Shipping. Arrivals.—December 6, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 December 1868, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13176929:

Glendower, ship, 1192 tons. Captain Brinsden, from Gravesend 2nd September. Passengers—[...] Rev. Mr. Gough, Rev. Mr. Aucliffe, Rev. Mr. Davern, Rev. Mr. Lawless [...]

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(To the Editor of the Freeman's Journal), Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 12 December 1868, p 7, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115432797:

Sir, — Amongst the passengers lately arrived here, on board the Glendower, from London, I noticed, with much pleasure, a party of priests and nuns from Ireland. This information will be, no doubt, gladly received by the Catholics of New South Wales, and especially by that portion of them who will have the happiness of having these missionaries in the midst of them. I understand the greater portion of the party are for the diocese of Maitland. The names of the rev. gentlemen, as I learned from an informant, are—the Rev. Mr. Gough, and the Rev. Mr. Lawless, for the above diocese ; and the Rev. Messrs. Davern and McAuliffe for Bathurst. Whilst the nuns, all of whom belong to the order of St. Dominick, are exclusively for Maitland. [...]
An Irishman

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Diocese of Bathurst, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 14 August 1869, p 9, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115431275:

(From our own Correspondent)
This good city of ours witnessed for the first time since its foundation, some six and fifty years ago, the solemn ceremony of the profession of nuns. Five ladies, who had commenced their noviciate in the parent house at Charleville, near Cork, were professed on Thursday morning last in the Cathedral, which, it is almost needless to say, was thronged in every part by anxious spectators, of all creeds and classes. [...] After the blessing of the veils and rings the Rev. Father Davern ascended the pulpit and preached from Matthew xix c. xxix v., "Every one that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my name's sake ; shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall possess life everlasting." [...]

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Diocese of Bathurst, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 27 August 1870, p 11, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115292951:

(From our own Correspondent.)
On Monday evening, the 15th instant, a very numerously attended public meeting of the members and other friends of St. Aloysius' Reading Room and Circulating Library was held at the school-rooms in order to receive the first annual report of the Institution. His Lordship the Bishop of Bathurst occupied the chair. His Lordship the Bishop of Maitland, the Very Rev. John Forrest, D.D., Rector of St. John's College, Sydney, the Rev. J. D. D'Arcy, P.P., Peel, and President of the Institution, Rev. J.J. Davern, Vice-president, Rev. James McGirr, Rector of St. Stanislaus, Rev. J. O'Donovan, P.P., Mudgee, Rev. J. J. Walsh, Peel, Rev. J. Cook, P.P., Wellington, Rev. Pere Chastagnon, P.P., Fish River and Mr. T. Kelly of Dubbo were present. [...]

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Gongolgan, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 24 November 1870, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18749892:

The Rev Father Davern arrived last evening, and leaves for Bourke today."

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Dubbo, Evening News, Sydney, 26 May 1871, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129964607:

Our amateurs are rehearsing for the Octoroon, the performance of which will take place next Tuesday. The principal villain in the piece is the auburn Dundreary-whiskered customer of an editor, whom I one dark night mistook for the Rev. Father Davern. This piece will be a rattler.

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Bazaar at Rockley, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 24 June 1871, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120727865:

From an advertisement which appears in another column, our readers will observe that a bazaar and grand drawing of prizes will take place in Rockley next November. The beautiful church dedicated to St. Joseph in Rockley, is not yet completed, and funds are required for that purpose. The Catholics of that district have always been as liberal as possible in their donations for like purposes in other districts, they should now in turn receive assistance from their friends, especially in the Western districts. The Rev. P. Davern, who has lately been appointed to the mission, will acknowledge the receipt of any donations he may receive for the above purpose.

