Presentation to a Priest, The Age, Brisbane, 6 September 1902, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article292092958:

A few days ago a purse of sixty sovereigns, accompanied by a beautifully-illuminated address in album form was received by the Rev. Father Carroll, of St. Joseph's Cathedral, Rockhampton, from the Catholic people in Lismore, N.S W., where Father Carroll was stationed until June last.

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Rockhampton, The Age, Brisbane, 13 June 1908, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article292253612:

An interesting letter has been received by Bishop Duhig from the Rev. Father Carroll, late of Longreach and Mount Morgan, who left for a visit to the old country on a health trip. Early this year Father Carroll visited several centres in the southern states, and took the round journey to London by the White Star Line, arriving at his destination a few weeks ago. He has much improved in health since he left and anticipates returning at an early date in renewed strength.

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Rockhampton, The Age, Brisbane, 22 August 1908, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article292258509:

A most encouraging letter has been received by Bishop Duhig from the Rev. Father Carroll, late of Longreach and Mount Morgan. The rev. gentleman is staying with relatives in Dublin. So far his health trip has benefited him materially, and he speaks sympathetically of the parishes in Queensland that he laboured in so assiduously. Father Carroll will represent Bishop Duhig at the Eucharist Congress which is to be held in London in October next.

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Personal, The Age, Brisbane, 25 December 1909, p 6, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article291960492:

The Rev. Father Carroll, formerly of the parishes of Longreach and Mount Morgan, after an extended holiday in the home land, where he visited most of the important centres and on several occasions met Bishop Duhig, is returning to Rockhampton. He will be in Sydney about the first week in February and in Rockhampton about a week later.

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Rockhampton, The Age, Brisbane, 5 March 1910, p 6, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article291957640:

On Wednesday evening last week the Children of Mary and the members of the choir of the North Rockhampton Church assembled in the schoolroom to bid farewell for a short time and to present their parish priest, the Rev. Father Cassar, with a purse of sovereigns on the eve of his departure for a trip to the old world. It was remarked that Father Cassar had laboured for five years amongst them and during that time had endeared himself to every member of his flock and won the esteem and kindly feeling of every member of the community. The hope was expressed that he would benefit by the trip and return with renewed vigour to labour in their midst for many more years. The children of the Convent School, North Rockhampton, also showed their appreciation of Father Cassar by presenting him with a suitable gift. Father Cassar proposes to visit a brother in Cairo and another brother in Belfast. Subsequently he will go to the Holy Land. It is expected he will be away about eight months. In his absence the duties of his parish will be taken by the Rev. Father Carroll, formerly of Mount Morgan, who has been away for a trip for the last eighteen months.

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Personal, The Age, Brisbane, 3 June 1911, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article291939292:

The Rev. Father M. Ryan of Stanthorpe has gone to the Rockhampton diocese for a few months. In turn, the Rev. Father Carroll of Rockhampton proceeds to Stanthorpe.

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Personal, The Age, Brisbane, 9 December 1911, p 9,http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article291943110:

The Rev. Father Carroll (Rockhampton) left last Friday night for the Blue Mountains, where he will assist the local priest during the summer months.

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Irish death record, https://www.irishgenealogy.ie/files/civil/deaths_returns/deaths_1941/04702/4254968.pdf: "Superintendent Registrar's District Kanturk, Registrar's District Newmarket. 1941. Deaths Registered in the District of Newmarket in the Superintendent Registrar's District of Kanturk in the County of Cork. No. 354. On 9 February 1941 at Newmarket, Kanturk RD, death of Edward Carroll, male, bachelor, age 79 years, Roman Catholic Priest; cause of death: chronic bronchitis, heart failure, certified; informant: Sister M. Kevin, occupier, Newmarket; 2 April 1941; S. Verling[?], Registrar."

