 He was born in Piltown, County Kilkenny, Ireland.He studied at Maynooth seminary and the Biblical Institute, Rome was ordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1968 for the Diocese of Ossory Following this was two years of parish work at St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny and Ballycallan parishes.He taught Scripture in St Kieran's College, Kilkenny (1973–80) before returning to study in Rome and concurrently serving as Spiritual Director at the Pontifical Irish College, Rome (1980–85).