Callan, County Kilkenny
Freeman is the eldest of eight children, his family moved to Callan, County Kilkenny where he attended school. After his education he entered the Pallottines in Thurles, County Tipperary, he studied Theology at St. Patrick's College, Thurles, and Philosophy at University College Dublin. He was ordained to the priesthood on 12 June 1971. He continued his education in the Catholic University of America where he studied psychology.