Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Betagh, Thomas
BETAGH, THOMAS (1739–1811) Jesuit, was descended from a branch of an old Roman catholic family in Meath, Ireland, which, through the Cromwellian confiscations, lost considerable estates. Some members of this family followed the fortunes of the Stuarts on the continent, and held important rank in the Irish brigades in the service of France. Betagh was born in 1739 at Kells, in Meath, where his father carried on the business of tanning. At an early age admission was obtained for him to the seminary of the Society of Jesus at Pont-à-Mousson in France. He there evinced high talents, was appointed professor of languages, and acquired reputation by his erudition and humility. After the suppression of the jesuits in France he returned to Ireland, and in conjunction with other members of that society carried on a school at Dublin, where he became a curate. He was subsequently appointed parish priest in Dublin and vicar-general of that diocese. Betagh's talents as a preacher are stated to have been of a high order. By his untiring efforts for the promotion of education and the amelioration of the condition of the poor he acquired great influence with the people, which he exerted beneficially in the disturbed times through which he lived. Betagh died at Dublin on 16 Feb. 1811, after a lingering illness. An elaborate marble monument to him, with his likeness in medallion, was erected by public subscription, and stands in the parish church of SS. Michael and John, Dublin. Two portraits of him were engraved by Brocas of Dublin. A considerable amount of Betagh's unpublished correspondence is still preserved by the Society of Jesus.
[History of Irish Confederation, Dublin, 1882; Ireland's Case, 1695, p. 102; O'Callaghan's Hist. Irish Brigades, 1870; Hist. of City of Dublin, i. 312, 1854; Archives of Jesuits, Dublin; Irish Monthly Magazine, Dublin, 1811; Sermon at Funeral of T. Betagh, 1811.]