The modern version of the name begins to appear in Swinford Parish records around the famine years of 1847-1848. Since 1861 there is a good family tree.

In the 1960's like many others, I came to England for employment. I worked for a few years in the building industry.

I was accepted by the then Bishop of Portsmouth (Mgr. Derek Worlock) to train for the priesthood. He sent me to All Hallows Seminary in Dublin. These were very exciting years because the Vatican Council had just completed its deliberations and renewal was beginning to happen in the Seminary. I am glad to say that All Hallows trail-blazed many of the reforms of Vatican II.

Following Ordination in 1973, I was posted to the Church of Immaculate Conception, Portswood, Southampton. This was a happy Parish with lots of things happening. I also served in Waterlooville and Woodley, near Reading. I was appointed the first Parish Priest of Sandhurst. Because it was a new Parish, there was no Presbytery, so I rolled in with a caravan. This became my new home for three months. Those were great days and the happiest in my Priestly Ministry.

After four years (not long enough) I moved to Holy Ghost, Basingstoke. My eight years there were certainly different to Sandhurst. There were various challenges but many more rewards.

In 1992 I came to St. Joseph's here in Havant. I would say that this is the second happiest place in which I have been, apart from one year in Australia.  I love the people and I enjoy Havant and Emsworth. In 1995 Fr. Des Magennis, who is a Priest in Victoria, was looking for a swap and we exchanged Parishes for 12 months. Both of us got a great deal from the experience. I saw more of Australia than many Australians!  It was difficult to settle down on my return to Havant but there was a warm and genuine welcome from the parishioners.

I love my Ministry. I enjoy travelling. I have been all over Europe, South and North America, West Africa. I love walking. I get a great deal of fun from my P.C. and I use the Internet with care. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of good works people do in the name of the church. These are very encouraging signs that the church is alive and well in Havant and Emsworth. I consider it a great honour to play a part in the process of everybody drawing closer to the Lord Jesus and bringing His Kingdom to completion.  Tom Grufferty.