Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, pp 107-108:

Croagh, Martin, Very Rev., C.S.Sp., Irish
In the Ballarat Holy Ghost Community
1892 marks the departure of the Holy Ghost community from Victoria, and 1978 marks their return to pastoral activities in Melbourne. A sincere welcome to their community after an absence of 86 years! Martin Croagh was a 'roaring Tipp' being born in the town of Clonoulty, a place that vies with any other for the number of servants it has supplied to the Australian Mission in the last century. The birth date given by Fr. John Ryan C.S.Sp., the writer's Dublin contact, is 11 November 1856. The brilliant student showed great promise in his Rockwell College days from '72 to '79, and later when he studied in France and Rome. Ordination took place in 1883 and Profession in 1884. He was given a teaching appointment at a Paris Seminary and apparently remained at the post until answering the call to come with other Holy Ghost Fathers to Ballarat and found what was virtually the first St. Patrick's College, and take over the pastoral care of the Maryborough parish. Father Martin spent two years at this latter assignment. Then late in 1891, about six months before the Order packed baggage and returned to France, he was called on to rescue the declining fortunes of the College. The decline was due to several factors. Foremost, a parsimonious Bishop, James Moore. As well the failure of the German and French personnel to become familiar with Australian youth and their ways, and the loss of two promising members of the Order John Brennan and Carol Naish Griffin. The latter had succumbed to the raw climatic conditions; the rest were often laid low with winter illnesses. Croagh scarcely had a chance to better the situation which Bishop Moore blamed on the first Principal, Father Reffe. And so with relations embittered the Order left our shores in March 1892. It was a great loss to Australia, especially in the departure of men of high academic standing, such as Croagh and Achilles Lemire — recognised in France and on the Continent as theologian and writer of merit. Some of the men of the Ballarat dispersion later went to Port of Spain, Trinidad, and to the U.S.A. Martin Croagh gave ten years of service in Trinidad before seeking retirement. But instead of being granted his request he was posted to the U.S.A. Later on he was called on to lead a new foundation to Canada and establish the College of St. Alexander de Gatineau in Quebec. Later still he was Master of Novices for his Order at Bath, remaining on this assignment until retirement to Castlehead, Lancashire, in 1908. The fact that he held such posts as Professor of Theology in Paris and sub-director of the C.S.Sp's Senior House of Studies (probably before his Australian stay) is an indication of academic ability and high standing in his Order. Possibly the requests to retire indicated a poor state of health. He died at Castlehead on 17 August 1909 at the age of 52.
(Footprints, Vol. 3, No. 4)
Information: Fr. John Ryan C.S.Sp., Blackrock College, Dublin.