West Mayo's Hampson brothers had priestly calling
By Tom Gillespie
TWO Louisburgh born brothers, Anthony and John Joe Hampson, entered the priesthood and went on to serve their ministry, with great distinction, in different parts of the world.
Fr. Anthony Hampson served as president of Blackrock College, Dublin, while Fr. John Joe ministered in Africa and also in the USA.
Anthony was born on Friday, February 22, 1907, and John Joe Hampson on Wednesday, November 16, 1910, at the family farm outside Louisburgh.
Anthony worked on the farm prior to the family moving to Ballymahon, Co. Longford, where he was employed in the family business there. Both their uncles, Fathers Seán and Anthony Little, CSSp, also joined the priesthood.
According to Noelene Beckett-Crowe, of the Mayo Genealogy Group, their website 101 Mayo People recorded that Anthony entered the Juniorate at Blackrock College, Dublin, during 1923. His brother John Joe followed in 1924. The eldest brother completed his studies at the Novitiate in Kimmage, Dublin. The profession of the brothers occurred - Anthony during 1927, followed by John Joe in 1932.
Fr. Anthony returned to Blackrock which then had senior Scholasticate at Willow Park and the Castle. Following a year’s ‘home’ philosophy he attended UCD, securing a B.A. in philosophy in 1931 with first class honours. He won the Pierce Malone Scholarship in Mental and Moral Science.
He prefected at Blackrock from 1931 to '33 while he studied for the H. Dip.Ed. During 1933 the Theologate moved from the Castle to Kimmage when he began his first year. The following year, along with three other students, Anthony was sent by Dr. Dan Murphy to the International Theologate in Fribourg, Germany, to study for their Licentiate plus Doctorate.
Fr. Hampson was ordained a priest during 1936. He took the Doctorate in 1939 when he presented his thesis on a study of the spiritual teaching of Libermann.
He was appointed to Blackrock where over the years he filled every post - some of them several times, ie: Director of the Juniorate, 1939 to 40; Dean of Discipline, 1940 to 46, also from 1948 to 52; Dean of Studies, 1946-8, plus from 1952-5; Dean of the Castle, 1955-56, and also on two occasions from 1962-3.
From 1956 to 1962 he served as President. Aged 56 years Fr. Anthony was called to serve, devote his energy and expertise to the formation of students doing theology, first at Kimmage; then from 1965 to 1969 as Director of the Holy Ghost International Scholasticate at Rome.
During 1969 he returned to Blackrock and his last assignment in 1971 was as Dean of Studies in Willow Park.
As a young student at Blackrock College Fr. Anthony played rugby for the Blackrock RFC First XV. From 1940 to 1959, as a tutor in Blackrock College, Fr. Hampson coached the senior schools rugby team. It was stated that because of his coaching the team was so successful, particularly in back-play.
During those years his students won the Leinster Senior Cup 11 times - an unparalleled record.
It was quoted that he said that all that was necessary for success in life was ‘a quick heel and the grace of God’.
Rev. Fr. Anthony Hampson’s demise occurred on April 6, 1976, in Willow Park when he suffered a heart attack. He was interred in Kimmage.
It was reported that Fr. Hampson was ‘A humble soul, a man of prayer, he was always ready for any call to serve in the Lord’s vineyard’. In his dealings with the students he was always high principled, yet understanding, firm, demanding, yet scrupulously fair.
His free time and holidays were provided to Sisters in the surrounding convents with his retreats.
The International Theologate in Fribourg, Germany, was part of Dr. Murphy’s new deal for the Irish province, bringing some of the future teachers, etc., into contact with European thought and the representatives of the other provinces of the Congregation. There were in fact representatives from Poland, the USA, Switzerland and France, as well as the Irish. It was advantageous for young Irish students to study there for their Licentiate plus Doctorate.
While a student at Blackrock College Fr. John Joe was elected Prefect for the years 1934 to '36 where he was commended for his ‘considerable talent for controlling young boys and men, he showed judgement and skill in all the arts of a school-master during his period of work as a prefect. Good humour and energy, especially in training rugby teams, were part of his gift’.
Following his ordination during 1939 Fr. John Joe was appointed to Nigeria for 28 years. He served in the parishes of Urualla and Adazi until 1951, and also in the region later called the Diocese of Umuahia.
He was especially associated with the parishes of Ubuoma and Aba, and he was deeply involved in youth work, especially in athletics and football. He became a fine organiser and referee.
Due to illness he returned to Ireland during 1968. Following his recovery he undertook parish work in the USA. He spent two years in Buffalo, New York, then from 1971 in Jacksonville, Florida.
The people he served appreciated his hard work on their behalf and his kind heart, and his confrères found in him a good neighbour and an entertaining companion.
Fr. John Joe Hampson died on December 18, 1984, aged 74 years.
Many Mayo people have been recognised for their various achievements, and several of these famous people have biographies and articles recorded about their lives in Mayo and abroad.
FOOTNOTE:
Mayo Genealogy Group have written articles on some not so famous people, whom the members would like to acknowledge in this project. They also invite contributions to their collection in order to celebrate and remember those who have passed. Every life story deserves to be told, they say and they add new people on an ongoing basis.
If you have a story to tell, please email mayogenealogygroup@gmail.com.