He was the founder of the Irish Congregation of the Christian Brothers. As a young man, Ignatius worked with his uncle and inherited his business. He had married and at the age of 25 lost his wife and was left with his sick daughter. He then dedicated himself to do works of charity. Even though he saw the economic and political problems of his time, he longed to dedicate his life to a contemplative life. But the bishop pointed out there were many abandoned youth in the streets. Edmund sold his business, made arrangements to tend to the needs of his daughter and opened a school. In little time, he opened three schools. With some friends, he founded the Presentation Brothers.