Keating, Geoffrey (1570?-1644?), an Irish historian and poet, was one of the greatest writers of classical Irish prose. Keating’s most significant work is a history of Ireland called Foundation of Knowledge on Ireland (about 1629). The work covers the history of Ireland from its earliest history to the English invasion in the 1100’s. It was the first important history of Ireland written in the Irish language. Keating’s other works include a religious treatise called Three Shafts of Death, an essay on the Roman Catholic Mass, and several poems.
Keating was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and educated in France from 1605 to 1621. During that time, he was ordained a priest. After his return to Ireland, he became a popular preacher in the southern portion of the country.
