 After the hostilities ended, while he still maintained an interest in political matters, he was, and became, much more interested in the spiritual well-being of his flock.Byrne was very involved with the pastoral workings of the diocese and was extremely interested in the changing social conditions.He had a parish of over 20,000 people, many of whom were living in sub-standard conditions, and who had to be re-housed in new estates in the suburbs.