Patrick Foley

Who was Patrick Foley?

Rev. Dr. Patrick Foley BA, DD, was an Irish catholic priest, professor and Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.

He was born in 1857 at Mensal Lodge, Old Leighlin, Co. Carlow and was educated initially Leighlinbridge National School then at the Lay College and the Seminary of St. Patrick's, Carlow College. He graduated with a B.A. from the University of London Carlow College being affiliated to it at the time.

Following ordination he was appointed professor at Carlow College in 1881. In 1886, he became vice-president and in 1892 President of Carlow College, during his tenure the Seminary expanded and all Lay Students were moved to St. Mary's Knockbeg College. During his time in the College he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity.

His successor as President of Carlow College was his brother Monsignor John Foley.

In 1895 he was appointed coadjutor of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin and in 1896 on the death of Bishop James Lynch he was appointed Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. In 1905 he was appointed commissioner of education, and in 1908 Dr Foley was appointed to the Board of National University in Dublin.