 He was ordained as a deacon in 1939 and as a priest in 1940.He was the incumbent of Castleventry with Ardfield from 1943 to 1948, with Kilmeen from 1947 to 1948, Rector of Kilmocomogue and Rural Dean of Glansalney West and Bere from 1948 to 1952 and Canon of Kilbrittain in Cork Cathedral, and Canon of Donoughmore in Cloyne Cathedral from 1949 to 1952.He served as Dean of Cork 1952–62, Dean of Leighlin, 1962–63; Bishop of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin 1962–77 and Archbishop of Dublin 1977–85.