Douglas Hyde

Douglas Hyde (17 January 1860 - 1949) was a Gaelic scholar who served as the first President of Ireland. He helped found the Gaelic League, but was forced to resign when this was overtaken by political and sectarian elements that were at a variance with Hyde's own linguistic and cultural intentions. Hyde was born in Frenchpark, County Roscommon to a prominent Anglican family.

At his death, the representatives of the Dublin government were unable to attend his funeral service at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin because they were not allowed inside the Anglican church by their own religious authorities.

DOUGLAS HYDE President of Ireland Rank: 1st Term of Office: 25 June 1938 - 24 June 1945 Number of Terms: 1 Predecessor: no office in existence Successor: Sean T. O'Kelly First Lady: wife deceased Profession: gaelic language activist, professor Nominated by: Fianna Fáil & Fine Gael jointly Other candidates: none

No previous president. See Governor-General of the Irish Free State

Presidents of Ireland

Succeeded by: Sean T. O'Kelly