He had been born at the family home in Glenamaddy, his parents being Joseph Owens Sr. and Annie M. Twohy, later Mrs. Dorley.
Upon his father's death, the family moved to Galway in 1922, where his mother ran a drapery store.
He and his wife, Nellie English of Cahir, County Tipperary, had two girls and a boy, and were responsible for turning his mother's shop into the successful Atlanta Hotel.
Owens was a versatile sportsman, competing at the top levels in rugby, soccer, tennis, swimming, water polo and rowing (sport).
He represented Ireland internationally in rugby and soccer, a rare distinction.