It was pointed out that although Roman Catholics were beyond all question more intelligent, better educated, and more upright than Protestants, they were condemned by the intolerance of highly-paid officials to remain hewers of wood and drawers of water.

It was shown by figures which admitted of no controversy that Irish railways, banks, and trading companies were, without exception, on the verge of bankruptcy, entirely owing to the apathy of shareholders who allowed their interests to be sacrificed to the bigotry of directors.

It was urged that a public meeting should be held at Clogher to protest against the new appointment.
The meeting was convened, and Father Fahey consented to occupy the chair.

He was supported by a dispensary doctor, anxious to propitiate the Board of Guardians with a view to obtaining a summer holiday; a leading publican, who had a son at Maynooth; a grazier, who dreaded the possible partition of his ranch by the Congested Districts Board; and Mr.O'Reilly, who saw a hope of drawing custom from the counter of his rival draper, the Scotchman.
Father Fahey opened the proceedings with a speech.

He assured his audience that he was not actuated by any spirit of religious bigotry or intolerance.