James MacCaffrey

Who was James MacCaffrey?

Monsignor James MacCaffrey STL, PhD was an Irish priest, theologian and historian, born in 1875, at Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone, he was the son of Francis MacCaffrey of Alderwood, Clogher, Co. Tyrone.

Monsignor MacCaffery was educated at St. Macartan's Seminary, Monaghan, before going to St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, and was ordained. He was awarded a Doctorate by the University of Freiburg.

At Maynooth he went on to serve as Professor of Ecclesiastical History from 1901, vice-president and president of the College from 1918 until 1935.

A noted historian Dr. MacCaffrey edited the early editions of the Historical Journal published in Maynooth Archivium Hibernicum. Monsignor MacCaffrey also served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Ireland He died on the 1st of November 1935 while still president of Maynooth.