I was born in rural Ireland in 1945. I went to local schools and then wondered what I would do on life’s journey. I was encouraged to consider a number of options, among them being the remote option of being a priest. I was encouraged by family and friends to offer my services. I was accepted and I was ordained priest in 1969.My first assignment was for five years here in St Columbkille’s and then on to St. James, Coatbridge, Langbank and Blairs (both colleges) and then back to Our Lady’s and St. Anne’s, Hamilton for two years.

Responding to the need for priests in South America, I was allowed to join the St. James Society and spend ten years in Peru. I was assigned to a mainly mountain parish at a  time of much change in the country. Two Polish Capuchins were killed in 1990 in the neighbouring parish.

Returning to Scotland in 1999 I was invited to go to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in East Kilbride and I spent ten very happy years there.  Then it was back to St. Columbkille’s in 2010, where it all started. My dream for this great parish is to further build community where so much work has been done by past generations.

On 1st June 2020, Bishop Toal agreed to my request to retire, having reached the age of 75.   I was delighted that he also agreed to me remaining in residence in St Columbkille’s where I will be happy to support Fr Bernard Mournian as our new Parish Priest.