Sixth Parish Priest who launched Meir Parish
William was born in Rathkeale, County Limerick. He was ordained in 1917 and was 51 years old when appointed to Longton. He originally gave parish missions on behalf of the Redemptorists but became a secular priest because he developed a weak heart.
Though stern in manner William loved children and was extremely kind to people in distress.
An excellent business man and organiser, he had the personality to attract people of influence helpful to his parish.
He died saying his rosary at the altar rails aged 70 and is buried in the Priests’ grave in Longton Cemetery.
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During his Ministry he:

1937

1937

Purchased land and opened a Church in a converted stable at Meir       

Built a new Infant and Junior mixed school and enlarged the Senior School.                                                              

Organised amazing carnivals and bazaars to pay off the £25,000 school debt.
Redecorated the church and overhauled the organ.
Transformed the derelict Gregory Street Church into a parish hall.

Assistant Priests

1931-1934

193?-193?

1934-1936

1935-1941

1935-1941

1938-1939

1940-1942

1941-1942

1941-1947

1943-1946

1946-1952

1948-1949

1949-1950

1950-1952

1951-1954

1953-1956

Timothy O’Connor - Parish priest of the new Meir parish

Patrick Noonan - Moved to Caverswall

Thomas Canning - A greatly loved priest; Altar Servers Chaplain.  Went to Tattenhall.

Michael Cullinan - Went to Wolverhampton as parish priest.

Charles O’Reilly - Went to Hednesford.

Patrick O'Regan

William O’Malley - Went to Sedgley, West Midlands.  

Vincent Lucas - Went as forces chaplain to North Africa. Died at Aston Hall in 2005 aged 92yrs.

William McGann - Choirmaster and parish priest at Fenton and Stafford.

John Daley - Emigrated to Australia.

Ewan Connolly - A Scot who died in Longton and is buried in the Priests’ grave in Longton Cemetery.

Michael Kelly

George McCarron

Patrick Regan - Introduced a parish magazine –“The Gregorian”

David Duggan - Became parish priest in Wolverhampton. Retired 2002.

​Francis Gallagher - A greatly loved priest who died young.