He was educated at St. Patrick's Grammar School, Armagh, and thereafter studied for the priesthood at St Patrick's College, Maynooth (where he recalled not being allowed to ask questions: "everything was very straightforward"). He was ordained in 1956.
He attended St. Patrick's Grammar School in Armagh for his education before going on to study for the priesthood at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth.  He recalled that he wasn't allowed to ask questions during his studies there ("everything was very straightforward"). He was ordained in 1956.