Priesthood Patrick Augustine Sheehan

canon sheehan s house in doneraile,

as in lifetime

sheehan began priestly ministry in cathedral parish , in former abbey church of st. nicholas in exeter in diaspora diocese of plymouth. established reputation preacher , sought after sermons, retreats, , incidental addresses. while in plymouth, acted supply chaplain dartmoor prison which, @ time, still held several of convicted treason felony after fenian rising of 1867. returned ireland in 1877 take curacy in native mallow. in 1881 transferred cobh (then queenstown) , subsequently mallow remained until bishop robert browne nominated him parish priest of doneraile on 4 july 1895.

sheehan s appointment doneraile important 1 , implicit indication of trust , confidence placed in him bishop. largest territorial parish in diocese of cloyne , incorporated medieval parishes of templeroan, doneraile, caherduggan, , rossagh. bishop matthew mckenna s visitation register of 1785 mentions parish of doneraile had 683 habitations while cahirduggan possessed 200 , templeroan 120. had long tradition of distinguished pastors since candidates appointment doneraile chosen ability promote cordial relations st. legers, viscount doneraile, resident landlords, , politically known (and @ times suspect) long tradition of enlightened tolerance catholic tenantry eschewed traditionally bigoted outlook of boyle, kingston, , midleton counterparts.

the religious climate in doneraile, , support of st. legers, had permitted restoration of catholic structures included convent , schools (1818), , fine catholic church (1827). situation such in doneraile on 8 august 1869 bishop william keane of cloyne, during episcopal visitation, noted able drive unhampered through town of doneraile in choir dress , stole...to received @ church gate clergy , laity in manner prescribed [roman] pontifical , not have happened in towns such youghal, mitchelstown, , middleton.