William MacNeely was born in Dec 1889; his father was a butcher in Donegal Town. MacNeely was educated at the High School in Letterkenny, and in Rome from 1906–12. He was ordained to the priesthood on 4 February 1912
and upon his return to Ireland was appointed to the staff of St Eunan's College.
MacNeely served for two years as chaplain with the Irish Battalions in the British Army in World War I.
The bishop was also a successful breeder of Shorthorn
cattle.