William Greaney was baptised in St Chad's, Birmingham, in 1836, and after his early education, became a pupil at Sedgley Park. In 1855 he transferred to Oscott College and was ordained priest in 1863. His first appointment was to Sedgley Park as Prefect of Discipline. There were many problems since a number of the boys were well-behaved (does anything ever change?) and Mr Greaney, as he was then known, introduced a severe discipline which painfully but efficiently restored control. He soon moved on to the more congenial task of Prefect of Studies and was later remembered as someone whose ways were "fresh and inspiring".

In 1867 he was asked to establish a new parish in the rapidly growing area of Nechells. It was mostly a poor, immigrant population but Fr Greaney used all his skills to raise the money for a beautiful church designed by Pugin. A presbytery and school were built, and his great experience in education helped raise the Catholic profile. In 1877 he was appointed as Vice Rector of Oscott College to succeed Dr Edmund Knight. Shortly afterwards (1880), the newly-appointed Bishop Ilsley, recognising his qualities, appointed him to St Chad's Cathedral and then later as Canon of the Chapter. He was to remain at the Cathedral as its longest-serving Administrator for eighteen immensely fruitful years, during which time his warm relationships with non-Catholic clergy, and deep concern regarding social and charitable affairs endeared him to all. His departure in 1898 due to ill health was deeply mourned by many people, Catholic and Protestant alike.

After convalescence in Bromsgrove, he felt able to accept another mission and the ever-admiring Bishop appointed him to Leamington in 1900. Like his predecessor, who had been a close colleague, he was of advanced years, yet although in poor health was still an efficient and creative Rector. In 1902 he arranged the splendid decoration of the present sanctuary with its portraits of the popes who have influenced the church in this country, and which was finally completed in 1903. Once again, with considerable authority, he did all he could to ensure the rights of Catholic schools in the district. By 1907, his health had seriously declined, but, not wishing to cause him any inconvenience, the Bishop allowed him to remain in the parish. He died on December 18th, and, so, as parishioners celebrated the Birth of Christ, they also mourned the passing of a well-loved Rector.

The Cathedral chapter attended the requiem Mass in St Peter's, when Bishop Ilsley spoke of his great achievements in the Diocese. He was buried at Oscott College.

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