P.J. Hartnett - Irish Archaeologist (1908-1966)

P.J. Hartnett began his archaeological journey with a survey of antiquities in East Muskerry, Co. Cork, which earned him an MA degree in 1939.

He moved to Dublin to take up a postition in the Irish Antiquities Division of the National Museum of Ireland. Apart from his contribution to the routine work of that institution it was from there that he excavated such important sites as Feltrim Hill and the now internationally known passage grave at Fourknocks, Co. Meath.

Throughout his career, Hartnett's integrity, humility, and tireless dedication endeared him to all who knew him, leaving a lasting impact on Irish archaeology.

P.J. Hartnett Obituary

In the death of Mr. P. J. Hartnett the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society has lost an old trusty friend and helper, a former Council member and former Honorary Editor of the Society Journal.

Paddy, as he was affectionately known to us all, began to study archaeology under the Rev. Professor Power, but he did not take up the subject seriously until fired by the enthusiasm of Seán O Riordain who had come to the Professorship in Cork in 1936 following upon Canon Power's retirement from the Chair.

It was in 1936 that Paddy commenced his Survey of the Antiquities in the Barony of East Muskerry, Co. Cork, and this work when presented as a thesis three years later, won for him the M.A. Degree in 1939. The more interesting parts of the Survey were published in the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society Journal. Awarded a Travelling Grant by the German Government, he planned to study archaeology abroad, but was prevented from doing so by the outbreak of war.

From 1936 onward, his work for the society grew. He led many outings to the field monuments he had discovered in East Muskerry and he was one of the important band of helpers (many of them happily still with us) who, under O Ríordáin's guidance, made the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Society such a success in 194I. At this time and during the remaining war years, he was a faithful attender on our cycling excursions and many of us can remember his unariling good humour, ready wit and cheerful companionship which so oftern kept our flagging spirits and bicyles going.

When O Ríordáin left Cork in 1942 to take up the Professorship of Archaeology in University College, Dublin, he handed over the editorial torch to Paddy, who during the years I943 to 1946 not only maintained but improved the standards set by his predecessor. Especially noteworthy issues during his editorship were the Cork City Special Number in 1943 and the Imokilly Volume in 1945.


Paddy was a founder member of the Committee which brought the Cork Public Museum into being, and was also a ready voluntary helper before and after its openin in 1945.

He left Cork for Dublin to take up the Assistantship in the Irish Antiquities Division of the National Museum of Ireland. Apart from his contribution to the routine work of that institution it was from there that he excavated such important sites as Feltrim Hill and the now internationally known passage grave at Fourknocks, Co. Meath.

He left the Museum to become Archaeological Officer to Bord Fáilte Éireann and was still in that post at the time of his death. His duties were many and varied and despite failing health, he carried them out with unflagging zeal. Throughout an intensive 25 years of devoted service to Irish archaeology during which he accomplished an incredible amount, it can truly be said that he never made an enemy. His manifest honesty of purpose, his happy friendly disposition his personal humility and selfiessness made it impossible for any of us to refuse to do what he asked of us. We will all miss him greatly.

Michael J. O'Kelly

Cork Historical and Archaeological Society Journal Ser. 2, Vol. 71, Nos 213-214 (1966), page 164.

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