The Rev. Jno. O'Mahony, The Southern Cross, Adelaide, 16 July 1897, p 7, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166435199:

In a letter to his relatives in Adelaide, the Rev. Jno. O'Mahony who was ordained in Rome last month after a very successful theological course, stated that he would celebrate his first Mass in the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, the second in the St. Calixta Catacomb, and also in St. Peter's, and at the far-famed altar of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. He expects to reach Australia in September. The Rev. Father O'Mahony met Mrs. Kingston and the premier at the Propaganda, and had to act the part of interpreter. He secured for them, through Monsignor Cammessei, an interview with the Pope. Father O'Mahony is now travelling through Switzerland, and after visiting France, England, and Ireland, expects to return to his native shore.

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The Government Gazette. The Marriage Act, Adelaide Observer, 6 November 1897, p 25, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162383995:

The Rev. J. O'Mahony, Catholic, of Pekina, has been enrolled as an officiating minister.

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Petersburg Catholic School Concert, Petersburg Times, 8 October 1897, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109456585:

The pupils attending the Petersburg Catholic School, conducted by the Sisters of St. Joseph, gave a most successful concert in the Town Hall on Friday last, the 1st inst. [...] Among the audience were the Right Rev. Dr. Maher, the Bishop of Port Augusta, the Very Rev. J. H. Norton, Vicar General, the Very Rev. R. Doyle (Carrieton), the Rev. S. Karlinga, S.J. (Jamestown), the Rev. M. Ward, and the Rev. J. O. Mahony. [...]

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Country News, The Southern Cross, Adelaide, 19 November 1897, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166436206:

Quorn, November 7.
The Rev. Father O'Mahony, who was lately appointed to Port Augusta, preached a very impressive sermon to-day at Quorn, and also in the evening. We are to have Mass in our church every Sunday instead of every fortnight. This was a long-felt want. [...]

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Farewell Social to the Rev. Father Doyle, Petersburg Times, 22 April 1898, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128027294:

A social was held in the Quorn R.C. Church on Friday, 15th, to bid good-bye to Father Doyle who was leaving for Pekina next day. Mr Scanlon presided and was supported on his left by Mr A. McDonald (Sacred Heart Society), Miss Linrane (Girls Friendly) and on the right by Father Doyle. The Chairman briefly referred to the good work Father Doyle had done during his ministration in Quorn and his good general spirit, always ready to help or advise. The evening's programme consisted of an overture, the "Pope's March," by Mrs Cahill; the "Holy City," by Mr Benda; "Faces we never forget," Miss M. McConville; " Ave Maria," Mr Lamprey; "Come Back to Erin," Mrs Cahill; Duet "O salutaris," Messrs Benda and Lamprey. During the evening the Chairman presented Father Doyle with a handsome illuminated address beautifully designed and executed by Mr John Veale which reflects great credit on this gentleman. Father Doyle was also the recipient of a purse of sovereigns subscribed by his friends in Quorn. Father Doyle in a very touching address responded and urged them to push on the good work they had so long followed; hoped to meet them again and thanked them for the unexpected gift, after which the Sisters school children sang Auld lang Syne. Light refreshments were handed round by the ladies and a most pleasant evening was spent.

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Quorn, The Chronicle, Adelaide, 18 February 1905, p 14, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88422789:

February 12.— The news that the Rev. Father O'Mahoney had received a call to the Port Pirie parish was received to-day with general regret, both by Protestants and Roman Catholics. By his genial character and generous nature he had won the esteem of all, whilst his many years of hard work in these drought-stricken parts amongst his church people have won the admiration and love of all his flock. During his eight years residence here he has succeeded in reducing the debt on the Quorn Church from £700 to £152, and the Port Augusta Cathedral from £800 to £200. He is to take charge of the Port Pirie parish, and the Rev. Father Kirby succeeds him here, and the Rev. Father Lecky is coming from Pekina as assistant. The departing minister leaves on Tuesday for his new parish.

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Port Augusta Diocese. Farewell to Father O'Mahony, Southern Cross, Adelaide, 24 February 1905, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166962375:

A valedictory social was tendered to Rev. Father O'Mahony in the Hawker Institute on Thursday evening, 16th inst., by his friends in Cradock, Hookina, and Hawker.

The chairman (Dr. P. F. Shanahan) referred to the general regret they felt at the removal of Rev. Father O'Mahony from the Port Augusta parish, where he had labored strenuously for eight years, and endeared himself to all classes. The large and representative assemblage present that evening was an outward sign that expressed more than words could convey how we esteemed our guest, and yet the district being so large, the short notice of his removal prevented many who so desired from being present. He had great pleasure in presenting to their revered parish priest, as an evidence of their esteem, a suitably-inscribed silver dressing-case, and a token from the children.