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Ceremony of Laying the Foundation-Stone of the New Catholic Church, Teapot Swamp [Moorilda], Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 18 November 1871, p 11, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120725083:

It is not often that any event of sufficient importance to claim notice in the public press occurs in this comparatively secluded district. On Saturday last, 4th instant, however, it was evident, from the busy mood of the inhabitants, that preparations were being made for some unusual occasion. On a beautiful eminence overlooking our picturesque vale which, by the way, deserves a more flattering name than that which it bears—a number of people were engaged in setting all things in order for the ceremony of the laying of the foundation-stone of St. Thomas's Church by our venerated bishop on the following day. [...] His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Quinn, (who had to come from Bathurst that morning, a distance of 22 miles,) was on the ground a little before 10 o'clock. Mass commenced at 11 o'clock. His Lordship had previously kindly consented to preach, but was prevented by a severe cold from which he was suffering and which the morning's journey was anything but calculated to improve. The sermon was consequently preached by the Rev. P.R. Davern, the much esteemed pastor of the district, taking for his text those words of the 126th Psalm, "Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain, who build it": — The Rev. preacher clearly pointed out the meaning and object of the ceremony they were about to witness—"That it was the means employed by the Church for seeking and securing the blessing and assistance of Almighty God upon the good work which they were commencing, and, without which, according to the words of the Psalmist, all human efforts would be fruitless and vain." He then explained the many advantages to a district of having a suitable place of worship, and reminded his hearers, "that, although the work they were engaged in was one of those most agreeable to God, and to which he has attached his highest services ;—still to themselves alone it is to be beneficial. For though God wills the salvation of all—that salvation is to be obtained only by loving and serving Him. Consequently they should consider no duty so obligatory, or have no interest so much at heart, as the providing and securing of every means of assistance either necessary or useful for the attainment of that end." He then impressed upon them "that a suitable place for worshipping God is a useful if not a necessary means of serving Him properly," and, as its erection also requires means, he earnestly exhorted them to be prompt and liberal in supplying them. [...] After ample justice had been bestowed upon the creature comforts, the Rev. Father Davern begged on behalf of himself and the church committee to tender their grateful thanks to his Lordship for his great kindness in again coming amongst them to lay the foundation stone of their new church. You are all aware (continued the rev. gentleman) that his Lordship had previously laid the corner-stone of this church ; but, as the site then selected had not been considered suitable, a fresh and far more eligible spot had been decided upon, we therefore cannot too highly appreciate the extreme and noble kindness of his Lordship, who after having but so recently returned from a long and laborious tour through the northern and western portion of his extensive diocese, has so promptly responded to our call. [...] Father Davern next proposed a vote of thanks to the visitors, some of whom had come a considerable distance that day, not only to give effect to the ceremony by their presence, but also to assist liberally with their purse. [...] The Rev. Father Davern in returning thanks on behalf of the ladies for the manner in which their labour and services had been appreciated, said that having been in the locality for the last few days, and therefore having had ample opportunity of witnessing the busy time which the ladies had had of it ; he was not at all surprised at the gorgeous display which the tables presented ; he could assure them all that great as their efforts had been upon this occasion, they had not yet done their best, an assertion which he hoped to find fully verified when next the good cause should require their exertions. His Lordship then left, having to return to Bathurst that evening, and was escorted by a number of horsemen some miles on his way.

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Bathurst Diocese, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 7 September 1872, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120727456:

His Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Quinn administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a large number of children and adults in the Catholic Church, Carcoar, on Sunday last. He was attended by the Rev. J. D'Arcy V. R., St. John's, and the Rev. P. Ryan the pastor of the district. The children had been receiving instructions during the preceding week from the Rev. P. Ryan and the Rev. P. Davern (Rockley.) On Monday his Lordship opened and blessed the new church at Lumpy Swamp, and on Thursday administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at Cowra. At the last named place, he was attended by the Rev. D. J. D'Arcy, the Rev. P. Ryan, P. Davern, and T. Walsh (Orange.)

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Drawing of Prizes at Teapot Swamp, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 1 March 1873, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128807893:

The following numbers drew prizes at the Grand Drawing in aid of the Fund for the new Catholic Church at Teapot Swamp on last Monday. [...] Prizes not yet delivered can be obtained on application to Rev. R. Davern, Rockley.

