Born in Dublin, Ireland, 2 October 1836.
Took the habit in Sicklinghall on 31 October 1856
Oblation in Sicklinghall on 31 May 1859 (No.480)
Priestly ordination in Leith on 13 September 1865
Died in Glencree, on 14 January 1901

James Gibney was born in Dublin on 2 October 1836. His parents were Thomas and Catherine (née Cruise) Gibney. He went to school at St. Paul’s, Dublin, and the Sicklinghall juniorate. He began his novitiate in Sicklinghall on 31 October 1856, and together with Mr. Mangan O’Dwyer he was one of the first fruits of the Sicklinghall juniorate. The Founder in a letter to the novice master dated June 25, 1858 discussed the group of novices of which he formed a part, and ‘Br. G. was selected for special mention. He made his oblation after an extended novitiate on 31 May 1859. He studied theology in Sicklinghall and also for some months in Montolivet in 1861-1862. In the report of the moderator of scholastics we read: “Satisfactory for piety and in talent; he suffers from stones. This complaint causes him to be depressed; he is afraid he will not be able to work. Sent to the College in Dublin.” His departure for the College is noted in the Sicklinghall codex on 26 August 1862. The College of the Immaculate Conceptionhad been opened in July 1861 and was then situated at 22/23 Thomas Street, Dublin. He received the deaconate in Liverpool on 1 January 1865 and was ordained priest in Leith on 13 September 1865.

He took part in many missions in Ireland, including the Belfast mission of 1878. On the evidence of some references in Missions OMI and in his file we can place him in Leith (1865, 1870, 1875 and 1881), Inchicore (1867 and 1884), Sicklinghall (1867 and as superior in 1893-1897), Rock Ferry (1868, 1887-1889, & 1897), Dublin (1886), and Glencree in (1887).

He died on 14 January 1901 in Glencree. He is buried in the Oblate cemetery in Inchicore, Dublin. In the Missionary Record (Vol. XI, 1901, p. 70) the report of his death concludes: ‘Everywhere Father Gibney was distinguished for his kindness of heart and for his zealous priestly care of those within his reach, especially of children.’

Yvon Beaudoin
and Michael Hughes, o.m.i.