Fr T.J. Linane, From Abel to Zundolovich, Vol. 2: Biographies of Priests on the Australian Scene up to 1900, 1980, p 7:

Byrne, Maurice, Archdeacon, Irish, Golden Jubilarian
Money-Spinner in Wangaratta
Money-spinners among the clergy in the arena of bazaars, balls, race meetings, etc. no longer get the kudos as of old. Even the successful cleric working on Wellsian or similar lines has to share the glamour (if any) with his parish committee and the givers. Just as well, we all agree! Among the priests that the writer has closely studied in newspaper files, high credit for a money-making ability would go to Monsignor Matthew Carey of West Melbourne, and next in line would be the subject under review. Maurice Byrne was born in Lesleton, in the southern part of County Kerry, in February 1864. All Hallows records state his parents were Patrick and Ellen. Early education was at the Killarney Junior Seminary, or perhaps at St. Kieran's Kilkenny. He first entered Carlow Seminary and transferred to All Hallows for theology studies, being ordained 24.6.1888 at the hand of Bishop James Moore of Ballarat. Arriving in Victoria that same year he was sent to Shepparton. About five years were spent as assistant at Benalla, and two to three years in charge of Yarrawonga, taking in the very Catholic area of Boosey-Burramine. Fifty-one years of priesthood were destined to be spent in the growing Wangaratta, where all the money-spinning activity took place in building up the parish complex. The Melbourne Advocate credits him with the raising of £14,000 up to the year 1913. Byrne was a Diocesan Consultor for what must be a near record term, 1901-1946. He died on 18.5.1946 at the age of 82, having attained his Golden Jubilee. Burial took place in the Wangaratta Church.
(Footprints, Vol. 1, No. 11)
Ref.: MDHC Files, Torquay per Sister Marcella, Wangaratta.