Bram Stoker

McGillycuddy, Richard 'of the Reeks'

It is our painful duty this evening to record the death of one of our Kerrymen of mark and the representative of one of the few Irish families which still retain a title to mark their ancient nobility and a fortune equal to their high social position. Richard McGillycuddy otherwise called The McGillycuddy of the Reeks, died on Saturday, aged 76, at his temporary residence, 6 Upper Pembroke St, Dublin after a protracted and painful illness. He was a Deputy Lieutenant of this county, and possessed considerable property and much influence in Kerry. In his younger days The McGillycuddy was an active magistrate, and, until he gave place to younger men he was one of our most useful grand jurors, and influential fiscal authorities. His politics were Liberal, but not extreme, and his kind-ness and hospitality gained him deservedly many friends by whom his decease will be regretted. His death was caused by a prolonged attack of bronchitis, but he had suffered much last year from ill health, and it was quite apparent to his friends at that time, that notwithstanding his recovery the end was near. His remains will be removed on Wednesday for interment in the family vault at Knockane churchyard near Whitefield, Killarney. The McGillycuddy was a generous landlord, a disinterested friend, and thoroughly amiable in all the relations of life. The McGillycuddy was twice married – first to Margaret, only daughter of James Bennett Esq, of Cork by whom he had issue – four sons, who all died unmarried, and three daughters, of whom two died unmarried, and the third became the wife of William Leader Esq, of Rosnalie, who died in 1861, and whose brother Nicholas is now MP for Cork county. The McGillycuddy married secondly, Anna, daughter of Captain William Johnstone, of Maidstone Court, Herefordshire, and by her had issue – ten children, of whom nine survive. Captain Johnstone was in the 3rd Dragoon Guards, in which regiment he served with distinction during the Peninsula War. This is one of the leading branches of the late Marquis of Annadale’s family. Her mother, Miss Hutton, was also of a distinguished family, and lineal descendant of the line of Plantagenets. The lady survives The McGillycuddy.