[2] Born in Rathfriland, County Down,[3] he was confirmed 22 April 1934 in Barnmeen Church, Drumgath Parish before proceeding first to the Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, then St Colman's College, Newry where eventually he was appointed Head Prefect, for his secondary education.
[citation needed] In 1942 he entered St Patrick's College, Maynooth to begin his studies for the priesthood, where he graduated with a BSc (in mathematical science) in 1945 and again with a Bachelor of Divinity in 1948.
[citation needed] After ordination he pursued post-graduate studies in Rome, achieving his Doctorate in Canon Law in June 1952.
[citation needed] In early 2018 it became known that Bishop Brooks had failed, on more than one occasion, to stop the behaviour of his paedophile colleague on the staff of St. Colman's College, preferring instead a "pastoral" approach.
[4] At his funeral Mass his successor John McAreavey observed that "his life was touched often by the Troubles; the violence and suffering of many people in the diocese in those years affected him deeply.