Letter from J. O'Dea to 'Denny' [Hynes]

View/Open

View/Open: HAG1-1923-237.pdf (147MB) Bookview

Repository

DigitalGeorgetown

Pontifical Irish College

Contributor

O'Dea, J.

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

Description

Holograph letter from S. [Ua Deaghdha] (O'Dea), Mount St. Mary's, Galway, to 'Denny' [Hynes]. Remarking on his grief for the late bishop; the priests are meeting on 16 May and seem unlikely to agree easily; sketching the man he himself is looking for. The education question is a difficult one; the bishops are to have no voice in the matter and their schools will experience a boycott because of the bishop's stance against the McPherson Bill; the hierarchy is not determined enough. There is need for a Catholic weekly 'if we are to hold the people'. Among other things, the new bishop ought to try and complete the cathedral. Then discussing merits and demerits of the three men mentioned, the Dean and Canons Fahey and Mitchell – not favouring any of them. While O'Doherty has been mentioned, as an outsider, his only support is with Fr. Hynes of the University College – 'a commercial shark'. The most popular one will be Dr. McCarthy of Sandhurst; praising his ability. Also 'your rector', Monsignor Hagan will get some support; the bishop always spoke very highly of him. Hoping they won't get an army chaplain, although Dr. McNeely might be an exception to the rule. 'Of course, our diocese is not very big or very important, though there is no limit to the opinion we have of ourselves.' Listing the late bishop's bequests. (Marked 'private and confidential').