Kentucky Irish American. (Louisville, Ky.) 1898-1968, 1901-06-29

O'Dohertys, O'Shaughnessys, O'Rorkes
and O'Callaghans and O'Donohoes, Nc
Cams, McCloskeys, McCarthys, Nc
Donalds, Mccain, McKeon, McFadden,
Mullane, Mullaney, with the McNa-
maras, McMenimans, Malones. the Muir.
phys, the Golfers, the Caseys, the Cur
rams, the Gagans, the Costelloes, Dono-
hoes, Duffys and Boyles, Falvey and
Flahive and Hardiman, Hartnet, Kelley
and Keefe, Reillys. Rogers and Lees,
Welshs. Aherns and Ryans, Hurleys,
Harris and Browns, Boyles, the Bradys
and Cooks, Fitzgeralds, Fitzgibbons,
Fitzpatricks, the Shinnicks, Sullivans
and Shears, Keatings, the Kirbys and
Welshes, McGaughy, McDermott and
the Flaherty's, Flynns and Foleys with
their children gathered around the altar
in their new church to hear the encopr-
aging words of the late venerable Father
LAWYER, who at that time was the jealous
and Woodworking pastor not only of this
county, but whose ministrations brought
comfort and encouragement to the Catho-
lies of many neighboring counties. Soon
a large and hourishing parish existed in
Shelbyville, and their history, like that
Of their own beloved Ireland, is made up
of smiles and tears-the smiles always
brighter and sweeter because of the pre-
vious tears
With the increase Of population addi-
tions.were from time to time made to the
church, until today under the care of
Rev. ]. ]. Fitzgerald it is as comfortable
aud convenient in its appointments as it
is imposing in appearance among the
many churches in Sbelbyville.
Here it may be of interest to give the
names of the Irish priests who lived and
labored in this community. After Father
Lawler came Rev. d. j. Crane, who was
succeeded by Rev. j. P. Ryan, the pres
ent Right Reverend Bishop of Alton, Ill.
He was followed by the eloquent d. ].
O'Donovan, who died few years ago in
Boston, Mass. In turn he gave place to
Rev. M. ]. Flynn, after whom came Rev.
w. P. Hogarty, the present beloved pas
tor of New Haven, KY. After his re-
moval from Shelbyville his work was
taken up by Rev. Hugh DAILY, now the
very reverend dean of Elizabethtown,
Ky. Father Reed for a time succeeded
Father DAILY. who after secoud term
gave place to Rev. d. ]. Crane. In
turn came Revs. ]. Donohue and
]. H. Cushing. The latter was sue
ceeded about six years ago by our pres
ent energetic and beloved pastor, Rev.
J. ]. Fitzgerald.
The children of the first members of
our congregation have been abundantly
blessed by God, and today are among the
best and most progressive farmers, the
most respected merchants, careful and
kscsehiioas co8tfzS tofs ana ~bailders.
able and earnest mechanics, as we'll as
trusted employees of ar leading business
houses. The efforts of the fathers
seconded by the faithful cooperation of
the sons, have been crowned with
marked success in all business enter
prises undertaken by Ireland's children
in Shelby county.
Before saying anything more specifi-
cally regarding the business men of our
town. may be permitted here to state an
item of interest, recently mentioned to me
by Father Fitzgerald, who also desired me
to incorporate it in this article. 1t is to
the effect that the first marriage cere-
mony recorded as performed in the
church was that of Michael Brown and
Catherine O'Connor, both of whom are
still living, enjoying the respect and
esteem of all who know them.
Within the limits of an article such as
this it would be utterly impossible
to give in detail anything like an ade-
quate notice of the Irish in successful
business in Shelbyville and Shelby