PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

THE following compilation has long been withheld from the public, in the hope that some person more competent than myself would undertake the work , but, disappointed in that expectation, and finding that no time should be lost in furnishing the Irish student, I hasten to put it forth. Let it not be objected, that I am not acquainted with the Irish as a colloquial, but only as a written, language ; I allow it ; but I have not advanced a single rule except upon the best admitted authorities; and have decided, in cases of doubt, upon the evidence of a majority of the most approved. I have compared Molloys, Vallancey's, Neilson's, Halliday's, O'Brien's, and O'Reilly's grammars ; and not neglected others.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

I HAVE for a long time withheld the publishing of a second edition of this work, although it has been sought for by many, by the same reason which made me slow in editing the first. I knew also that it had been severely criticised, and I was unwilling to undertake a controversy. On reading, however, the very illiberal comment to which I allude, I only drew from it the greater confidence ; and adopting some of its hints, for which I thank the author, I determined on a reprint. I must remind the public that I am not to be considered as an author, but only a compiler ; but I know that I would be an injudicious one, were I to give up the authorities upon which I have hitherto relied, to that of the very reprehensible comment which I have mentioned.