Cirrus@Austlit

O'Farrell was educated at Marist Brothers High School, Greymouth, New Zealand and at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. After marrying in 1956 he moved to Australia and took up a position at the Australian National University, Canberra (where he also undertook his PhD research). O'Farrell was the author of major works and many journal articles on Australian history, including several books relating to the Roman Catholic Church in Australia. Following surgery and a severe stroke in 1977, O'Farrell continued his writing with substantial assistance from his wife, Deidre O'Farrell (nee McShane).