A distressing incident occurred during last night’s Corporation meeting. The Most Rev. Dr O’Dwyer was unanimously elected to the Committee of the Limerick Lunatic Asylum at the previous sitting. However, a letter was read from his lordship last night, expressing gratitude for the courtesy extended to him but regretting his inability to fulfill the duties. He suggested that one of the priests should be elected in his place. Mr Ralph Nash proposed the Very Rev. Andrew Murphy, President of St. Munchin’s College, who would have been chosen unanimously if not for Alderman Daly’s sudden proposal of Rev. P. F. Kavanagh, O.F.M., the author of the “Insurrection of ’98.” Except for a few who blindly follow others, the Council saw through this maneuver. Father Murphy was elected with 25 votes to 8, and it was clear that Father Kavanagh had been exploited unjustly to serve Alderman Daly’s agenda. I spoke with Father Kavanagh this evening, and he confirmed that neither Alderman Daly nor anyone else sought his permission to nominate him for the Asylum or any other Committee. He was unaware of the matter until I brought it up. It is only fair that the public knows the true facts of this dubious proceeding by the former Mayor to avoid any misunderstandings.

Northants Evening Telegraph – Saturday 08 February 1902