The Rev. Father Kirby, in supporting the chairman's remarks, mentioned that it was a pleasure to work in conjunction with such a noble and ideal priest, and the mere fact that our worthy Bishop (Right Rev. Dr. Maher) had deemed it desirable to promote the Rev. Father O'Mahony to the most populous parish in the diocese, was sufficient testimony that the painstaking services and unselfish labors of their parish priest had been recognised by the highest authority, as well as the congregations to whom the Rev. Father had ministered. To ourselves who were losing him, this was our only solace, and he could congratulate Port Pirie on the choice that had been made.

Mr. Hooper, on behalf of the Gordon people, Mr. McAulay representing Cradock, and Mr. Madigan, a delegate from Hookina, also referred in heartfelt terms to the widespread regret felt at Father O'Mahony's departure.

Father O'Mahony having suitably responded, a programme of dancing and music was gone through, supper being provided by the ladies. About 150 were present, and the ladies are to be congratulated on the manner in which the social arrangements were conducted.

The Rev. Father Kirby is announced as Father O'Mahony's successor; he has been but a short time in the district, but has made a host of friends. He will have the Rev. Father Lecky as assistant.

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Death of Fr. O'Mahony, of Port Pirie. Requiem Office and Mass at the Cathedral. Address by the Archbishop, Supplement to The Southern Cross, Adelaide, 24 February 1922, p 1,http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167027874:

The Adelaide Archdiocese has suffered severely in recent months through the death of prominent priests. It is now its turn to sympathise with the diocese of Port Augusta, which has lost one of its best known and most esteemed priests in the person of the Rev. John O'Mahony, who died on Saturday night, after a long illness. He was 52 years of age, and was born in Adelaide. He was educated at the Christian Brothers College, and later went to the Manly College, Sydney. Thence he went to Italy, and he completed his studies in Rome, where he was ordained. On his return to South Australia he was stationed at Port Augusta, as assistant to Fr. Doyle, and seven months later he became parish priest. In that capacity he was able to exercise his talent as a financier.

After staying eight years at Port Augusta, Fr. O'Mahony was transferred to Port Pirie seventeen years ago. Here he won the respect and esteem of all classes and creeds. He was largely responsible for paying off the liabilities on the convent, St. Mark's Church, and the presbytery. By his inspiration and help additions have been made to St. Mark's Church and the hall, and St. Andrew's new school, and the church at Warnertown have been built. Unostentatious philanthropy entered very largely into his nature, and he was characteristically broad-minded and tolerant in religious matters.

A few years ago Fr. O'Mahony went on a much-needed holiday to New Zealand. Unfortunately, he was stricken down there with typhoid, and his life was despaired of for a time. He recovered, however, after a long illness, and improved on his return to Port Pirie. Nevertheless his health has never been good since, and he has been seriously ill for some months.

Fr. O'Mahony was of a kind-hearted and generous disposition, especially where children were concerned, and was a familiar figure as a deeply interested spectator of the children's programme at the St. Patrick s Day sports. His death is lamented by all sections of the community in Port Pirie, and by many friends in Adelaide, and other parts of the State.

A Requiem Mass for the repose of Fr O'Mahony's soul was celebrated in St. Mark's Church, Port Pirie, on Tuesday morning, and as the body was removed to Adelaide for interment in the family vault, a Solemn Office and Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral on Wednesday morning. There was a large congregation, including the relatives of the deceased priest, officers of the H A.C.B.S. in Adelaide and Port Pirie, and the Rev. Bro. Purton (principal of the Christian Brothers' College). Mr. P. F. Kiley (Grand Secretary H.A.C.B.S.), by special request, represented St. Mark's Branch, of which Fr. O'Mahony was past-president, at the Requiem and funeral.

His Grace, the Archbishop, presided, being attended at the throne by Mgrs. Hourigan and Maher. Bishop Norton, of Port Augusta, was not able to attend, as he was on visitation on the West Coast. Among the priests in the choir were the following from Port Augusta diocese:—Ven. Archdeacon Doyle, Rev. Dr. Prendergast, and Rev. Frs. Kain, P. A. Connolly, Nesdale and O'Byrne. Fr. Kain was the celebrant of the Mass, with Rev. E. O'Connell as deacon, Rev. D. O'Connell, Sub-Deacon, and Rev. J. A. Gatzemeyer, Adm., master of ceremonies. A large number of priests from the city and suburbs were also present in the choir.

The remains of Fr. O'Mahony, which arrived by train on Tuesday evening, were placed in the Sanctuary in front of the High Altar, and after Mass the Last Absolution was given by his Grace the Archbishop.

The Archbishop, before giving the Absolution, said it was his sad duty to offer the sympathy of the priests and people of the archdiocese to the family of Fr. O'Mahony, and to the priests of the Port Augusta diocese. Fr. O'Mahony had been a faithful and good priest, and an honest, straightforward man. He was a great loss to his family, who had reason to be proud of him, and also to the diocese in which he had worked so zealously. There were not many priests in the diocese of Port Augusta, but they made up for fewness of numbers by zeal and hard work. Fr. O'Mahony had had his share of hard work, and though he had an easier time lately, he had fulfilled his duties conscientiously under trying circumstances.

