Born in Clonmel 12 May 1820.
Grew to manhood amid scenes of a harrowing nature in his native county Tipperary: and as soon as he was able to wield a pen to any effect he entered into the cause of the oppressed with all the enthusiasm of his fervid nature. He wrote strong articles in the newspaper and edited the “Munster Citizen” in 1848. First a repealer he came afterwards one of that brilliant crowd of patriots called “Young Irelanders”. With them he went heart and soul. On account of some articles written by himself or inserted on his responsibility he was cast into Clonmel Jail to be tried for high treason. By some flaw in the indictment he was released from prison without being tried and found himself as he went forth friendless and penniless.
His life was a chequered one from this time until he became acquainted with Father Ignatius Spencer about 1857. This acquaintance ripened into a life long friendship of the sincerest mutual affection.
Mr. O’Grady entered the Congregation of Passionists 18 March 1859.
He got a stroke of paralysis three years before his death after he had said a requiem Mass, his last.