A Compendium of Irish Biography/Troy, John Thomas
Troy, John Thomas, Archbishop of Dublin, was born near Porterstown, County of Dublin, 10th May 1739. At fifteen he left Ireland to prosecute his studies at Rome, where he assumed the Dominican habit in 1756, and gradually passed from grade to grade, until he became rector of St. Clement's in that city. In 1776 he was consecrated Bishop of Ossory; and in December 1786 was elevated to the archbishopric of Dublin. He exerted himself to discourage hurried marriages, and other irregular proceedings within his jurisdiction; and fulminated anathemas against Catholics who engaged in any kind of rebellion against the constituted authorities. Dr. Troy was of all Irish Catholics most instrumental in helping to carry the Union, throwing all his influence into the government scale, and suggesting plans for the endowment of the Catholic clergy. Many of his communications with members of the Government are published in the Castlereagh Papers and Cornwallis Correspondence, where he is repeatedly referred to as an honoured and efficient ally of the ruling party in Ireland. Lord Cornwallis thus wrote in December 1798, to a friend in England in regard to the proposed Union: "The Catholics are for it, and the principal persons among them, such as Lords Fingall and Kenmare, and Dr. Troy, titular Archbishop of Dublin, etc., etc., say that they do not wish the question of the Catholics being admitted into the representation to be agitated at this time, as it would render the whole measure more difficult; that they do not think the Irish Parliament capable of entering into a cool and dispassionate consideration of their case, and that they trust that the United Parliament will, at a proper time, allow them every privilege that may be consistent with the Protestant establishment. You will easily conceive that this sensible and moderate conduct on their part has greatly relieved my mind." In 1809 Dr. Murray was appointed his coadjutor. In April 1815, Archbishop Troy laid the foundation of the Cathedral in Marlborough-street, Dublin, but did not live to see it completed. His remains were the first laid within its precincts, and prayers for the repose of his soul were the first offered before its altar. He died 11th May 1823, aged 84. Mr. D'Alton, speaks of him as " a truly learned and zealous pastor, … a lover and promoter of the most pure Christian morality, vigilant in the discharge of his duty, and devotedly solicitous not only for the spiritual good of those consigned to his charge, but also for the public quiet of the state." [1] [2] [3] [4]
- Authorities
- ↑ Archbishops of Dublin, Memoirs of: John D'Alton. Dublin, 1838.
- ↑ Castlereagh, Viscount: Memoirs and Correspondence, edited by the Marquis of Londonderry. 12 vols. London, 1848–'53.
- ↑ Cornwallis, Marquis, Correspondence: Charles Ross. 3 vols. London, 1859.
- ↑ Episcopal Succession in England, Scotland, and Ireland, from A.D. 1400 to 1875: W. Maziere Brady. 3 vols. Rome, 1877.