‘Wolfe and men like him are modern Ireland...’

Stories are still told about Jasper Wolfe in West Cork. Born a Methodist in 1872, he attended Catholic school, was apprenticed as a solicitor, came first in the Law Finals and established a successful legal practice. It was soon said he had all West Cork for a client.

A strong supporter of Home Rule he gave an acclaimed speech at a huge rally in London in 1912 to launch the Southern Protestant Home Rule movement. After Easter 1916 he was appointed Crown Solicitor for the City and West Riding of Cork. He put the Crown case at the inquest into the murder of the Republican Lord Mayor of Cork, Tomás MacCurtain, and was soon a top target for the IRA.

Three times sentenced to death, he was twice rescued by a Catholic priest, and twice had to flee the country. After the Civil War Jasper put old quarrels behind him and made a name as a defence lawyer for dissident Republicans.

In 1927 he was elected to the Dáil, helped save the government from defeat by Fianna Fáil, and topped the poll in his second general election. He retired from politics in 1933.

Admired in legal circles, he became President of the Law Society of Ireland in 1940, the first from Cork. Jasper was clever, convivial and hard-drinking. Personally fearless, he was cherished for the stories his exploits generated. More seriously, he stood for an Ireland at peace and at ease with itself. Seán O Faoláin wrote: Wolfe and men like him are modern Ireland. It has made them and they have made it. He is an epitome of the natural unity of Irish Life.