James Gervé Conroy

Who was James Gervé Conroy?

James Gervé Conroy was an Irish-born lawyer, judge and political figure in Newfoundland. He represented Ferryland on the Irish Shore in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1874 to 1880 for the Anti-Confederation Party, leading the opposition to William Vallance Whiteway’s administration.

The second son of Lucas Malachi Conry and Sarah Garvey of Aughrim in County Roscommon, he was born near Boyle, County Roscommon at Roichin House where his parents worked as horse trainers; the second eldest boy of thirteen children. He was chosen by his family to join the clergy, but rebelled at the end of his training, choosing to pursue law. He was educated both in Ireland and Paris.

From 1863-1867 he taught Latin, Greek, and literature at Carlow College of St. Patrick's University; preparing students for the London University BA program. Conroy was called to the Irish and English bars. In 1870, Conroy married Elizabeth Catherine Mary Theresa O'Neill of the O'Neills of the Feeva, the only child of Charles Henry Ó Néill, a Dublin barrister and The O'Neill of Clanaboy.