In 1842, he organised the Repeal Reading Rooms, and established them in several towns—the first of these being in Newcastle, County Limerick—on his mission.

In 1844, Ray was charged with exciting disaffection in Ireland and he, along with O'Connell and a number of other traversers, was condemned to imprisonment in Richmond Jail.

[1] Upon the breaking up of the Repeal association, Ray obtained the post of Assistant Registrar of Deeds in Ireland, and held that office for many years.

He was the author of "A List of the Constituency of the City of Dublin Elections," which was published in 1835.

[1] Ray died at number 5 Leinster Road, Rathmines, on 5 January 1881 in Dublin.