John Butler, 29th Lord Dunboyne (b. 1951)

Track 1: Discussion of the arrival of the first Butler ancestor in Ireland in the 12th century and his appointment as Chief Butler of Ireland. Thomas Butler (d.1329), younger son of 4th Chief Butler, created Baron Dunboyne in 1324 (first baron of the new creation) as a result of his marriage to Synolda, daughter and heiress of William Le Petit (6th and last of the old creation). How Dunboyne Castle, Co Meath, came into the family as part of Synolda’s inheritance. Kiltinan Castle, Co Tipperary, was the main residence of the Dunboynes till the time of Cromwell. Track 2: Succession of James as 23rd Lord Dunboyne following the death in 1800 of John (22nd), the notorious Bishop of Cork. Marriage of James’ son, Theobald (24th) to Julia Celestina Brander and their purchase of Knappogue Castle, Co. Clare. Track 3: Knappogue Castle, originally a McNamara property, is discussed. The reasons why the family left Ireland for England during the Troubles. Sale of Knappogue by Fitzwalter (27th) to the Land Commission in 1928. Visits to the castle ruins. Knappogue rebuilt by the Andrews family of Texas in the late 1960s. Track 4: What his being 29th Lord Dunboyne means to him. John’s own life, his education and his careers, are discussed. Track 5: His ancestors’ role in the First World War. His attitude to being Irish. The lifetime of research done by John’s father, Patrick (28th), into the history of families called Butler. A brief discussion of the Irish Peers Association. A discussion on the Irish Peers Association in England. Fitzwalter Butler 27th Lord Dunboyne Robert Butler 26th Lord Dunboyne with Patrick Butler 28th Lord Dunboyne at the doorway of Knappogue Castle on his shoulders May 1919 On his left is Theobald Butler 24th Lord Dunboyne.