Joseph Shiel

Joseph Shiel (17 February 1873 – 7 April 1931) was a Roman Catholic priest in Australia. He was the Roman Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton from 26 January 1913 until his death on 7 April 1931.

Early life Joseph Shiel was born on 17 February 1873 at Swainstown, Killmessan, County Meath, Ireland, the son of Richard Shiel and his wife Ann (née Smyth). He was educated at the local National School. In March 1901 he was transferred as assistant at St Mary's in Collingwood. In March 1903 he was transferred to St Peter's and St Paul's in South Melbourne. When his five year term had expired, Shiel wished to remain in Australia. Joseph Higgins, the Bishop of Rockhampton, was visiting Ireland in 1903 and, being a native of Meath, Higgins visited that diocese where he asked the Bishop of Meath to consent to Shiel remaining in Australia because of the great need for priests in Australia. The Bishop of Meath agreed for Shiel to remain, suggesting that he might assist Higgins in Rockhampton. as James Duhig was being transferred to be the Titular Archbishop of Amica and Coadjutor to the Archbishop of Brisbane, Robert Dunne. On 26 January 1913, Shiel was consecrated as Bishop of Rockhampton at Maynooth College by Archbishop Daniel Mannix, the ceremony having been delayed due to Shiel's illness. On Sunday 11 May 1913, Shiel was enthroned at St Joseph's Cathedral in Rockhampton by James Duhig.

Later life Shield died on 7 April 1931 aged 58 years at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Rockhampton, Queensland following a long illness.