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Laying the Foundation Stone of a New Roman Catholic Church Tambaroora, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 6 December 1873, p 9, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128805697:

(From a Correspondent.)
The foundation stone of this church was laid on Sunday last by the Most Rev. Dr. Quinn, Bishop of Bathurst, in presence of about 150 persons. The weather was not at all favourable, as it rained heavily the preceding evening, and doubts were entertained that the morrow would prove unfavourable for the impressive ceremony. About 100 persons rode out to welcome his lordship to the town. He drove in with his own buggy and pair, accompanied by Fathers D'Arcy and Davern. At 11.30 am. Mass was celebrated by Father Davern. The choir from Hill End attended and sang the Mass (Haydn's 1st.) [...] In the evening his lordship attended Vespers, which were well sung by the choir, amongst whom I noticed Rev. D.J. D'Arcy, Mr. R. Latham, Mr. John Cahill, jun., Mr. H. Caspar, Mrs. Coyle, Miss Cummins, &c. There was a full muster of the members of the choir. The sermon was preached by Father Davern, which lasted about forty minutes; and the day was brought to a close by the Benediction.

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Marriages, The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 20 June 1874, p 806, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162484252:

O'Connell—Cummins—June 6, at the Catholic Church, Hill End, by the Rev. Father Daveren, John O'Connell, Esq., M.D., to Teresa, eldest daughter of the late Henry Cummins, Esq., of Sydney.

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Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 3 July 1875, p 11, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115478062:

The following changes have lately taken place in the diocese of Bathurst. The Very Rev D. J. D'Arcy, and Rev P. Davern, to go to Parkes ; Rev W. C. Nugent, to Hill End ; J. Dunne, of Wentworth, to Dubbo, and with him Rev. P. Ryan, of Carcoar. Rev M. Ryan, of Bourke, replaces the latter. Priests recently arrived from Ireland:— Rev Jas. O'Donnell, Wentworth ; Rev L. Bolger, Bourke ; Rev Ed. Dwyer, Orange.

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Tichbourne Lead, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 21 August 1875, p 8, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115478719:

The O'Connell Centenary celebration which took place on Friday last, August 6th, as predicted, proved (says the Gazette) an immense success, and all persons who had the pleasure of participating in the festivities given in honour of this great emancipator will long remember the occasion as one on which all classes of the community turned out with one accord to do honour to the memory of Daniel O'Connell. [...]

The chair was taken by Mr. W. Keating, the hon. sec., the Rev. Father Davern occupying a seat on his right, Mr. Francis and others, and Mr. Lynch presiding as vice-chairman. I noticed that nearly all of our most influential townsmen, and also several guests from Parkes were present.

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Parkes, Sydney Morning Herald, 4 January 1877, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13392057:

The Rev. Father Davern, while on his way from Forbes to Parkes, was thrown out of his buggy, one of the wheels of the vehicle running against a stump; the horses, which were young, took fright and bolted, jerking Mr. Davern out of the buggy; but, fortunately, he was not very seriously injured. Father Finnigan, who was also in the buggy, retained his seat and secured the horses.

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Parkes, Sydney Morning Herald, 2 March 1878, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13408889:

A change has taken place in the Roman Catholic ministration. The Rev. Father Davern, who has been very much respected here, has removed to Bathurst, and the Rev. Father Enwright is his successor.

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St. Joseph's Convent School, Cowra, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 3 January 1880, p 19, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133485313:

The first annual examination of the pupils at tending St. Joseph's Convent School was conducted in the schoolroom attached to the Convent on Monday last (says the Cowra Free Press), in presence of a large number of visitors of various denominations. [...]

The Rev. Father Davern thanked the visitors for their attendance. He was but a visitor himself, and in justice he could not do otherwise than congratulate the Sisters on the marked degree of proficiency attained by the pupils during the comparatively short time they had been under their tuition.

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Marriages, Sydney Morning Herald, 5 October 1880, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13469433:

Callen—Quinn—September 21, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Carcoar, by the Rev. Father Davern, John Matthew, eldest son of Mr. John Callen, North Shore, Sydney, to Sarah, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Quinn, of Carcoar.

