Born in Newry, County Down in 1940, he completed his early studies at St Colman's College in
Newry followed by a spell at St Kieran's College in Kilkenny.
Other educational milestones were a B.A. from University
College, Dublin and an M.Sc in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Following his ordination in 1963, he served in St James', Coatbridge; St David's,
Plains; St Theresa's, Newarthill; St Monica's, Coatbridge and St Columba's, Viewpark. He then went
to the Catholic Chaplaincy of Glasgow University where he served from 1977 to
1993. He was named a Prelate of Honour in 1988. An Honorary Doctorate of Divinity was bestowed upon him
in the Millenium Year, in recognition of his contribution to the life of the University.
In 1993, he became the first Rector of the new National Seminary of Scotus College
in Bearsden. In 1999 he became Parish Priest here in St Ignatius, Wishaw.
He has instigated the renewal of the appearance of the church both outside and inside.
He has many years ahead of him if he is to live up to the years
served by many of the former Parish Priests.
Retiring as Parish Priest in 2012, he remained in residence
until February 2025 when he retired to his home town of Newry.