Donnchadh Ruadh Mac Conmara was born in Cratloe, Co. Clare at the beginning of the 18th century. He entered the priesthood and studied in Rome. However due to his behaviour while there he was expelled. Mac Conmara returned to Ireland. The ship landed in Waterford. His training in the priesthood gave him a good Classical education. He went to Sliabh Gua as he heard about the existence there of a famous Latin School. Mac Conmara spent the rest of his life in Co. Waterford working as a classical teacher, a hedge schoolmaster and a parish clerk. In 1745 he visited Newfoundland. He wrote of his travels during this journey. Mac Conmara died around 1814 and was buried in Newtown, Kilmacthomas.