Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, pp 83-84:

Corcoran, Pierce, Rt. Rev., V.G., Irish
Worthy Professor and Pastor
The writer has often been tempted to think that Pierce has an identity with Peter Corcoran of the Maynooth list of students (Irish Ecclesiastical Record, April 1968). If this is so, Pierce would have come from the Diocese of Tuam. Apart from this guess, nothing is known of the origin and place of studies. It would seem that he arrived in Australia at the end of 1878. Immediately Bishop Matthew Quinn appointed the talented teacher to the staff of St. Stanislaus' College - then under the presidency of Fr. John Horan, an episcopal nephew; and closely linked with St. Charles' Seminary. In 1883 the President's mantle rested on the shoulders of Father Pierce, but the term of office lasted for that year only. The reason for his transferring to the Armidale Diocese is not clear, but the move would seem to have taken place in 1885. After a few years on the Cathedral staff he was appointed to the parish of Tenterfield, remaining at that post until 1903. The booklet 'Through the Century', published in 1965 to mark the Centenary of the Tenterfield Parish, conveys very scanty information about his pastorate; save that he had succeeded Fr. Patrick Kelly who had died at the early age of 37. Promotion to the cold air of Glen Innes in 1903 meant an appointment to the rank of Diocesan Consultor, and some time later he was honoured with Monsignorial robes. The main achievement in Glen Innes would appear to be the building of the present church of St. Patrick's, the foundation stone of which was laid on 19 July 1908. Death knocked at the door of the worthy Pastor on 12 November 1914, and his mortal remains lie in the local cemetery.
(Footprints, Vol. 2, No. 11)
Ref.: As quoted, and Fr. Patrick Fox CM, Ashfield.

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T.W. Campbell, The Priests of the Diocese of Armidale: A Necrology, Braddon ACT, 2005:
Corcoran, Pierce

Born Killenvale Co Tipperary 15 December 1854. Details of education unknown. Studied at St Patrick's College, Thurles, where a fellow student was Michael Hackett and at Propaganda Fide College Rome. Ordained in Rome 20 April 1878 by Cardinal Raphael Monare da Valleta. He travelled to Bathurst diocese in late 1878. Appointed to the staff of St Stanislaus College, Bathurst (closely linked with St Charles' Seminary), and became President in 1883, a position he filled for only one year. From there he went briefly to the Rockhampton diocese, then transferred to Armidale diocese in September 1885. While stationed in Armidale he was Inspector of Schools. He became parish priest of Tenterfield in August 1887, remaining there until June 1903 when he transferred to Glen Innes. Appointed Vicar General of the diocese in March 1904 he was made a Domestic Prelate (Monsignor) in July 1906. At the meeting to nominate a priest for advancement as coadjutor bishop of Armidale in September 1902 he was rated 'dignior' (mostly because he received one vote - probably that of P J O'Connor, when all others present voted for O'Connor). Contemporary descriptions of him were 'tender, nervous and eminently retiring', 'this humble, scholarly gentleman', 'his silent and unobtrusive manner conceals from the public stare the deeds he does, the closely knitted cloak of humility allows no beam of his humility to escape'. He died 12 November 1914, and is buried within the sanctuary of the Glen Innes church.
(Sources: Footprints, Vol 2 No 11 Oct 1976 p 28, T&CJ 18 Nov 1914 p 46, FJ 12 Mar 1904 p 22, 21 Jul 1906 p 22, 18 Aug 1906 p 3, 1 Sep 1906 p 3, 19 Nov 1914 p 37, Advocate 7 Dec 1878 p 7, 30 Jun 1883 p 13, 18 Aug 1906 p 28, MDHC A-Z C152).

(Reproduced by permission of Tom Campbell.)