Fr James Byrne in Rhode Island
I WAS reading about a story from our files about a returning priest, Fr James Byrne, who was based in western Rhode Island back in the 1970s.
He was working there with fellow Drogheda men, Fr Nick Smith of North Road and Fr George Lally of Yellowbatter. He was a brother of John Byrne of South Quay and other relatives included Jim Byrne of George’s Street, Michael Byrne of Chord Road and Mrs. Paddy Fanning of Beamore Road.
Another Drogheda link with Rhode Island was provided by its Bishop, Dr. McAvinney, an uncle of Mr. Frank McAvinnue, secretary, Messrs. Robert Usher and Co., and former President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. The two names, it will be noticed, are spelt differently in their Irish and American forms.