John Blowick

Who is John Blowick?

Fr. John Blowick was an missionary priest and theologian.

John Blowick was born 26 October 1888 in Belcarra, Co. Mayo, to John Blowick a farmer, and Honoria Blowick. He was educated at Westport CBS, and St. Jarlath's College, Tuam, Co. Galway. He trained as a priest in St Patrick's College, Maynooth gaining a first in his BA degree, following postgraduate studies he was appointed professor of theology at Maynooth in June 1914 after a competitive concursus.

He co founded the Maynooth Mission to China with Fr. Edward Galvin. In 1918 he founded St Columban's College, Dalgan Park, Shrule, Co. Galway, as the seminary for the Society, which in 1941 moved to Navan, Co. Meath.

Two of Blowick's younger brothers became priests and a third Joseph Blowick entered the politics. Fr. Stephen Blowick was Parish priest of Islandeady in Co. Mayo, Fr. Peter Blowick served as Rector of St. Columbans College, and Joseph Blowick became TD for Mayo South, was a founder and leader of Clann na Talmhan a small farmers’ party, serving as Minister of Lands in the inter-party governments of 1948–51 and 1954–7.

He died on the 19 June 1972 at Dalgan Park, Navan, and was buried in the grounds of the seminary.