Born: 27 May 1920, Frere Street, Belfast, County Antrim
Entered: 07 September 1940, St Mary's, Emo, County Laois

Left Society of Jesus: 27 June 1941

Father, Alfred, was a Corporation labourer, Mother was Elizabeth (McDonnell) Family lived at Getty Street, Falls Road, Belfast.

Eldest of four boys with one sister.

Educated at St Paul’s Kindergarten school in Belfast and then at St Peter’s Primary School, Raglan Street, Belfast. He then spent a year at St Joseph’s JT School, Hardinge Street, Belfast. He left school and sought work getting a job at A & P Lavery Pawnbrokers and Jewellers, Falls Road for three years. In 1938 he was enabled to go to Mungret College SJ

Baptised at St Peter's Cathedral, St Peter’s Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, 29/05/1920
Conformed at St Peter's Cathedral, St Peter’s Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, by Dr Mageean of Down and Connor, 09/03/1931