| Collection Description | Dr Daniel Delany (c 1747-1814) was born to a farming family at Paddock, Mountrath, Co. Laois. Dr Delany’s
father, Daniel, and brother, died during his childhood, and his mother, Elizabeth (née Fitzpatrick), sent him to her
sisters in Mountrath to be educated. Dr Delany studied for the priesthood at the Irish College, Paris, and was
ordained in 1770. He taught at the College of St Omer until 1775 or 1776 when he returned to Ireland, and was
appointed curate, Tullow, Co. Carlow. Dr Delany was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop to Dr James Keeffe, Bishop
of Kildare and Leighlin, in 1783, and succeeded him as Bishop after Dr Keeffe died in 1787. Dr Delany undertook
various activities to renew religion in the diocese. He began Sunday schools for children in Tullow, and founded
two congregations, the Brigidine Sisters (1807) and Patrician Brothers (1808). Dr Delany died at Brigidine
Convent, Tullow, on 9 July 1814, and is buried in the town’s parish church. |
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