During the years when he was teaching near his home, he formed a small band with his family – he took the fiddle, Jim played the banjo, William played the saxophone and his sister, Flora, accompanied them on the piano. They played at parties and small community dances.
After ordination he served at several parishes throughout the Archdiocese, and in the early 1950s, he was named Rector of St. Finnan’s Cathedral in Alexandria. While there, he started the St. Finnan’s Orchestra where many of today’s fiddlers learned their craft; he also began his still famous concerts at the Alexander Hall.

Father John not only enjoyed playing the music of his ancestors, but he was a keen promoter of the Celtic music and traditions. He served in the Diocese for 38 years and is remembered for his dedication to his religion and to his music. He died on Good Friday, April 13, 1979.