Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, p 108:

Croke, Thomas William, Most Rev., Irish
"The Lion of Cashel"
Possibly a biography has been written about the "Lion", who acquired the name because of his autocratic mien and forthrightness of manner. So if these few details fail to do justice, apologies! He is listed here because in his New Zealand stay he turned up as a visitor on mainland shores, notably to have a holiday in Creswick, Ballarat Diocese, in June 1872 as the guest of Fr. Michael Joseph Shanahan (popularly named "Shanigan"). Again, in 1870, and supposedly at Bishop Matthew Quinn's request, he turns up at Carcoar to lay the foundation stone of a church. Born in Mallow, County Cork, and educated at the Irish College, Paris, Croke can be well-described as a Cullen appointment both to Auckland and to Cashel — one among many indications that the Cardinal, who ruled in turn at Armagh and Dublin, was the most powerful figure in the Irish Church when it came to appointment of bishops at home and overseas. Before consecration for Auckland on 10 July 1870 he was in turn engaged in pastoral duties at Charleville (shades of Daniel Mannix!), Professor at St. Patrick's College, Carlow, and for seven years President of St. Colman's College, Fermoy. As well he occupied the parish that writer Canon Sheehan was to fill in later years, Doneraille; and at the same time served as Diocesan Chancellor. And when at the Irish College, Rome, the hands of Paul Cullen were extended over Auckland's new bishop, the assurance may have been forthcoming: it may be for years but it won't be forever that you have to serve in the Antipodes. Actually it was just five years before a transfer was effected to the Cashel Diocese, County Tipperary. Providence gave the "Lion" another 27 years in which to roar and rule with sternness over souls of less sterner stuff. Maybe he displayed with the sternness a dignity and out-going attitude as befits one with the plenitude of priestly powers.
(Footprints, Vol. 3, No. 4)
Information: Rev. E.R. Simmons, Archivist, Auckland