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FR. DARTER
Telephone:
95751.
Holy Ghost Missionary College,
Kimmage, Dublin.
2023-06-14 / 658
Sunday 15 May 1949
ASte,
Very Reverend and dear Father Master,
Since writing the enclosed letter, I have had a visit from Brother Barry, whom you will have forgiven my calling 'Ino' - it. I feel that I should add a few words to what I have written, since it the talk I had with him cleared up a few hours I was rather vague on. I stook carnally to him and found him very open and sincere. He told me that he had sent you his found application this morning. He stook of his earlier ideas of a vocation when he was a young man, but he says that he "was put off" - whatever that may mean. Probably his father discouraged the idea - although his mother would hardly have allowed any obstacle to he put in the way of Brother Barry really wanted to become a friend.
I do not think the question of his 'drinking' should become public, even to

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I
Kinniage Mane,
Dublin.
Strictly Confidential
Sept. May 14th, 1949
Ste,
Very Reverend and deer Father Master,
In respect to your letter concerning your fortune, I have been able to getten together a few facts which may be of interest to you. I never like acting as the 'Devil's Deliverate', but what follows can be rouchsafed for and has been got from reliable sources. I menaged it without suggesting that anyone was looking for information, so its face value may be the more trustworthy in that it was given in an informal way.
Inv. spent some years at Townly College Dublin, but went on to Combridge where he looks his degree in law. While at College he took to drinking rather heavily and this came against him when he began to practice. I knew a solicitor who 'briefed' him twice. The work was well done, but I was soon had a reputation such as was not helpful to him getting work. In all fairness it is worth adding that his father, a highly respectable doctor, was also addicted to drink, so that it may have been more a 'family' weakness than a 'personal' one. I was always had plenty of friends who used to take him in hand now and again when he went off to tracts rather badly. They got him to take the 'Hedge' as more than a few occasions, with some

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I
Kinniage Man,
Dublin.
Strictly Confidential
Sept. May 14th, 1949
Ste,
Very Reverend and dear Father Master,
In respect to your letter concerning your fortune, I have been able to getten together a few facts which may be of interest to you. I never like acting as the 'Davil's Delevelate', but what follows can be rouchsafed for and has been got from reliable sources. I menaged it without suggesting that anyone was looking for information, so its face value may be the more trustworthy in that it was given in an informal way.
In repent some years at Torrito, College Dublin, but went on to Combridge where he looks his degree in law. While at College he took to drinking rather heavily and this came against him when he began to practice. I knew a solicitor who 'briefed' him twice. The work was well done, but I was soon had a reputation such as was not helpful to him getting work. In all fairness it is worth adding that his father, a highly respectable doctor, was also addicted to drink, so that it may have been more a 'family' weakness than a 'personal' one. I was always had plenty of friends who used to take him in hand new and again when he went off the tracts rather badly. They got him to take the 'Hedge' as more than a few occasions, with some

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effect. Just before the war broke out he had been keeping his 'Pledge' for quite a good period and all was well - so his friends thought. Unfortunately before joining the army he was showntold by a Territorial friend that he need not be expected to keep the 'Pledge' once he was in the army. There his troubles began again and he had some load lapses. Since his return to Ireland last September he has again taken the 'Pledge' - and kept it. All this shows that he has a great deal of wild-house when he has himself in check, and I have been assured that there is no more steady person than Two when he can keep off the drink - as he has been doing for the past few months.
He has always been considered a 'religious' person and has kept his faith and conditions all through his army experiences. It seems that he one time thought he had a vocation as a young man of eighteen years; but his life at Trinity and Cambridge was a handrick to any development of a Vocation. It is very probable that this idea of a 'vocation' has sterped into him all along and the food is now at last giving him the necessary grace and courage.
This 'love-affairs' have been many, and all, though hamlers in nature, ended in the same way. He was considered too much of a drinker.

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3.
The loss always been found of children and shotke some short time ago of adopting a child is he unless not get movied.
While in Germany he had that accident which I believe has still the effect of giving his moments of regretters. But of late the effects have almost completely worn off and during his stay at Glensted I didn't notice anything strange in his way of acting. He would though, I think, before joining you, need a Doctor's categorical saying that this head-injury was not end of a nature as to effect his brain. Perhaps again this very accident has been a frondential means of lingering him to the realisation of his position and it certainly has worked worthless regards as his giving up drinking.
I need not add that he has been a constant worry to his family. His mother is a very religious and pioneer lady and Iros has undoubtedly inherited his religious character from her. It would be a great consolation for his family and his friends is he did join Glensted and fervened there. They would not mock at his action but would feel that he was doing a very great thing and that forkets all Iros's worries have been caused by the fact that god wanted him for kindly all along.
I do that think that it would be fair to put Iros in the same category as Dr. Flood. The latter is a very old character and very very

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clear. It seems very humble and has a sense of humour while Dr. Flood never cultivated. Then again he is a younger man and has the ability to restore life again. I personally, you what I saw of him at Glental, was impressed, and I feel (knowing his mother and his aunt) that someone has been praying for him and that god is now answering that prayer.
I trust that there few remarks will belt you to make your decision. You will, I know, use your discretion with all I say, for It would be rather shocked to see all this written about him. However I feel sure that once he gets to know you, he will give you more information than I have done. If would I can be of further help to you in this matter I shall be only too pleased to do anything I can.
One last word. It has been so long and of Dublin that very few people know him at all. His former acquaintances have nothing but extreme and affection for him. Thus his entering the monestery will not be in the papers and will not cause any stris in professional circles. In that way you need not fear that he will be sitted an 'advertisement' or also 'Stigma' for the monestery.
I have written frankly and thoughtfully, but I trust you will forgive the many families note,
Your affectionately in XD.
LOLIE HARLEY
J. Mark.