Henry Staunton (priest)

Rev. Dr. Henry Staunton, often called Dean Staunton, was an Irish priest and first president of St. Patrick's, Carlow College in 1792.

Henry Staunton was born at Hill House, Kellymount, Paulstown, County Kilkenny, around 1746. He was educated locally and went to study for the priesthood in Paris. In returned to Ireland and served in the parish of Graiguenamanagh, following the death of Dean Gernon, P.P. of Carlow, in March 1787, Henry Staunton was appointed his successor,he was also appointed Dean of Leighlin.

Under Bishop Delany a diocesan College was being founded and Dr. Staunton was appointed its first president which opened its doors in 1793. Dean Staunton approached the founding of the college with zeal, however he was known somewhat as an eccentric.

In 1811 he helped the Presentation Sisters set up in Carlow, by giving them money to purchase a house.[1] In 1813 he also founded a free school in Carlow. He never accepted a salary for his position in Carlow College.

Dean Staunton died on 2 September 1814 initially he was buried in his own parish church but around 1828 his remains were re-interred in Carlow College cemetery.[2] He was replaced as president of Carlow College by Rev. Andrew Fitzgerald.

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