When William John Burke married the Widow Kennedy in August 1843, he was still a Catholic Priest. The scandal created by the marriage forced the couple to leave the church. Sometime between that date and April 1844 he and his bride converted to Protestantism. It is unclear if he left the church of his own validation or he was invited to leave. When he changed religion he was married in his new faith on 13 April 1844 at Kilfenora Church Co. Clare. Unlike his first this wedding was not kept secret and was announced in the papers, customary at the time.
After the marriage the couple retreated to Castlelodge House, William John Burke’s original home near Kinvara, Co Galway. But what came after their marriage the couple did their best to keep as secret.
Sources
Lancaster Gazette February 21, 1846. Page 2
Hereford Journal April 17, 1844. P2.