Notable People of Sneem

Bishop Charles Graves

1812–1899

Church of Ireland bishop; Bishop of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe. Antiquary and mathematician with interests in Irish history and education — a notable scholarly ecclesiastical figure.

Born Lady Albina Broderick, an Anglo-Irish aristocrat who turned to Irish republicanism and revolution. She abandoned aristocratic life for Irish independence and cultural causes, adopting the Irish name Gobnait Ní Bhruadair.

Explorer, mountaineer and geologist who led major expeditions to Iceland and the Selkirk Glaciers of the Canadian Rockies, and published seminal works on glaciology and alpinism.

Businessman, newspaper proprietor and railway contractor. Built Dublin's Gaiety Theatre and owned the Irish Independent — a controversial figure in Irish labour history for his role in the 1913 Dublin Lockout.

Steve Casey

1908–1987

Professional wrestler known as "Crusher" Casey and a five-time world heavyweight wrestling champion. One of Ireland's most successful sports emigrants, he rose to prominence in American professional wrestling.

John Egan

1952–2012

Kerry Gaelic footballer who won six All-Ireland senior medals and five All Star awards. One of the legendary players of Kerry's dominant era; he died at just 59.

Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh

1911–1978

President of Ireland from 1974 to 1976, jurist, barrister and politician who also served as Chief Justice of Ireland. His state funeral was held in Sneem, reflecting his strong local connections.

William Melville

1850–1918

British police officer and founder and first head of the British Secret Service, precursor to MI5. Born at Direenaclaurig Cross near Sneem, he pioneered modern intelligence and counter-espionage methods.

Contemporary Kerry GAA footballer and member of the Kerry senior football panel, playing his club football for Sneem in recent Gaelic football competitions.