 He is the eldest of the five children of John and Delia Lee, who ran a public house and auctioneering business in the town.Lee received his early education at the local Convent of Mercy and Boys' National Schools and later went to Rockwell College.He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick's College, Maynooth and was ordained for the priesthood in the Diocese of Cashel and Emly on 19 June 1966.