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Death of the Rev. John Ryan, Archdiocese of Cashel, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 9 October 1880, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133488668:

We extract the following from the Limerick Reporter and Tipperary Vindicator:—
We have to record the death of this distinguished young priest, which took place in Carcoar, Bathurst, in the 25th year of his age, on the 20th of last May. [...] Some four years back his health, which till then had seemed robust, gave way, probably from over attention to study, and despite medical care, and sojourns from time to time in the country, he was becoming weaker and weaker, and apparently far gone in consumption, when as a forlorn hope he went about a year and half ago to his brother the Rev. Philip Ryan, whose great services to religion for the fifteen years he has been on the mission in the diocese of Bathurst are known throughout Australia, and even here in his own country. His health rallied so much after his arrival in Carcoar, that some five months ago he was ordained priest for his native diocese of Cashel, by the Most Rev. Dr. Quinn, Bishop of Bathurst. Father Phil, as his brother is familiarly called in Australia, was after his hard and long labours allowed a few months ago to go on vacation, and accompanied the Most Rev. Dr. Murray, Bishop of Maitland, to Ireland, and Father Davern, and another Cashel man, and the deceased, were placed in charge of his parishes of Carcoar and Cowra, during his absence. On Saturday, the 15th of May, he caught a cold while hearing confessions in Cowra, and the following Thursday he was no more. Almost from the beginning of his illness he was attended by his colleague, Father Davern, and died full of peace amid the consolations of our holy religion. At his own request he was buried in Bathurst, beside his cousin, the Rev. Edmund O'Dwyer, another young priest who made his studies in Thurles College and who during his short career in Australia reflected credit on his alma mater and the Archdiocese of which he was a native. The bishop, the priests, and the people of Bathurst showed all the honour it was in their power to show to his memory. [...]

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St. Charles' Ecclesiastical Seminary Bathurst, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 18 June 1881, p 17, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115455306:

[...] The Rev. Father Horan is president of both establishments, and Rev. P. Davern, Rev. Father Byrne, and Rev. James Casey are the professors of St. Charles'. The Very Rev. Father Horan, who, we regret to state, is not enjoying good health, is at present in Sydney, and his place is temporarily filled by the Rev. P. Corcoran. [...]

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Marriages, Sydney Morning Herald, 30 January 1886, p 15, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28360292:

The undermentioned officiating ministers have been registered for the celebration of marriages:—
Roman Catholic Church (diocese of Bathurst): Rev. Patrick Davern, residing at Wellington; [...]

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Marriage, Riverina Recorder, Balranald NSW, 8 August 1888, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137548935:

Hill–Sheals.—At Balranald on the 31st July, by the Rev. Father Davern, [Charlie Hill], of Belfast, Ireland, to Margaret (Maggie), eldest daughter of Patrick Sheals, Ballymoyle, Queen's County, Ireland.

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Convent School Concert, Riverina Recorder, Balranald NSW, 21 November 1888, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137546166:

A concert and entertainment was given, by the pupils attending the Convent School, in the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening last, 14th inst. The Mayor (J. Grinham, Esq.) presided, and, in opening the entertainment, stated the object to which the proceeds of the concert would be devoted, viz., to purchasing prizes for the children attending the school. [...] At the conclusion of the entertainment the Rev. Father Davern expressed the acknowledgements of the good sisters and himself to His Worship the Mayor for presiding; also to those friends who formed the audience and thus assisted in providing funds for the worthy object of purchasing prizes for the school children. The "National Anthem" brought a most enjoyable evening to a successful conclusion.

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Riverina Recorder, Balranald NSW, 26 February 1890, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137548757:

The Rev. Father Davern, who for some time past has officiated as Roman Catholic minister in this town, has been removed to Wilcannia; and will be succeeded by the Rev. Father Barry. Father Barry arrived at Wentworth (which town forms part of this charge) on the 15th inst., and celebrated mass at the church on the following morning. The "Advocate" says:—"Whilst regretting the loss which the Catholic community has sustained in the removal of Father Davern, who as a manager of church affairs has simply done wonders, we welcome Father Barry, who we are sure will be liked by his congregation."

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Late Country News, The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 1 March 1890, p 463, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162074925:

Balranald, Wednesday. [...] The Rev. Father Davern, who has officiated at this town as Roman Catholic minister for some years past, has been removed to Wilcannia. He will be succeeded by the Rev. Father Barry.

