Seán an tSalainn French

Seán an tSalainn French (1489–1546) was Mayor of Galway from 1538 to 1539.

Seán an tSalainn French
Mayor of Galway
In office 1538–1539
Preceded by	Martin Lynch
Succeeded by	Arthur Lynch and Arthur French
Personal details
Born	1489
Died	1546 (aged 56–57)
Occupation	Lawyer

French was born in Galway, a member of one of The Tribes of Galway. Baptised John, he was known as Seán an tSalainn ('John of the Salt') because of the immense wealth he accrued as a merchant. He financed several additions to St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, and had a chapel built on the south side of St. Francis Abbey. A large stone building, called John French's Chamber, was erected on arches, just outside the town walls, over the river Corrib.

Four of his sons later became Mayors - Dominick (1568–69); Peter (1576–77); Robuck French (1582–83); Marcus French (1604–1605).

References

• History of Galway, James Hardiman, Galway, 1820.
• Old Galway, Maureen Donovan O'Sullivan, 1942.
• Henry, William (2002). Role of Honour: The Mayors of Galway City 1485–2001. Galway: Galway City Council. OCLC 51023721 ASIN B003NECRYW
• Martyn, Adrian, The Tribes of Galway:1124–1642, Galway, 2016. ISBN 978-0-9955025-0-5