Lyons, Francis Stewart Leland (1923–1983)

Irish historian, a noted authority on the nationalist leader Charles Stewart Parnell. He was professor of history at the University of Kent 1964–74 and provost of Trinity College, Dublin 1974–81. Lyons's works were characterized by their detailed research and judicious assessment of modern scholarship.

Lyons was born in Londonderry. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he obtained his first teaching post. His works include The Irish Parliamentary Party 1890–1910 1951 (published doctoral thesis), The Fall of Parnell 1960, John Dillon 1968, Ireland Since the Famine 1971, Charles Stewart Parnell 1977, and Culture and Anarchy in Ireland 1890–1939 1978. At the time of his death, he was working on a historical biography of W B Yeats.