Rev Joseph McGeehan
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Born 9/07/1936
Ordained 29/06/1963
Archdiocese of Brisbane.
The middle child of Joseph and Edith McGeehan's three children, young Joe's early days were spent in Atherton, North Queensland. The family then moved to Esk, and finally to Banyo.
While living at Esk, young Joe boarded at Downlands College in Toowoomba where his popularity saw him named School Captain, as well as leader of a number of its premier sports teams.
He began studying at Banyo Seminary in 1956 and was ordained in 1963, one year later than most of his original cohort. Joe's first posting was as a curate at Cannon Hill parish followed by Childers and Dutton Park. His first appointment as Parish Priest was in Murgon, followed by two stints at Gympie, another foundational role at Birkdale and a final posting to Wavell Heights before retirement.
Retired Rockhampton Bishop Brian Heenan, a seminary classmate, first met Joe as an opponent on sporting fields, but well understood why people were drawn to him. “Joe had a profound love and respect for absolutely everybody so I think that's how he'll be remembered,” Bishop Heenan said. “Nobody was left out, everybody was special; whether that be his school friends, the parishioners he worked amongst or religious brothers and sisters. “He also had an extraordinary memory for names and for people and it's no doubt why he retained so many friendships. “I think his special focus though was always the priests, something he probably took from the MSC Fathers at Downlands.”
With Archbishop Francis Rush's blessing Joe took on a fulltime role in Ministry to Priests for 12 years, visiting clergy as a support or arranging retreats and seminars to underpin their pastoral roles.
Joe was also pivotal in founding the St Peter's Centre for Priests Renewal in Canberra, which operated from 1982 -1993 and saw more than 300 priests participate in the three-month course.
Although Joe had battled cancer for some time, he still enjoyed reasonable health and remained living at home where he died.
He will be remembered as a loving brother, caring friend and a gentle, humble servant of God.
His Funeral Mass took place at St Stephen's Cathedral on 20 August, 2020.
May he rest in peace.