St John of God Healthcare, Australia visits Russell Library

The Russell Library welcomed a group from St John of God Healthcare, Australia on Friday, 31st August. The group were particularly interested in the collection of Dr. Thomas Furlong (1802-1875). Dr. Furlong was Professor of Theology at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth before becoming Bishop of Ferns in 1857. He went on to establish the Sisters of St. John of God, a congregation which helped the sick and needy population in post-famine Ireland. Members of this organisation later travelled from Wexford to Australia where they established a number of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Visit this link for more information on the history of this organisation.