Background
His father was the wealthy proprietor of the principal hotel in the town and a magistrate of the county.
His father was the wealthy proprietor of the principal hotel in the town and a magistrate of the county.
John entered the preparatory seminary in Navan, County Meath, and graduated with the highest honours in rhetoric and philosophy. He completed his studies at Street Patrick"s College, Maynooth and was ordained priest in 1837.
Foreign eight years he worked on the Irish mission, but in 1845 moved to America.