This series of videos Rediscovering Limerick details aspects of Limerick’s History is written and presented by Sharon Slater of Limerick’s Life and filmed and edited by Sean Wrenn of I Love Limerick in an attempt to inform, educate and amuse. Rediscovering Limerick takes you on to the streets to walk into the steps of our past.
In this episode we deal with the life of Dr Sylvester O’Halloran.
Sylvester O’Halloran was born in Caherdavin, Limerick on 31 December 1728, to strong patriotic Catholic parents, Michael O’Halloran and Mary McDonnell.
In 1750 he published A New Treatise on Glaucoma, or Cataract in Ireland. He also published in 1765 the valuable New Method of Amputation.
In 1773, along with Dr. Patrick Unthank, he established lie-in hospital for pregnant women in Limerick. Not only was he a master surgeon, but he was also an avid historian and patriot, writing A History of Ireland in 1774.
Sylvester O’Halloran died in his house Georgian house on Merchant’s Quay, in front of St. Mary’s Cathedral in 11 August 1807 and buried in his family vault in Killeely graveyard.