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File containing extensive documentation concerning the will of Charles Kennedy and his bequest to the Society of Jesus. The Society used the proceeds from this bequest to construct University Hall, Hatch Street. The extent of the file can be explained by the numerous properties owned by Charles Kennedy and the necessary documentation that inevitably accompanies ownership of property, receipts and vouchers from professional companies involved in the construction of University Hall and the fact that the will of Charles Kennedy was contested by his brother Frank Kennedy. His legal action was unsuccessful (29 January 1909 & 30 January 1909 & 30 May 1912, 3 items).

Copy letter from Rev William Delany SJ, University College, St Stephen's Green, Dublin to the Archbishop of Dublin, William J. Walsh concerning the application of the Governing Body of University College for three years tenancy of the St Stephen's Green buildings. Remarks ‘The first essential preliminary to the transfer is obviously [to] providing a home for this community to which they may transfer their belongings...’. States that he has searched the neighbourhood for a suitable hall of residence where Jesuit Fathers could also live. Continues ‘...the most I could secure were two houses some 6 minutes walk from each other. No. 35 Lower Leeson Street... and Winton House, Winton Road...’. Remarks that these two houses although physically separate ‘...will be under one jurisdiction the responsible head being the superior in Leeson Street.’. Concludes ‘...I recognise most fully the advantage of having the new Institution begin its existence in the old home of Newman’s “Catholic University” and this helps me to go not merely with resignation but with positive gladness.’.

Copy petition addressed to the Pope written in Latin outlining the transfer of the Jesuit community from St Stephen’s Green to Lower Leeson Street.

A file relating to the Society of Jesus' decision to move the Noviceship and Juniorate from Tullabeg to Rathfarnham. This decision was made following the change of regulations of the National University requiring students to attend lectures in one of the University Colleges. Under the Royal University students had to pass examinations set by the University but could be prepared for the exams elsewhere.

Letter from Mr Francis Bergin, Civil Engineer, Architect and Estate Surveyor to Fr William Delany SJ, 35 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin regarding architectural plans for University hall. Expresses his surprise at another set of plans being obtained from a different architect. Remarks ‘...in the course of my professional experience I never heard of a second architect being employed to furnish plans...without the knowledge of the man who was first engaged to do so.’. Remarks that he could have altered the plans to suit Fr Delany’s specifications and fears that his reputation may have been affected because of the incident.

Letter from Fr William Delany SJ, 35 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin to Mr Francis Bergin, Civil Engineer, Architect and Estate Surveyor in which he replies to Mr Bergin’s letter of the same date concerning architectural plans for University Hall. Expresses his regret that a misunderstanding has occurred and gives a detailed account of the situation and reasons why another set of plans were sought.

Letters of Provincials’ Circulars to the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus.

Correspondence mostly between two sisters and the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the sisters’ efforts to contest the will of their late cousin, Josephine Keshan, decd., 1910, who left the administration of her entire estate to the Society of Jesus. The matter was settled amicably.

A file relating to the purchase of Rathfarnham Castle by the Society of Jesus. Includes part of the auction catalogue for the contents of the Castle, Battersby & Co, Auctioneers, 39 Westmoreland Street, Dublin, and list of Jesuit purchases (April 1913).

Correspondence between Irish Vice-Provincial Fr John Keane SJ (Fr Provincial is in Rome for six months), J.W. Bacon (Secretary and Bursar of University College, Dublin) and Fr Michael Egan SJ in connection with the administration of the ‘Father Delany Exhibition’ Trust.

Note by Fr Fergal McGrath SJ: “In the File ‘Darlington’ there is what appears to be an unpublished MS entitled 'The Life of Gerard Manley Hopkins in Ireland and Policy of Father Delany, S.J. – President of University College, Stephen’s Green, 1884 – 1908'. It contains very little about Hopkins, though this is of some interest.”