Fr David Strong SJ, The Australian dictionary of Jesuit biography 1848-2015, Second Edition, 2017:
McLoghlin, Daniel

Teacher; born Glenorchy, Victoria, 15 January 1916; died Melbourne, 16 December 1986, aged 70.

Daniel McLoghlin was the fifth child of William and May McLoghlin (Keane). The family finally settled at Hawthorn and Daniel went to Xavier College. Here he showed his intellectual giftedness and 'the rebel touch'. He was never a conformist, and followed his own independent line. To many people he was a mystery man.

McLoghlin entered the Society at Loyola College, Watsonia, 3 March 1934. He showed particular talent for the classics, gaining an honours degree from the University of Melbourne. His philosophy was at Canisius College, during which time he featured as choir-master, drama-producer, and co-producer of clandestine publications and hospitality with John Larkin. His regency was at St Aloysius' College where he was OC cadets. His involvement with the cadets at the college resulted in many incongruous situations, and the stories that resulted created much merriment.

He was ordained, 5 January 1949. After tertianship, at Sevenhill, he worked in schools for 24 years: senior schools from 1951-1966, and in junior schools until 1974. His main teaching subjects were the classics, English and religion. He was prefect of studies at St Patrick's College, East Melbourne, 1953, and taught at St Aloysius' College, Milson's Point, 1954-57. He was prefect of studies in 1956, and was chaplain in the cadets. Some considered him a good teacher of Latin, but a poor administrator because he was so disorganised. He did not take lightly to anyone who 'defied' him, despite the fact that no one else could see the importance of the issue under discussion. No one deliberately tried to undermine his authority.

He was remembered for his natural teaching gifts, his knowledge, his wit, his temper, combined with an acute sense of the odd or the ridiculous. He was merciless to false arguments, but kind and hospitable to people he met. In theology he edited a clandestine publication, satirical and witty in character, in which various professors appeared 'warts and all'. Needless to say, it was discovered and suppressed, but it was very good while it lasted.

Other appointments included St Ignatius' College, Norwood, 1951-52. In 1958 he went again to Norwood, teaching, and directing choirs and Gilbert and Sullivan operas at the junior school, assisted by Mac Larkin. He taught senior classes at Riverview, 1962-66.

During 1967 he suffered his first coronary while teaching at Norwood. He began a part-time diploma of education at the university and also produced The Mikado.

Then he moved to Kostka Hall in 1971, teaching mainly Latin and religion, and caring for his pet dog.

He loved hospitality, the opera and nights out. McLoghlin would most generously put himself out for others, no matter what time of day or night.

After a sabbatical to the Holy Land and other places in 1974, he went as rector to St John Fisher College in Hobart, 1975-77. He was good company for the students and helped them with English assignments and topics.

After this time he began parish supplies for some years, and finally, in 1980, moved to Campion College. He was devoted to answering the phone in those years, and engaging in fiery debate about current issues. He was a man of traditional thought.

He had great interest in politics and literature. He was a resourceful debater, with himself as the ultimate authority. To many he was most compassionate. He showed a most edifying, continuous, one might say heroic, care for both his uncle, William Keane, and for his close friend, John Larkin, in their prolonged illnesses.

(Reproduced by permission of Fr David Strong SJ.)