After postgraduate studies in theology in Rome he returned to Ireland and read geography and Latin at University College Galway. On completion of his Higher Diploma in Education he began teaching at Newbridge College.
John, commonly known in the Order as Johno, spent many years of his working life teaching Geography and Latin in Newbridge College. Indeed Johno and Newbridge College are for many Dominicans synonymous. During his years in the college he was dean and headmaster. He was a gifted teacher and followed in the footsteps of his parents, who were both teachers.
His interest in his subjects, mixed with his rigour and thoroughness, helped students obtain good grades in their public examinations.
Students, indeed, staff wouldn't mess with Johno.
It is said of Johno the only students who might ever get away with not having a Latin or geography homework done were those who were out training with him the previous day on the rugby field.
Rugby and golf were his two main sporting passions and his crowning glory was his training of the Newbridge College team, that won the Leinster Senior Cup in 1970, beating Blackrock College. On the day Blackrock were favourites. Newbridge had beaten Clongowes Wood College by the tightest of margins in the semi-final.
Irony would have it that the school made it to the 2020 finals of both the junior and senior cup but because of Covid-19 the finals never took place. It was the second time since 1970 that the school had made it to the senior final.
They were due to play Clongowes Wood in the final. Clonglowes kept the cup for the fist six months, which means it was in Newbridge College for the last months of Johno's life.
Irish rugby international Mick Quinn, who was captain of the winning Newbridge team, says of Johno that he was the best coach he ever had.
When it was discussed in the 1970s whether or not Newbridge College should join the free school scheme Johno was one those who opposed the move away from fee-paying. The school remained a fee-paying post-primary school.
It was during his third term as headmaster that the school moved to c0educational.
Johno oversaw a number of building projects in the school, including the bridge across the River Liffey. Wouldn't it make sense to name the bridge in his honour?
On retiring as headmaster he moved to St Dominic's parish in Tallaght where he worked as a curate.
During his time in St Dominic's he became familiar with the Charismatic Movement and in due course became passionately involved in charismatic groups.
Every job and sporting activity that Johno took on, he did it with great fervour. There were never any ifs and buts with Johnno. The job would be done and every obstacle would be overcome to get the job done.
Johno did nothing in half measures and everything he did was done with the greatest enthusiasm and passion. Once he was convinced of a job-of-work he would let nothing get in his way.
While in Newbridge every teacher and student knew that rugby, geography and Latin were the epicentre of life, school and the world, at least when Johno was involved with the three disciplines.
He spent six years as prior in Holy Cross, Tralee, where he did Trojan work with the Dominican Laity.
On the many occasions I visited the late Lally Lawlor, mother of Fr Paul Lawlor, she would without fail, regale me with stories of how hard a worker and dedicated priest Johno was.
During his time in Tralee the Dominicans sold the adjacent property on Day Place.
After Tralee he was prior in Athy and remained in the priory until the Dominicans closed the Co Kildare church and priory.
From Athy he returned to his 'real home', Newbridge College, where he spent his years of retirement.
Johno was admired and respected by those whom he taught. He had a special gift of staying in touch with past pupils, especially those who were interested in rugby and golf, and pride of place among those, were the members of winning 1970 senior cup team.
In later years, when he had more freedom, Johno travelled the world with many of his rugby friends.
He was a close friend of the late Fr Jim Harris, who taught and sparred with him in Newbridge College.
Both of them went on many international rugby pilgrimages, following the fortunes of the Irish team.
One trip was to South Africa, where along with following the Irish rugby team, he visited his sister, who was a Loreto Sister working in the country at the time.
Jim Harris, who was a larger-than-life character, had a wonderful ability of telling stories. His rugby pilgrimages with Johno gave him full rein for subsequent tales and yarns. And the stories could easily turn into very late night sessions.
On one of those late-night sessions the story was told of how Johno and Jim Harris were refused entry to St Mary Major's because they were in shorts.
Johno lived life to the full and was above all else a dedicated Dominican priest.
John Heffernan's remains will be reposing at the Dominican College church in Newbridge from 11am until 8pm on Sunday. Funeral Mass is on Monday at 11am in accordance with Government guidelines. The Mass can be viewed at www.dominicansnewbridge.ie. Funeral afterwards to St Conleth's Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Picture courtesy of Pat Lucey OP
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