In a recent address, Most Rev. Dr O’Dwyer expressed his delight that the Irish language had been included in an event following the annual prize distribution at Laurel Hill Convent in Limerick, where he presided. He voiced his hope for the progression of Irish language instruction, emphasizing that he wished every child leaving school to have as proficient a knowledge of Irish as they do of French or German.

However, the Most Reverend Bishop was less enthusiastic about the introduction, under the Department of Agriculture, of secular schools under the control of local committees. He firmly opposed the establishment of such schools, seeing it as a move towards secularism, which he had long criticized. In his view, the Agriculture and Technical Committee should focus on its designated responsibilities. He humorously invoked the Latin phrase “ne sutor ultra crepidam,” meaning “let the cobbler stick to his last,” to emphasize the importance of each entity staying within its own purview.

Dr O’Dwyer warned against what he believed to be a conspiracy in Dublin Castle to revolutionize the education system, introducing secularism or something resembling it, and giving lay authority precedence over the clergy. He cautioned that accepting the establishment of these secular schools could set a dangerous precedent, potentially enabling the spread of secularism across the country.

Enniscorthy Echo and South Leinster Advertiser – Friday 29 June 1906