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Marriages, Sydney Morning Herald, 13 March 1890, p 12, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28277896:

Molloy—Major.—On 17th February, at the Roman Catholic Church, Wilcannia, by the Rev. Father Davern, John Joseph, eldest son of John Molloy, of Albury, to Sarah Louisa, third daughter of Henry Major, of Wilcannia.

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Pastoral and Agricultural, Evening News, Sydney, 2 June 1890, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128771914:

Wilcannia, Saturday.— [...] Rev. Father Davern, who has returned from a trip to Mount Brown, reports the state of the country around Milparinka and Tibooburra as excellent, but first sixty miles from Wilcannia is bare of feed.

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Catholic Affairs in the Diocese of Wilcannia. Convent Ceremony and School Church Openings—The Bishop's Departure for Europe, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 14 February 1891, p 15, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115569697:

(By Telegraph from Broken Hill.)
The first ceremony of religious reception in connection with the Convent of Mercy, Wilcannia, took place on Sunday, the 1st February, and attracted a large and representative congregation. His Lordship Dr. Dunne, Bishop of Wilcannia, assisted by the Rev. Father Davern, performed the ceremony, and the young ladies who received the religious habit were Miss Minnie Grogan (in religion Sister Mary Aloysius), daughter of Mr. Grogan, Tangmangaroo, Yass, and Miss Cummins (Sister Mary Evangelist), daughter of Mr. Cummins, Yass. [...]

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Marriages Adelaide Observer, 6 April 1895, p 24, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161819439:

Waddington—Glenie.—On the 22nd March, at Tibooburra, N.S.W., by the Rev. Father Davern, Alfred, only son of J. Waddington, contractor, Melbourne, to Ada, youngest daughter of the late H. S. Glenie, Stock Inspector, River Murray, South Australia.

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Death of the Rev. Father Davern, Western Grazier, Wilcannia, 18 January 1896, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133809179:

It is with very deep regret that we have to record the death from heat apoplexy of the Rev. Father Davern, which took place at his residence in Hood-street at about 2 o'clock on Friday morning. The rev. gentleman had intended to go to Cobar by Thursday's coach, but feeling unwell on Thursday decided not to undertake the journey. Dr. Atkins was called in at 9 o'clock on Thursday night, but on arrival found Father Davern unconscious, and at once pronounced the case as hopeless. Father Davern never regained consciousness, and expired shortly before 2 o'clock.

The late reverend gentleman was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1828, and was consequently 68 years of age. He studied at the College of All Hallowes, in Dublin. He was ordained for the Bathurst Mission, and arrived in Australia in 1869. Previous to his arrival in Wilcannia (about February, 1890), he was for several years stationed at Bathurst and Wentworth. He succeeded the Rev. Father Barry here, and shortly after his arrival, owing to his energy and indefatigable zeal, had a nice school building and church erected, and recently the convent, at a large outlay—a building which will stand as a monument to the late reverend gentleman's memory. The late Father Davern was a man of a very liberal mind; he was a good worker, and a man who did his duty without fear or favor. He was universally respected by all sections of the community. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, the remains having been encased last night in a leaden casket. The Bishop of Wilcannia (Dr. Dunne) is expected to arrive here from Broken Hill this afternoon. The Rev. Father Keegan, who arrived from Cobar on Thurs- day morning, will celebrate a requiem Mass this morning at 8.30, in the R.C. Church, for the repose of the late Father Davern's soul.

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Extraordinary Heat at Wilcannia, Sydney Morning Herald, 18 January 1896, p 9, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14033576:

Thermometer 119° in the Shade. Five Deaths In One Day. The Hospital Crowded. Wilcannia, Friday.
The heat has been unbearable to-day. The thermometer registered 119 in the shade at 2 o'clock. Five deaths from heat have occurred since last night, the Rev. Father Davern being amongst the number. He intended to leave for Sydney yesterday, but complained of being unwell owing to the excessive heat. Last night Dr. Atkins was called in, and found the reverend gentleman unconscious. He expired at 2 o'clock this morning from heat apoplexy. He has been here for the past five years, and was universally esteemed by all sections of the community. The hospital is crowded, and a number of people are dangerously ill. More deaths are hourly expected.

