Early Life of Edmund Rice.

    Edmund Rice came into this world in 1762.

    At Westcourt, just outside the village of Callan in Co. Kilkenny, there is a six-roomed thatched cottage on the right hand side just set off the road. Here Edmund Rice was born on the 1st. of June 1762, the fourth son of Robert and Margaret Rice.

   The family was Catholic. Edmund's mother was a widow, when she had married Robert Rice. She came into the marriage with two daughters. She was to have seven sons by Robert.

   The family were efficient and hardworking on a leased 100 acres of excellent farmland. In the community, they were noted for their generosity to the poor. As well as this, the family had a great devotion to the Rosary.

   Edmund's upbringing was comfortable and the family spoke Irish. He, like all his brothers, helped on the farm.

   Edmund's first teacher was his mother.

   A regular visitor to the house was an Augustinian Friar, called An Braíthrín Liath (the little grey friar). He instructed the family in religion. This was possibly through Irish, which the people seemed to understand better.

   Close by in Moate Lane, there was a Hedge School, which could be defined as a rudimentary structure it having been constructed in three days. Here, Edmund's early education was paid for.

      Because he was of a studious temperament, Edmund's family made a decision that he had need of further schooling. He was sent to live with his Uncle Maurice in Kilkenny at 15 years of age. While there, he was educated for two years by a teacher who was both learned and pious - in the school known as Burrell Hall.

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