Cardinal D'Alton was seen to be more ecumenical in outlook than other members of the Irish hierarchy.

Until 1970, the Irish Catholic hierarchy discouraged Catholics from attending the university.

"He did say . . . 'if I can really pick a row with the Irish hierarchy, I'll be made.'"

The Irish hierarchy are not anticipating a miraculous recovery to form this season.

On 10 October 1916 they received permission from the Irish hierarchy to establish a "mission house for the training of Irish missionaries for China."

The Irish hierarchy immediately campaigned against what was for them a drastic solution.

Casey was highly influential in the Irish Catholic hierarchy, and served as bishop until his resignation in 1992.

Grains were so scarce that the Irish hierarchy of the Catholic Church allowed Catholics to eat meat four days each week during Lent.

He also approved the appointments of all the Irish Catholic hierarchy, who were drawn from his most fervent supporters.

He astutely fostered relationships with the Irish hierarchy, on whom he relied for students, often becoming their official Roman agent.