The disclosures before the Parnell Commission, the O'Shea divorce proceedings, the downfall of Mr Parnell and the disruption of the Irish party, assisted him in his task; but the fact remains that by persistent courage and undeviating thoroughness he reduced crime in Ireland to a vanishing point.
In February Parnell again showed his power by forcing Captain O'Shea upon the unwilling electors of Galway.
The Nationalist leader seemed to stand higher than ever, but the writ in the divorce proceedings, brought by Captain O'Shea against his wife, with the Irish leader as co-respondent, was hanging over him.
Dawn O'Shea was selected for the inter-counties cross-country team.
Keegan's corner was met at the far post by a Cusack header which beat goalkeeper Alan O'Shea.
