Ryans of Kilmihil?

I'm looking for information on Pat and Mary Ryan of Kilmihil to try and understand the background of their daughters who were founders of the Mercy Sisters in Hokitika New Zealand in 1878.  The two girls were Mary Ryan, born in 1855 although she doesn't seem to be in the Kilmihil baptismal register, and Catherine born in 1858, who is on the register.  There was also a younger brother Thady, baptised in May 1860.  Mary entered the Mercy Convent at Ennis, Co Clare and was professed as Sister Mary Claver in 1876.  In 1878 she was one of a small band of young Ennis nuns who came out to New Zealand to establish a foundation in Hokitika.  Kate was also part of the band as a postulant.  She was professed as Sister Mary Columba in New Zealand in 1879.  The two Ryans had long and distinguished lives in New Zealand. Mother Claver, as she became, was a distinguished teacher who was Mother Superior in several Mercy houses in New Zealand and lived to 91 years, dying in 1946.  Catherine died in 1942 aged 83.  

Pat Ryan must be common name in any part of Ireland at just about any period of history.  But this Pat must have been pretty well to do to have two of his daughters enter a convent with the costly dowry payment that this would have required.  I also wonder where the Ryan girls got their own educations as they were highly regarded teachers, Mother Claver being noted for her languages, and Sister Columba for her music.  Would they get an advanced education in Kilmihil in the 1860s? Or would they have gone overseas, to France or England?  If the latter, Pat Ryan must have had deep pockets.  I am not related to these women but am writing a history of one of the schools that Mary Ryan (Mother Claver) founded and would like to understand more of her personal background.  Any local knowledge would be much appreciated.

Regards

Se?n Brosnahan