Joseph Dunn was born on May 11, 1930, in Sandymount, Dublin, to Paul Dunn and Sylvia Dunn. Raised in a family of three daughters and two sons, Joseph received his early education at a local national school in Pembroke Road before attending Belvedere College, Dublin. His journey into the priesthood began when he entered Clonliffe seminary in 1948, followed by studies at University College Dublin (UCD), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951. Subsequently, he pursued further studies at Maynooth College, where his active involvement in student life, including drama and debating, foreshadowed his future contributions to communication and media.

Ordained as a priest for the Dublin diocese in 1955, Father Dunn embarked on a groundbreaking career in communications under the guidance of Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. In 1959, Archbishop McQuaid sent Father Dunn, along with fellow priest Desmond Forristal, for a broadcasting course in Manchester and the Academy of Broadcasting in New York, laying the foundation for his pioneering work in television documentary-making. This marked the beginning of the Radharc program on Telefís Éireann in 1962, a series that would produce over 450 films in seventy-five countries, addressing issues ranging from poverty to political oppression. Father Dunn’s commitment to addressing real-life moral and humanitarian issues resonated deeply with his experiences growing up in Dublin, including his tenure teaching religion in Rialto and the Clogher Rd vocational school in Crumlin, Dublin.

Father Dunn’s expertise extended beyond documentary-making; he played a pivotal role in shaping Catholic media and literature in Ireland. He established the Catholic Communications Institute in 1969, focusing on television and radio research and development. Additionally, he was instrumental in the launch of Veritas publications and the Intercom magazine for priests, further cementing his legacy as a driving force behind Catholic media initiatives.

Father Joseph Dunn’s legacy transcends his contributions to documentary-making and Catholic media. Through his trilogy of books, including “No Tigers in Africa,” “No Vipers in the Vatican,” and “No Lions in the Hierarchy,” he critically examined the challenges facing the Catholic Church, earning him a central place in the history of church-media relations in Ireland. Despite controversies and criticisms, Father Dunn remained dedicated to his priesthood and his Church, driven by a deep love and concern for its well-being.

Described as a quiet, thoughtful, and private individual, Father Dunn’s warmth, wit, and humour endeared him to those closest to him. His sudden passing in 1996, following a battle with stomach cancer, marked the end of an era in Irish religious broadcasting. However, his enduring contributions continue to inspire and shape the landscape of Catholic media and communication.

Clogher Road Community College

You may be interested in:

Saint Agnes

Saint Mary

Saint Teresa

Saint Bernadette

Saint Kevin

Saint Columba

Bowe, Catherine Mary

Butler, Katherine

Cleary, Fr. Michael

Finucane, Jack

Leahy, Bishop Brendan

Maher, Fr Tommy

McQuaid, Archbishop John Charles

<- Back to people section