Matthew Russell (priest)

[5] A memoir of Russell by Rosa Mulholland (as Lady Gilbert) records a conversation of Richard O'Kennedy with him, around 1871, in which the phrase "Catholic Ireland" and a religious periodical were linked.

[7] Around 1864 he had been interested in the Messenger of the Sacred Heart and had contacted the editor of its English version, William Meagher (or Maher, another anglicisation of Ó Meachair, 1823–1877).

[8] In the first issue (July 1873) it was made clear the importance laid on 30 March 1873, when a consecration of Ireland to the Sacred Heart was performed.

[11] The change of title to Irish Monthly has been attributed to persuasion from friends and supporters, who included Lady Monteagle, daughter of the Protestant bishop Samuel Butcher.

[4][15] William Delany, a friend of Russell's, noted the work he did in bringing young writers to notice.