John was born in Knock, Co. Mayo on 28^th June 1927 and educated in Knock National School and St. Jarleth’s, Tuam before joining the Columbans in 1944. Ordained in 1950 he was assigned to the Philippines and was one of the first group of Columbans to open a mission in Zambales province.

John worked initially in San Felipe, then in Castillejos before becoming pastor of Cabangan in 1961.  He took on the role of Columban director in the pro-region of Zambales for six years from 1969.  He then continued his work in the parishes of Santa Cruz, San Narciso, Olongapo and Iba until his health problems surfaced in 1988. John was one of those Columbans who can be credited with the creation of a Catholic school system in the province despite strong opposition from the Manila authorities.