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Rev. Edwd. Carroll. Death Of Saintly Irish Priest, Cork Examiner, 26 February 1941, p 3:

Recently there passed to his eternal home an ardent apostle of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Lourdes—Rev. Edward Carroll, late of Avoca, North Circular Road, Dublin. Dublin born, Father Carroll was educated at the Jesuit College, Amiens, France. Joining the Society of Jesus, he proved himself a great missioner in such countries as Malta, South Africa, England and Scotland. His health, however, did not withstand the strain imposed upon it by his great zeal and holiness, and, acting upon medical advice, he left the Jesuits and went to the dry heat of Northern Australia. For over thirty years he laboured on the Archdiocese of Brisbane, where he blazed the trail for a dozen future parishes in an area the size of Ireland. In flood or in drought, in cool weather or in the scorching temperatures of 118deg in the shade, the zealous priest travelled round his extensive parish in the then only means of locomotion—a pony and trap. In later years he travelled the world by express trains and modern liners, but always he kept fond memories of his faithful pony and the [____] hooded trap.

At the beginning of the century, Rev. Carroll became acquainted with the Foundress of the Australian Sisters of Saint Joseph, Mother Mary of the Cross, and his interest in the young congregation, once aroused never ceased till he drew his last breath in the Irish convent of these Australian nuns at Newmarket, Co. Cork. He [___] a zealous promoter of religious vocations and through his holy [___] young ladies in Australia [___] found themselves clothed in the [___] habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Through his efforts hundreds of Australian homes have been [___] the Sacred Heart. It may not be out of place to mention here the [___] cause of Little Nellie [___] the little Irish child who died in the odour of sanctity at the [___] Home in Cork. Worn out by [___] and arduous journeyings [___] extensive parishes, Fr. Carroll [___] from active life and took up his abode at Avoca, North Circular Road, [___]. A distinguished linguist and [___] musician, he drew around [___] and acquaintances from all corners of the globe.

Just before Christmas he [___] visit the Sisters of St Joseph at Newmarket. He was very ill [___] and died there on Sunday [___] nursed by the Sisters for whom, in his active days, he had done so much. During his illness, Fr. Carroll was visited by His Lordship Most Rev [___] Roche, Bishop of Cloyne, and [___] clergy.

The Funeral
The burial took place on day the 11th, the feast day of [___] the dead priest loved so well and to whom his last spoken words were addressed—Our Lady of Lourdes. In the convent chapel Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. [...]

The following priests were also present at the obsequies [...]

Messages of sympathy were received from the Most Rev. Dr. Wall, Bishop of Thasos and Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, and from many others who were unable to be present. The Sisters will always remember the [___] of the Bishop of Cloyne, Most Rev. Dr. Roche, in granting so readily the permission to bury their deceased [___] in the convent grounds at the [___] of the Calvary which he erected to the memory of their Foundress, Mother Mary of the Cross.

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Of General Interest, Advocate, Melbourne, 10 April 1941, p 6, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172190997:

A noted promoter of religious vocations was Rev. Fr. Edward Carroll, a former member of the English Province of the Society of Jesus, whose death occurred some weeks ago in Newmarket, County Cork, Ireland. Fr. Carroll was responsible for bringing more than 300 girls from Ireland to become nuns in Australia. He had been staying for some weeks with the Sisters of St. Joseph at Newmarket. Fr. Carroll worked in England, Scotland, Malta and South Africa, as well as for 30 years in Australia. Born in Dublin and educated by the Christian Brothers there, he joined the Jesuits at Amiens, France, and after ordination served for some time at Great Yarmouth and Leigh. His delicate health, however, forced him to come to Australia, and eventually he settled in North Queensland. He was an eloquent preacher.

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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, p 28:

Carroll, John, Irish
The passenger list of the 'Ormuz' which arrived in Melbourne on 9.11.1888 lists this elusive man. He is described as a brother of Thomas Joseph Carroll (see C43} who in 1888 was temporarily at Deniliquin. If this is correct John would have come from the Cashel Diocese. He is reputed to have served temporarily in Rockhampton.
(Footprints, Vol. 2, No. 3)
Ref.: Dean Paul Healion, Walkerston. (Rockhampton Diocese).
ANZCC note: This reference to a priest in Rockhampton is actually a reference to Fr Edward Carroll, who did not arrive in 1888 but in about 1900.

