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 |
|
