By PATSY McARDLE
A CROSS-BORDER community has erected a plaque to honour the famous son of a Co. Monaghan mother, who hailed from a family at Moyles, Castleshane, to become Archbishop of New York and also elected Cardinal.
A prestigious Ulster History Circle blue plaque was erected last week at Dundalk Street in Newtownhamilton, to mark the birthplace of Cardinal John Murphy-Farley, who was Archbishop of New York from 1902 to 1918.
The unveiling ceremony, which attracted huge cross-border community interest, and a large turnout, was performed by Monsignor Raymond Murray, Armagh.
The general attendance included the American Consul, Gregory S. Burton.
The honoured prelate’s father, Philip, was a native of Bailieboro, and his mother, Catherine, came from Moyles, Castleshane, a few miles from Monaghan town.
John’s family had set up home just across the Castleblayney-Newtownhamilton border in Newtownhamilton, and he entered the priesthood after emigrating to New York, to join an uncle who lived there.
Monsignor Murray said John was the fourth and youngest child of Philip and Catherine Farrelly (nee Murphy). His father was a shopkeeper and his parents were wed at Monaghan on 24th February 1835.
Both parents, who resided in Newtownhamilton, sadly passed away during John’s …