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Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev Edward Carroll, Unknown date of death

We have very little information on Father Carroll. He did serve in Allora from 1915-1919. During his time there he erected the school, convent and presbytery, and also erected the Sacred Heart Church at Deuchar. One memorable feature of his time in Allora was the erection of a number of elaborate shrines adjacent to the school. Amongst some items from Rockhampton, there is mention of a Father Ned Carroll (same photo as Edward) being the PP of Longreach 1904-07. Some notes mentioned that he had returned to Dublin and was still living in 1939.
(Ref. Archives)

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.

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Denis M. Long, Pioneer and Early Priests, Archdiocese of Brisbane, Deceased or retired by 1929, 2021, pp 198-200:
Rev Fr Edward Carroll

I have a personal interest in the story of Fr Edward Carroll. My father, Ernie Long, was an altar boy in Allora during Fr Carroll's time as the parish priest from 1914 to 1919. Dad often spoke of Fr Carroll. Ernie had not reached his thirteenth birthday when Fr Carroll left Allora.

Fr Carroll, a Dubliner, was ordained as a Jesuit priest on 25 September 1892. He ministered in Malta, South Africa, England and Scotland. Due to health reasons he left the Jesuits and became a diocesan priest.(1)

He served for two years in the diocese of Lismore diocese before moving to Rockhampton. He served at the Cathedral in that diocese, and in Longreach and Mount Morgan. He spent nearly seven years in that diocese. He got to know James Duhig as his bishop. He moved to the Archdiocese of Brisbane when James Duhig was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop.

The Sydney Catholic Press informs us of his ministry in the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales:

Testimonial to Rev Father Carroll
On the last visit of his Lordship the Bishop of Lismore to Europe, he met the Rev Father Edward Carroll, who was then engaged in the English mission. Father Carroll was not, at that time, in robust health, and thinking that the Australian climate would be better for him than that of England, offered his services to his Lordship, and was accepted. Prior to his leaving England he was the recipient of many tributes of esteem from his late parishioners and from his brother priests. He arrived in Lismore in December, 1900, and almost immediately won the affections of the Catholics here. His urbanity, unassuming demeanour, his gentleness, his piety and his great zeal endeared him to everyone with whom his sacred duties brought him into contact. Unfortunately the climate here did not suit him, and after a short say of 15 or 16 months, Father Carroll left us, much to the regret of everyone, for Rockhampton, where he is now located.(2)

This address was accompanied by a purse of sixty sovereigns. Fr Carroll replied from Rockhampton on August 11 1902:

I thank all my friends in Byron Bay, Bangalow, Clunes, Alstonville, Rous, Marlivale, Ballina, Coraki and Wardell. I can only beg of the Almighty to bless one and all, enriching them with the rich treasures of graces ever flowing in copious streams from the inexhaustible fount of Divine Love.(3)

In 1903 Fr Carroll was residing at William Street in Rockhampton when he was registered to officiate at marriages in Queensland. From 1904 to 1907 he was stationed in Longreach. In Dr Duhig's time he was appointed to Mount Morgan. By 1912 he was back in Rockhampton. Fr Carroll got to know the Josephite Sisters, who had returned to that diocese in 1900. By 1915 the sisters were conducting five schools in the Rockhampton diocese.

In 1909 Fr Carroll prior to a trip to his native Dublin visited Mother Mary of the Cross, MacKillop. She asked him to seek Irish girls for the Sisters of St Joseph. On 11 February 1910 Fr Carroll returned to Australia bringing with him eleven young women to join the Australian Sisters of St Joseph. Again in 1913 he visited Ireland. On 15 January 1914 he returned with thirteen young women to join the Sisters.(4)

In April 1914 Fr Carroll was appointed parish priest of St Patrick's parish Allora. He built the presbytery which was opened later that year. He then planned to build a convent, with boarding facilities. Archbishop Duhig opened this convent on 23 January 1916. The first church building had served as a school after a new church was opened in 1898. This building was moved east of the present school to serve for the education of one hundred and eight pupils on opening day 24 January 1916. Among those pupils were four Long boys whose father had died from cancer in 1912: Ray, Ernie (my father), Arthur and Frank. Their young sister Margaret Martina began school in 1917.(5) The family always had a deep affection for Fr Carroll and the Josephite Sisters and their foundress Mother Mary of the Cross.

