An Cumann Gaelach, QUB - Sir William Porter MacArthur (1884-1964)

Sir William Porter MacArthur (1884-1964)

William MacArthur, was the first President of the Society, having learned Irish in Cloch Cheannfhaolaidh in west Donegal. MacArthur, like most Queen's students at the time, studied medicine and was later to go on to serve in the British army, earning the title of Lieutenant General during his career. While serving in the army he was posted in India, and before being stationed at the Queen Alexandria Military Hospital (This is incorrect. Unusually for the time, he was never posted to India). While in London he published a 'landmark' paper on his experiences in India called 'Cysticercosis as seen in the British army, with special reference to the production of epilepsy’ in 1934. MacArtur served in several positions throughout his career before retiring in 1941 with the grand title of Lt-Gen. William MacArthur, KCB, DSO, OBE, FRCP, FRCPI.

In addition to his military career, he was also an author writing on topics such as the Great Famine and wrote medical entries for Encyclopædia Britannica.