From the time they were completed scholars sought access to the Annals of the Four Masters. They were consulted by eminent historians and antiquarians lncluding Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh, Roderic O'Flaherty and Charles O'Conor of Belanagare. By the nineteenth century the need to have them printed was acknowledged and was achieved by John O'Donovan's edition, issued in seven volumes in 1851. Once O'Donovan's edition of the 'Annals of the Kingdom of Irleand' was published, the achievement of Mícheál Ó Cléirigh and his associates was recognised.
The Annals became an essential reference work for Irish history and archaeology, especially with the extensive notes added by O'Donovan. Mícheál Ó Cléirigh's image as a national figure grew and his work became an important part of the national ideology of the new Free State.
In 1943-4 the tercentenary of Ó Cléirigh's death provided an opportunity for public celebrations of the achievements of the Four Masters.
