Mac Gréil was educated by the Christian Brothers in Rice College, Westport, and served in the Irish Army from 1950 until 1959 as a cadet and officer.

[5] Mac Greil’s lifelong dedication to social justice brought him into some extraordinary situations.

[6] In 1996, he retired from his post at Maynooth University and was appointed to a parish in Westport, County Mayo.

[8] He published many books, papers and reports on social issues and attitudes in Ireland.

In 1994, Mac Gréil served as president of AONTAS, the Irish national adult learning organisation.