[1] He graduated from De La Salle College Waterford and the University of Dublin and worked as a schoolteacher.
[5][6] In February 1937, Moynihan was appointed executive director of the city of Boston's welfare department.
He removed three unqualified relatives of politically connected people from the city's welfare roles, but despite public pressure, refused to name the officials in order to keep his department's records confidential.
[3] On June 7, 1938, Moynihan issued an order that granted all state workers the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining, but not strike.
[8] Hurley's Republican successor, Leverett Saltonstall, chose not to reappoint Moynihan and on December 29, 1941, he was succeeded by Massachusetts Senate President Angier Goodwin.
His funeral mass was held at St. Theresa Church in West Roxbury and said by Bishop Jeremiah Francis Minihan.