Dragon, autocrat, sometimes bigot – yet Dublin’s Archbishop John Charles McQuaid had a redeeming side

Dr John Charles McQuaid, installed as Archbishop of Dublin in 1940, died 50 years ago this Good Friday

Mary Kenny

New Irish citizens are sometimes encouraged to acquaint themselves with the history and culture of modern Ireland. Perhaps the life and times of Dr John Charles McQuaid – who died 50 years ago this Good Friday – might provide a useful insight into some of this hinterland.