He graduated from the Wexford Christian Brothers' School in 1865 and worked for his father's granite business.

[1] He and his father immigrated to the United States in 1870 and worked as a marble and granite cutter.

[1] He was the Democratic nominee for Secretary of the State in 1890, however electoral challenges and a legislative deadlock prevented him from being seated.

[3] After his time in office ended in 1897, there were 210 councils and nearly 17,000 members located in ten states.

[3] Phelan also served as chairman of the Connection delegation to the Catholic Congress and president of the Bridgeport chapter of the Irish National Land League.