Dossier 4 - Kilkenny Archives’ Reference book

James Grealy was born in Dunnamaggin, County Kilkenny, on 6 October 1927. He was received into the Capuchin Order in October 1927 at St. Bonaventure’s in Cork. He took Hubert as his religious name upon joining the Order. He was ordained to the priesthood on 23 June 1935. He served as Director of Students at St. Bonaventure’s in Cork for twenty-one years (1944-67). Prior to this assignment, Fr. Hubert served as Vice-Master of Novices. In 1970 he was appointed Master of Novices, a position he would hold for five years (to September 1975). Throughout his life, he maintained a keen interest in Mariology and published several works on the subject. Later, his special interest in the Knock apparition led him to write several pamphlets, including ‘Towards an understanding of the Apparition at Knock’ (1959) and ‘The Meaning of St. Joseph’s Presence at the Apparition at Knock’ (1960). In 1975 the Franciscan Herald Press published his work on the souls in purgatory titled ‘The Mystery of Purgatory’. He was also involved in giving retreats (particularly to religious sisters). He spent the final years of his life in the Capuchin Friary in Raheny in Dublin. He died in a nursing home in Dalkey, County Dublin, and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Baptismal name: James Harold Grealy
Religious name: Fr. Hubert Grealy OFM Cap.
Date of birth: 6 Oct. 1907
Place of birth: Caherlesk, Dunnamaggin, County Kilkenny (Diocese of Ossory)
Name of father: Michael Grealy
Name of mother: Catherine Grealy (née Timon)
Date of reception into the Capuchin Order: 3 Oct. 1927 (Kilkenny Friary)
Date of first profession: 4 Oct. 1928
Date of final profession: 4 Oct. 1931 (St. Bonaventure’s Friary, Cork)
Date of ordination (as priest): 23 June 1935 (St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, County Donegal)
Leadership positions: Spiritual Director of Philosophy Students, St. Bonaventure’s Friary, Cork, 1944-67; Master of Novices, Kilkenny Friary, 1970-5
Date of death: 29 Mar. 1993
Place of death: Our Lady’s Manor Nursing Home, Dalkey, County Dublin
Place of burial: Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin