Memorabilia of Kinnegad-born cardinal in Usher auction

Among one of the house clearances in Usher’s Auction, John Street, Kells on Tuesday 3rd October, are two albums concerning the life and funeral of the late Cardinal John Glennon, who was a native of Kinnegad.

After graduating from St Finian’s College, Mullingar, he entered All Hallows College, Dublin, in 1878. He then joined Bishop John Joseph Hogan in the Diocese of Kansas and was ordained to the priesthood in 1884. He returned briefly to Europe and studied in Bonn and upon his return to Kansas City, he was made vicar general and administrator for the Diocese.
On Christmas Eve 1945 it was announced that the then 83 year-old Archbishop was to be elevated to the College of Cardinals and in February 1946 Pope Pius XII created him a cardinal. On his return from Rome, Cardinal Glennon stopped in Ireland, where he was received by President Sean T O’Kelly and Taoiseach Eamon de Valera. During his visit to Ireland, he died in 1946.
The albums contain original photographs and a scrapbook  of his life and times. President Sean T O’Kelly was one of the many dignitaries who attended at Mullingar for his lying in state. Another photo from Kinnegad shows a row of people on their knees as the cortege passed. His remains were returned to St Louis where he was interred in the Cathedral.
The auction takes place at the Auction Rooms, John Street, Kells on Tuesday 3rd October at 5 pm and has house clearances from Mullingar, Trim, Edenderry and Athboy of fine antique furniture, silver, china, jewellery, paintings and many collectible lots. 

Viewing at Usher’s takes place on Sunday from 2pm -6pm, Monday 10am -7pm, and on the day of sale from 10am.