An Irish Locket

This ornate 19th century gold locket was donated to the Heritage Centre in 2020. Oval in shape, the front is decorated with a harp at the centre, which is set with 3 small green gemstones and surrounded by 13 shamrocks (Fig. 1). The back is engraved with a floral design. Upon opening, there are two photographs of (as yet) unidentified men, one of whom is dressed in military attire (Fig. 2).

The donors believed there might be a connection between the locket and Sir John Joseph Corrigan (1859-1883), grandson of Sir Dominic Corrigan (1802-1880). Sir Dominic (Fig. 3) was President of the RCPI for 5 years (1859-1864), overseeing the College’s move to the current premises in Kildare Street. He was created baronet of Cappagh and Inniscorrig in County Dublin and of Merrion Square in Dublin City in 1866. Earlier that same year, his eldest son John, a soldier, died abroad at the age of 35 leaving one son, John Joseph (Fig. 4), who succeeded Sir Dominic to the baronetcy in 1880. Sadly, Sir John Joseph died only 3 years later at the age of 23.

So who are the two gentlemen in the locket? Were they members of the Corrigan family? If anybody can put a name to either of them, please get in touch.

Fig. 1 Exterior of locket.

Fig. 2 Photographs inside the locket.

Fig. 3 Sir Dominic Corrigan

Fig.4 Sir John Joseph Corrigan.

Sara Dickson

Collections Assistant

References

For more information see:

https://heritage.rcpi.ie/Projects/Lives-of-the-Presidents

https://rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Sir-Domonic-Corrigan.pdf

https://rcpi-heritage.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_a691289d-91a0-45c8-9eba-1900a05facf6/