De Hindeberg, Fr. Risteard (1863-1916)

Risteard De Hindeberg (Richard Henebry) was born on 18 September 1863 in the townland of Mount Bolton near Portlaw. He was educated at St. John's College, Waterford and St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, where he was ordained as priest in 1892. He then attended the universities of Greifswald and Freiburg. When the new Catholic University of Washington was established in 1898 he was appointed to the post of Chair of Irish of Celtic Studies. Henebry returned to Ireland in 1903 and served as chaplain to various institutions in Waterford. He taught at St. John's College for a time.

He was involved with the foundation of Ring College and also taught here for a time. When the National University of Ireland was established in 1909 he was appointed to the Chair of old and modern Irish at U.C.C. Henebry had a great interest in Irish music and produced writings and books on the subject, including his Handbook of Irish Music. Among his friends and acquaintances were Roger Casement and Douglas Hyde. Henebry died at Portlaw on 17 March 1916 and was buried at Carrickbeg.

Author: William Fraher