When Fr. Henry Doran, later to become Canon, arrived in Tullylish on 31st. March 1936, the parishioners must have felt legitimate pride in their achievements, in having three well-maintained churches and two parochial houses recently renovated to an acceptably high standard.

Fr. Albert McGovern was appointed curate in Laurencetown in July 1946. He readily accepted the challenge to provide the necessary accommodation for a parish youth club. Fr. McGovern purchased two U.S. army Nissan huts for £ 180, had them erected by voluntary labour and so St. John Bosco Youth Club was opened in 1947. For 38 years it served the needs of two generations.

On 6th November 1948 the tolling bell informed the parishioners that their beloved priest, Canon Doran, had died suddenly during the night. The sadness evoked by his unexpected death was keenly felt by his parishioners.