Fr. John was born in Rosemount, Athenry on the 5th of August 1934, one of a family of six. He attended the local national school and went to the Redemptorist College in Limerick in 1947 for his secondary school education. He proceeded to the novitiate in Esker in 1952 and made his religious profession in September 1953. Following studies in UCG and Cluain Mhuire (the Redemptorist House of Studies), he was ordained to the priesthood in September 1960.
Fr. John was a member of the Redemptorist Communities in Limerick and Belfast between 1961 and 1967, he was then transferred to Marianella in Dublin. It was in Dublin that he spent much the greater part of his life. He lived in Esker, near Athenry, from 2018 to 2022 and came to Dundalk in August 2022 when the monastery in Esker was closed. He settled quickly and well into his new surroundings. Because of significant health issues, Fr. John’s ministry was very limited throughout his whole life. In recent years he needed assistance, and he greatly appreciated the care of the nurses and carers both in Esker and, more recently, in Dundalk who were very good to him along with the support of his confreres.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
