Death of the Rev. J.J. Pollard, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 27 December 1884, p 15, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110065684:

We deeply regret to have to record the demise of this good and zealous priest, and while no element of tragedy is wanting in the manner of his death we, as Catholics, are consoled by the fact that it was in the discharge of the sacred functions and in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament that he was visited by the hand of death, and called to meet the Maker he had served so long and whom he was in the act of serving even at the moment of his death. A remembrance that he died "Within the Holy Temple" will modify the keenness of the grief which the melancholy event inspires, and will take away all the terrors of its tragic character. While officiating on Sunday in the parish church at Moruya, Father Pollard suddenly fell forward on the sanctuary rails, and on being raised was found to be mute and motionless in death. Great consternation seized the large congregation, the shock causing ladies to faint. The deceased had had indifferent health for some time, and rose from a sick bed to preside at the school exhibitions on Wednesday and Thursday last ; but his end was by no means expected so soon. The rev. gentleman, while most zealous in the discharge of his priestly duties, was highly esteemed by all denominations, and his distressing death will largely diminish the enjoyment of the holidays. An inquest was held on Monday morning, before the police magistrate, Dr. King, and a verdict of death from syncope of the heart was recorded. Father Pollard was a man of generous nature, refined tastes, and amiability of disposition, and in the discharge of his duties he was whole-hearted in his zeal. His many personal qualities secured him friendships everywhere, and among those who knew him best he was much beloved for his gentleness and good nature. His principal labours in this colony were those in connection with St. James', Forest Lodge. He was appointed pastor when St. James' was established, and the fine church and school were built by him. About two years ago Father Pollard was transferred to the Moruya Mission, and he faithfully discharged his duties up to the time of his death. We have not received the full particulars of the good priest's death, but we are informed that while conducting evening devotions on Sunday he was seized with a sudden faintness, and after resting on the altar rails for support expired without suffering a pain. Father H. B. Callachor proceeded to Moruya on Monday to arrange the affairs of the deceased. Father Pollard was born in Ballingarry, County Tipperary, about 40 years ago, and he was educated in Thurles College, under the late Most Rev. Dr. Leahy, Archbishop of Cashel. He finished his studies in Maynooth, and came out to the Armidale diocese some ten years back. Soon after arriving in the colony he became attached to the Archdiocese of Sydney, first assisting at St. Benedict's, subsequently taking the pastoral care of St. James's, Forest Lodge, and finally labouring where he died.—Requiescat in pace.

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T.W. Campbell, The Priests of the Diocese of Armidale: A Necrology, Braddon ACT, 2005:
Pollard, John J

Born at Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, Ireland (1844), he was educated at Thurles College, completed his studies at Maynooth, and was ordained on 22 June 1873. He was sent to the Armidale diocese from Ireland on loan from the archdiocese of Cashel. Based in Armidale he soon fell out with Bishop Timothy O'Mahony, who brought John Davis across from Inverell to take responsibility for the Armidale parish. Pollard transferred to the Sydney Archdiocese in February 1875, and was stationed at St Benedict's, Broadway from June 1875 until 1878, then St James', Forest Lodge to November 1882. He next was transferred to Moruya, where he remained until his death. He was one of the priest conspirators against Bishop O'Mahony when allegations were made against O'Mahony of paternity and insobriety. Pollard died suddenly at Moruya on 21 December 1884, after collapsing during Benediction, at which service he had just preached about the need to be prepared for death. Fr Pierce Corcoran of Bathurst (who later ended up at Glen Innes) was staying with him at the time. He was buried at Moruya.
(Sources: FJ 27 Dec 1884 p 15, 3 Jan 1885 p 16, Farrell, Foley, MDHC A-Z P46).

(Reproduced by permission of Tom Campbell.)