At third level he attended University College Dublin and when he graduated, with a degree in medicine in 1947, he returned to Miltown Malbay where he worked as a doctor, like his father had done before him. It was his role as General Practitioner that gave him a unique insight into families lack of opportunities, an experience that would stand to him during his political career.

He was a member of the National Health Council from 1955-1957 and from 1957-1959 he was Medical Officer for the Miltown Malbay Dispensary District. He was also Coroner for West Clare from 1958-1959.

On 27 October 1955, he married Mary Beatrice (Maeve) Finnegan who was also a doctor. They had a son, John and a daughter Vivienne (deceased).