ABSTRACT
During the Hastings Trial, old Thomas Sheridan had been in Ireland trying to raise money for the improvement of Irish education. His idea was that some of the free schools should be suppressed, and with the funds thus made available to him, he would found a ‘Lyceum’ at New Geneva, near Waterford. As a plan it was not the essence of democracy, but in spite of his age and declining health, the omens seemed promising. A friend of his, Mr Orde, had the ear of the Lord Lieutenant, and he felt that soon he would see the desire of his heart accomplished.
