Daniel William Cahill

Who was Daniel William Cahill?

Daniel William Cahill was a Roman Catholic preacher, lecturer, writer and educator in Ireland and the United States.

He was born at Ashfield, Arless, Queens County, Ireland, the third son of Daniel Cahill, a civil engineer, and Catherine Brett. He was sent to Carlow College as a lay student, and in 1816 entered Maynooth, where he became proficient in natural philosophy and languages. He was ordained a priest after he had passed through the Dunboyne establishment. In 1825 he was appointed professor of natural philosophy at Carlow College, where he taught for some years. He then opened a school at Seapoint, Williamstown, which he conducted from 1835 to 1841. Meanwhile he wrote largely for the press, and for a time edited the Dublin Telegraph. He became a distinguished preacher and lecturer, and his vigorous attacks on the government and the Established Church of Ireland extended his reputation. In December 1859 he visited the United States, where he lectured on astronomy and other scientific subjects and preached in many American and Canadian cities. As he generally gave his services for religious and charitable purposes, large sums of money were raised by him for Catholic projects.