Evening Herald (Dublin)/1934/Death of Prof. R. Donovan at age of 72

Death of Prof. R. Donovan at age of 72

The death occurred at his residence, 5 Palmerston Villas, Rathmines of Professor Robert Donovan, B.A., D.Litt. Professor Donovan had been about up to quite recently, but on Tuesday last he had a heart attack, which resulted in his death to-day, at the age of 72 years.

Born at Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, on May 24, 1862, he was the son of Thomas Donovan. He was educated at St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny, and University College, Dublin, and in 1885 took his B.A. degree with the Royal University of Ireland. He was lecturer in English literature at University College from 1886 yo 1887, and was a contributor to "The Nation" in 1886-'92. Fro 1891 to 1923 he was leader writer and contributor in political, financial and educational matters to the "Freeman's Journal."

He was chairman of the Dublin District of the Institute of Journalists from 1908–, was secretary Dublin Commissioners, Irish Universities Act. He was Governor, University College, in 1908, and Senator of National University in 1914. In 1915 he was Commissioner of National Education in Ireland, and chairman of the Executive Committee, Proportional Representative Society of Ireland. He was president of the first Irish League of National Society in 1915, and chairman of the Committee on Evil Literature set up by the Free State Government in 1927, and member of the Saorstat Censorship of Publications Board, 1932.