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One Hundred and Eighteen in the Shade. Death of a Priest, The Daily Telegraph, Sydney, 18 January 1896, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238698910:

Wilcannia, Friday.— Yesterday the heat was again intense, the thermometer registering 112, while to-day it reached 118. Two deaths occurred during the night, one being a young child, and the other the Rev. Father Davern, who expired shortly before 2 o'clock this morning. The rev. gentleman had been in delicate health for some time, and was to have left for Broken-hill yesterday for a two months' vacation, but postponed his departure owing to the oppressive weather. He became worse during the afternoon, and lost consciousness at 11 o'clock last night. Bishop Dunne has been telegraphed for, and is expected to arrive to-morrow from Broken-hill by special conveyance. Father Davern has been a resident of Wilcannia for about eight years. He was universally respected, his acts of charity having extended to members of all denominations. Reports have been received from the town and district of many cases of illness, which will probably prove fatal unless the weather changes immediately. The glass is now standing at over 100deg., without any prospect of a change.

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The Heat Wave, National Advocate, Bathurst, 20 January 1896, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156719320:

Wilcannia, Friday.
The heat has been unbearable to-day. The thermometer registered 119' in the shade at 2 o'clock. Five deaths from heat have occurred since last night, the Rev. Father Daveren being amongst the number. He intended to leave for Sydney yesterday, but complained of being unwell owing to the excessive heat. Last night Dr. Atkins was called in, and found the reverend gentleman unconscious. He expired at 2 o'clock this morning from heat apoplexy. He had been here for the past five years, and was universally esteemed by all sections of the community. The hospital is crowded, and a number of people are dangerously ill. More deaths are hourly expected.

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Passing Topics, Southern Cross, Adelaide, 24 January 1896, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166351560:

The extraordinary heat wave that is at the present time being experienced in the Eastern colonies is responsible for the loss of many valuable lives that the provinces can ill afford to spare. The death of the Rev. Father Davern, of Wilcannia, from this cause will be very generally regretted not only in the immediate vicinity of the scene of his labors, but in other parts where the deceased priest was regarded with affection by those who were privileged to attend to his ministrations. The memory of the good priest, genuine friend, courteous and cultured gentleman, will long be held in sacred reverence by thousands of people, not only among the Catholic community but by others of different creeds.

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Local and General, Western Grazier, Wilcannia, 29 January 1896, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133806167:

The Rev. Father O'Shea, from Deniliquin, has been appointed to succeed the late Rev. Father Davern at Wilcannia.

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Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, pp 128-129:
Davern, Patrick R. Irish
Buried in Distant Wilcannia

All Hallows records show that Patrick came from Killeranaul, Diocese of Cashel, County Tipperary. The parents were John and Mary (nee Ryan) and he was born in March 1837. First seminary education and training was received at St. Patrick's Thurles, and in September 1864 he transferred to All Hallows. On the traditional day, the Feast of St. John the Baptist, 24 June (1868), Patrick was ordained for Bathurst. The man of a mature 31 on arrival is described as having as enormous frame and a very red face. Full details of the movements in his 28 years of service are unclear, so reliance has to be placed on the somewhat unreliable pre-1900 Directories. He was Pastor in Rockley from 1870 to 1873, and an appointment to Cowra either preceded or followed the Rockley stay. The 1876 Directory indicates that he served at Forbes. This was followed by a teaching appointment to St. Charles' Seminary, Bathurst. At the same time he was Adm. in the Carcoar parish. Sometime prior to the formation of the Wilcannia Diocese in 1887 he was transferred as far west as any Bathurst diocesan could be sent, to Wentworth, at the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers. In 1889 he was transferred by Bishop John Dunne to the important river town of Wilcannia, remaining at his post until death on 17 January. The age was 58. The going for the big-framed man had been tough. Fancy travelling that seering region before the advent of the T model Ford! He is buried in the sands of Wilcannia. The writer is indebted to Mrs Sheila Tearle and Mrs Cathy Down, both of Hurstville, for filling in on the details.