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A Partnered Project of the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Web Site, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Robert McCarthy (McCarty), Viscount Muskerry and Cork and the Earl of Cancarty, was born in Ireland. A naval officer, he is notable for being the first Irish Governor of Newfoundland.

On April 5^th, 1733, McCarthy was appointed Governor of Newfoundland, becoming the fifth governor. Permanent settlement of Newfoundland was ongoing, and efforts continued to diminish the power of the fishing admirals. As previous governors had done, he appointed officials to oversee judicial matters over the winter and encouraged the inhabitants to respect their authority.

Two years later McCarthy returned to Ireland. He remained active in the Royal Navy until 1741, when he moved permanently to France. He died in Boulogne in September 1769.

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