad to hear from you and to learn that you are keenly interested in all concerning Irish Music: it is my greatest hobby. I have out a bound collection of my songs, but if you so desire I shall write to my publishers & make you a typical selection of the separate copies.send you the best.of My Dark Rosaleen.recent heartbreaking reminder in the dear old land. Yours sincerely W.H. Grattan Flood.Mus D.K.S.G. Centrefold horizontal crease. Light stains at top of page.Good. William Henry Grattan Flood (1859-1928) was a noted Irish author, composer, musicologist, and historian. As a writer and ecclesiastical composer, his personal contributions to Irish music produced enduring works, although he is regarded today as a very controversial figure. As an historian, his output was prolific on topics of local and national historical or biographical interest. He was born in Lismore, Co.Waterford. His parents were Master and Matron of Lismore Union Workhouse. Flood received his elementary education at his grandfather's (Andrew FitzSimon) boys academy in Lismore, and was given music lessons by his aunt, Elizabeth FitzSimon. He quickly became an accomplished pianist and, at the age of nine, was invited to give a recital for the Duke of Devonshire at Lismore Castle. He entered Mount Melleray in 1872 and graduated in 1876. During this time, he received private tuition in music from Sir Robert Prescott Stewart and developed proficiency on other musical instruments. He was organist of St. Peter's Pro-Cathedral in Belfast (1878-82), the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles, Co. Tipperary (1882-8), Monaghan Cathedral (1888-94) and St. Aidan's Cathedral, Enniscorthy (from September 1895). A devout Catholic, Flood entered St. Patrick's in Carlow, Co. Carlow and spent several years studying for the priesthood. He taught music at the Jesuit Colleges of Tullabeg, Co. Offaly (1882-4), Clongowes Wood College (from 1884), St MacCartan's College, Monaghan (from 1888), and St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny. During his long residency at Enniscorthy (1895-1928) Flood authored the majority of his musical compositions and historical publications. Flood was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music (DMus) from the Royal University of Ireland in 1907. In December 1898, he was wed to Margaret Delaney and, over the next 12 years, the couple had six children, including Catherine (Kathleen), Mollie, Agnes, William, Patrick and Margaret (Rita). Following his death, his daughter, Kathleen, assumed the position of organist at St. Aidan's until her death in 1956.
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