He became the Church of Ireland curate in Silvermines, and vicar of Nenagh in County Tipperary, while remaining active in the now republican cause. He spied for the United Irishmen, carried messages and swore in new members. During the rebellion of 1798 he was chased by the Yeomanry from Nenagh to Newport, caught and imprisoned in Limerick.
He served as the Church of Ireland curate in Silvermines and vicar of Nenagh in County Tipperary while continuing his involvement with the republican cause. He worked for the United Irishmen by spying, delivering messages, and initiating new members. During the 1798 rebellion, he was chased from Nenagh to Newport by Yeomanry forces, apprehended, and imprisoned in Limerick.