The Archbishop concluded by asking the congregation to join their prayers with those of the priests on this official occasion, for the repose of the soul of Fr. O'Mahony. He hoped they would also remember him continually in their prayers. Fr. O'Mahony had suffered from a long illness, which was mentally, if not physically, painful. They might hope that he had undergone his purgatory on earth; and that not much was left for him to suffer. But when they thought on the awful holiness and purity of God and contrasted their own weakness and unworthiness, they felt that it would take a deal of washing and cleansing to make them pure enough to stand in the presence of God. He hoped therefore they would offer their prayers for the repose of Fr. O'Mahony's soul.

The funeral procession was then formed in front of the Cathedral, and proceeded to West Terrace Cemetery. The funeral was attended by the Archbishop and priests, the relatives of the deceased priest, and the representatives of the H.A.C.B.S. The pall-bearers were all members of St. Mark's Branch of the H.A.C.B. Society, viz.: Messrs. J. J. Hansen (Past President), D. N. McBride (treasurer), W. Welsh (vice-president), J. C. Fitzgerald, M.P., J. K. Lee, N. O'Connor. The Archbishop recited the prayers at the grave, the other priests joining in the responses. Mr. F. Siebert had charge of the funeral arrangements. R.I.P.

Obsequies at Port Pirie
On Tuesday morning at 7.30, the Office and Mass for the dead took place in St. Mark's Church. In the absence of His Lordship, Dr. Norton, who was away on the West Coast, and of Mgr. Mulcahy, who was ill, the Ven. Archdeacon Doyle, of Jamestown, who was Fr. O'Mahony's first parish priest, celebrated the Mass, and gave the Absolution. The singing of the children and members of Mary Sodality, and the fact that hundreds approached Holy Communion at the Masses, as well as the universal grief of the people, made the occasion one to be long remembered in Port Pirie. Fr. Prendergast, after Mass, expressed the sympathy of all for Fr. O'Mahony's family, and said he little expected when some nine years ago he came to Port Pirie as assistant to Rev. Fr. O'Mahony, to be called upon so soon to attend at the death-bed of his first parish priest, and make arrangements for his funeral. He could as a personal friend, understand the feelings of the people, and how they would wish to have Fr. O'Mahony buried in Port Pirie, so as to have with them, though dead, him whom they had loved in life, but they must take the wide view of things, and the big view, and remember that Fr. O'Mahony was not only a good priest, but a good citizen, and a true Australian, and they should send his remains to the most favored spot in all Australia. Fr. O'Mahony's friends were to be found throughout the length and breadth of Australia, and the family burial ground was suitable as his last resting place. He thanked all for their kindness and the faith displayed that morning, which was in itself a beautiful memorial in Pirie to Fr. O'Mahony. The men of the parish had watched over the remains all night in the church. The Sisters had been most helpful, and the affection of the children and young people for Fr. O'Mahony shown during the last few days was significant, and proved that Fr. O'Mahony's labor in Pirie had borne fruit. He asked the prayers of the congregation for the repose of the soul of Fr. O'Mahony, though they knew that the Lord would deal lightly with him who had dealt lightly with others; with him who was the friend of the poor and afflicted; with him who made everybody's troubles his own, and died a martyr to duty; with him who for years made a "home from home" for the young priests of the diocese of Port Augusta; with him who led so many hundreds of little children to the feet of Jesus— they should pray for Fr. O'Mahony. Fr. O'Mahony would pray for them, and help them all to come to him one day in Paradise.

The coffin was borne by members of the congregation to the railway station. Six bearers accompanied the remains to Adelaide. The funeral was a remarkable one. All Port Pirie shops closed, even the smelting authorities let the men free to attend. St. Mark's Band led the funeral, and then came the clergy, followed by the bearers, mourners, school children, children of Mercy, Sacred Heart, ladies, H.A.C.B.S., St. Mark's, football teams, Catholic Young Men's Guild, Catholic Federation, and general public, while waiting at the railway station Children of Mercy sang, and St. Mark's Band contributed suitable items. Port Augusta clergy present in Port Pirie—Ven. Archdeacon Doyle, Rev. Frs. O'Rourke, O'Halloran, Prendergast, Morrissey, Kain, Henschke, and Nesdale.

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Fr Frank Cresp, Good and Faithful Servants: Recalling the Spirit of the Deceased Priests of the Diocese of Port Augusta and Port Pirie 1888-2008, 2008:
O'Mahoney, John

Born: 12/12/1872 in Adelaide, SA.
Attended CBC, Wakefield St, Adelaide.
Surveyor.
Ordained: 13/6/1897 in Rome.
Diocesan Consultor 1921.
Worked in Port Augusta 1897-1904; Port Pirie 1905-1922.
Died: 19/2/1922. Aged 49. Buried West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide.
Front fence and gates at entrance to St Mark's Cathedral are in his memory.
First Australian-born to be ordained for the Diocese. C/F Redden, James.

(Reproduced with the approval of Sister Mary Cresp RSM)