Arthur Colahan

Who was Arthur Colahan?

Arthur Nicholas Whistler Colahan was an Irish doctor, British Army officer and songwriter

Born in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland his family moved to Galway, where he grew up.

Colahan was descended from the Ó hUllacháin family of Lusmagh parish, formerly part of the Síol Anmchadha territory ruled by the Ó Maddan family. The townland of 'Baile Mhac Uallacháin' or Ballymacoolahan recalls their name. One bearer of the name, Gillafin Mac Coulahan, ruled Síol Anmchadha from 1096 to 1101. John O'Donovan recorded a pedigree of the family covering ten generations from the late 16th century to 1843.

Arthur was the eldest child of Professor Nicholas Whistler Colahan and Elisabeth Quinn of Limerick. After Arthur was born Ethel Randolph, Mary, Annie Elzie and Elizabeth Grace Colohan.

His father was the son of Professor Nicholas Colohan and Sarah Whistler. Their children were John, Frances, William H.W., and Nicholas.

After completing his secondary education at The 'Bish', he enrolled at University College Dublin in 1900, did an Arts degree and then studied medicine. He transferred to University College Galway and graduated in 1913. He was a member of the college Literary and Debating Society and participated in drama.