Fr Bartholomew Cavanagh was appointed Parish Priest of Knock & Aghamore in 1867 where he served for thirty years.   In 1875, the honour of Archdeacon was conferred on him by Archbishop of Tuam,   Most Rev.  Dr John McHale.    Archbishop John McHale was a legendary figure in Ireland at the time, he was known as the “Lion of the West”.   According to Liam Ua Cadhain in his book titled “Venerable Archdeacon Cavanagh” the great Archbishop John McHale did not place honours lightly, nor did he suffer fools gladly.   It is important to mention that the use of the prefix “Venerable” is the ordinary courtesy title applied to the dignity of an Archdeacon.   Many will be aware that this title can also be used as one of the milestones on the path to canonisation, it is obviously not used in this context here but hopefully one day it will.