Career
Owens was elected Mayor on 25 June 1953, being proposed by the outgoing Mayor. Upon his father"s death, the family moved to Galway in 1922, where his mother ran a drapery store. Owens was a versatile sportsman, competing at the top levels in rugby, soccer, tennis, swimming, water polo and rowing (sport).
He represented Ireland internationally in rugby and soccer, a rare distinction.
He also played Cricket and billiards. He contested as an independendent candidate aged 19, but was not elected till the following year.
At the time he was distinguished by being the country"s youngest ever Mayor. During his term he welcomed Queen Salote of Tonga to the city,and bestowed the Freedom of the City upon Apostolic Nuncio, Doctor Gerard P. O"Hara.
Joseph Owens died on 1 January 1994 following a short illness.
