Dr. James Keefe the founder of St. Patrick's, Carlow College, was Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin for over 35 years (1752-1787). He lived most of his time at Tullow, Co. Carlow. Aged over 80 he was charged with the setting up of Carlow College in 1782, Following the passing of Luke Gardiner’s Act of relief of some penal laws regarding Catholic education in 1782.He was preceded by Bishop James Gallagher in 1737 and succeeded by Bishop Daniel Delany in 1787, who was his co-adjutor Bishop and also helped in the foundation of Carlow College.