James Vincent Cleary was born in Dungarvan on 18th September 1828. His father Thomas (1792-1871) was a merchant and ship owner of Main Street. His mother was Margaret O'Brien (1800-1858) who was related to the Fenian F.X. O'Brien.Rev. Cleary was appointed Parish Priest of Dungarvan on 13th February 1876. In 1881 he was made Bishop of Kingston.
This painting hung in the convent of the Presentation Sisters in Dungarvan.
