DUNNE, ROBERT (18301917)

was born at Ardunnan, county Tipperary, Ireland, on 5 September 1830 (Brisbane Courier 15 January 1917). He was educated at Lismore Grammar School and the Irish College at Rome, and after a brilliant collegiate course was ordained priest in 1855. He was then appointed a master at St Laurence O'Toole Seminary, Dublin, of which the Rev. James O'Quinn was president. When O'Quinn was made the first bishop of Brisbane he brought Dunne with him. They arrived at Brisbane in May 1861 and Dunne began to carry out the work of diocesan secretary in addition to his duties as a parish priest. Though quite unassuming he soon became a prominent figure in the young city, and there was much regret when he was removed to Toowoomba in 1868.On the death of O'Quinn, Dunne became the second Roman Catholic bishop of Brisbane, and was consecrated on 18 June 1882. In May 1887 he was appointed the first Roman Catholic archbishop of Brisbane and held the office for nearly 30 years. In 1890 he visited Rome and during his absence the opportunity was taken of building a new episcopal residence for him. He did not take a prominent part in public affairs, but his work for his church was unceasing. And though he was glad to see new churches springing up everywhere, and was especially interested in the spread of new schools, he insisted strongly that the real foundation of the church was religion in the home. After reaching the age of 80 his health began to fail and in 1912 Dr Duhig became coadjutor archbishop. Dunne died at Brisbane on 13 January 1917. A scholarly man with much simplicity and nobility of character, he was beloved, admired and revered by all the members of his church. He disliked controversy though he never failed to uphold the tenets and rights of his own church, and his tolerance earned the respect of all who were outside it.