Background
Kirwan was born in Galway in 1796.
Kirwan was born in Galway in 1796.
He entered the National Seminary at Saint Patrick"s College, Maynooth, in 1817, and was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood in 1822, having been awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity (Doctor of Divinity). Returning to his native Diocese of Galway, he was appointed Parish Priest of Oughterard in 1827, where he initiated construction of a new parish church. He was considered one of the leading candidates for appointment as Bishop of Galway when that office became vacant in 1845.
Kirwan was appointed President of Queen"s College Galway on the foundation of the college in December 1845.
The institutions became known as the "Godless Colleges", and Kirwan"s position came under severe pressure from several leading bishops, including his own metropolitan bishop, John McHale, the Archbishop of Tuam. He remained committed to the college, however, and despite failing health presided over its official opening on 30 October 1849.
Kirwan died on 24 December 1849.
