Munster in 30 Artworks, No 23: Cliodhna Cussen’s sculpture of Fr Michael O’Hickey, Carrickbeg 

The Co Tipperary native fell out with the Catholic Church over his campaign for Irish to be made a compulsory subject for matriculation to the National University 

The statue of Fr Michael O'Hickey in Carrickbeg, Co Tipperary. Picture: Dan Linehan

Fr Michael O’Hickey was an Irish language enthusiast whose clash with the Catholic hierarchy made him a notorious figure in the early 20th century. 

O’Hickey backed the campaign for Irish to be made a compulsory subject for matriculation to the National University, while the Church did not, fearing it would encourage students to enrol at TCD instead.