Father Carroll built a brick church at Deuchar which was opened in 1919 by Archbishop Duhig. Ernie Long, as an altar boy, was proud that he was the cross-bearer at the blessing. One day Fr Carroll took young Ernie out of class to help him. That is all he told the sisters. Fr Carroll asked Ernie to accompany him to Hendon where Fr Carroll was to board the train for Warwick. Ernie was to return the sulky to Allora and house the sulky and pony. They missed the train. So Father Carroll drove on into Warwick. He asked Ernie make some purchases at Johnston's store and saw that he had a sandwich and cup of tea at the presbytery. He then asked the twelve year old to drive the sulky back to Allora; put it away and rub down the pony. By the time Dad arrived at the railway gates at Deuchar, on the old Warwick/Allora road, it was dark and the sulky had no lights. The family at the gatehouse gave him a cup of tea and a sandwich. The nuns, Ernie's mother and siblings were distraught. They did not know where Fr Carroll had taken Ernie. As dad housed the sulky and brushed down the pony his elder brother Ray entered the sulky shed and said where the hell have you been?

My grandmother, who lived to 98 years of age, retained photographs of Fr Carroll; a shrine erected to honour local soldiers killed in the Great War; and of a first Communion class.

Fr Carroll attended the ordination of Thomas Lalor in St Stephens's on 23 December 1916.(6) He was also present at the investiture of James Duhig with the pallium on 1 October 1917.(7) Archbishop Duhig visited Allora parish in 1917 and 1918 and then to open the Deuchar church in 1919. He was also present at the farewell to Fr Carroll in Allora on 24 March 1919.(8) Fr Carroll seemed to have a special bond with James Duhig.

In 1920 the Warwick Daily News reported:

Fr J (sic) Carroll, late of Allora, has returned to Queensland, after a world tour of eighteen months' duration, which included America, Ireland, Great Britain, and the Continent.(9)

During his time in Ireland he was recruiting more young women to join the Australian Josephites. On 9 November 1920 he had arrived back in Australia with 32 postulants.

Fr Carroll spent some time in the parish of Enoggera. He would have been an assistant to the ailing Fr Michael Gallagher. He would have been there when Fr Gallagher was succeeded by Fr Thomas Lalor whose ordination Fr Carroll had attended in 1916.

Another nineteen young women arrived on 5 September 1923 and fifty-two on 23 December 1925. On 22 March of that year the Sisters of St Joseph's General Chapter voted unanimously to open a house in Ireland where postulants would be submitted to a test prior to being sent to the novitiate in Sydney. They purchased a large house called Newmarket Court in County Cork; which became St Joseph's Convent and Juniorate. The first community took up residence there on 1 November 1927.(10)

Fr Carroll retired to Dublin to live with his two sisters at Avoca on North Circular Road; however, he continued to have an influence on the order. …

He came to Newmarket the year before he died, arriving on Christmas Eve suffering from the flu which was raging at the time. The Sisters nursed him throughout the weeks till his death on Sunday 9 February 1941. Fr Carroll held a special place in the story of vocations to the Sisters of St Joseph, and the sisters felt honoured to accompany him.(11)

Fr Carroll’s grave in Ireland [photograph] (12)

Footnotes
1. Clare Aherne, The Letter under the Pillow, Dublin, 2016, p. 180.
2. Catholic Press, Sydney, 30 Aug 1902, p. 21.
3. Ibid.
4. Clare Aherne, op. cit. pp. 180ff.
5. Catherine Crowley, Still Shining - 100 Years of Education, St Patricks Allora 1916-2916, pp. 2-3.
6. Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 28 Dec 1916, p. 13.
7. Daily Standard, Brisbane, 2 Oct 1917, p. 4.
8. Telegraph, Brisbane, 27 Mar 1919, p. 8.
9. Warwick Daily News, 18 Dec 1920, p. 4.
10. Clare Aherne, op. cit., p. 181 and p. 194 to 206.
11. Ibid. p. 187.
12. Sister Genevieve Carroll rsj, Photograph of the headstone over Fr Carroll's grave, taken in 2009.

Reproduced by permission of Fr Denis Long.