irish spiritans remembered vol ii september 2018.pdf · irish spiritans remembered introduction t...

178
IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Volume II Spiritan Mission Resource & Heritage Centre August 2018

Upload: others

Post on 19-Mar-2020

9 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

IRISHSPIRITANS

REMEMBERED

Volume II

Spiritan Mission Resource & Heritage CentreAugust 2018

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 1

IRISHSPIRITANS

REMEMBERED

Volume II

Spiritan Mission Resource & Heritage CentreAugust 2018

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 1

Page 2: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Spiritan Mission Resource & Heritage Centre,Kimmage Manor,Whitehall Road,

Dublin 12.

Tel: (01) 406 4324Email: [email protected]

ii

ISBN 978-0-9571557-7-0Published by CRM Publications Dublin

August 2018

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 2

Spiritan Mission Resource & Heritage Centre,Kimmage Manor,Whitehall Road,

Dublin 12.

Tel: (01) 406 4324Email: [email protected]

ii

ISBN 978-0-9571557-7-0Published by CRM Publications Dublin

August 2018

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 2

Page 3: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Contents

iii

Introduction v

Foreword vii

Sources viii

January 1

February 14

March 27

April 44

May 57

June 68

July 83

August 97

September 109

October 120

November 136

December 149

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 3

Contents

iii

Introduction v

Foreword vii

Sources viii

January 1

February 14

March 27

April 44

May 57

June 68

July 83

August 97

September 109

October 120

November 136

December 149

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 3

Page 4: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 4 Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 4

Page 5: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBEREDINTRODUCTION

The Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors ofJesus. Looking at the figures whose names are given, we can see the breadth

and scope of the genealogy that made Jesus the person he was. Moving fromgeneration to generation, each period with its own dreams and challenges, its hopesand disappointments transmitted something of the human spirit to the divine Spiritof Jesus.

In putting together this second volume of Irish Spiritans Remembered, which coversthe years from June 1998 to June 2018 the Spiritan Mission Resource and HeritageCentre is continuing its work of mapping the genealogy of the Irish Province byhonouring the members of the Spiritan Family who have gone before us marked withthe sign of faith.

The few lines given to each Spiritan in this volume can only offer a glimpse of therich diversity of each person’s life. But reading between the lines, we hear a story ofmission and faith, of people who, living by the Spirit of Jesus, were attentive to thesigns of their times. A story of young churches growing throughout the world wherethe Word of God was proclaimed and the service of the poor was fostered. A story ofSpiritans remaining close to their people in times of war, famine and adversity.

In the lives of each person remembered in this book we also see seeds sown for thepresent and the future. We are grateful to God for these lives given to Spiritan Mission.We are grateful to the families of each of these Spiritans for their sons and brothers.

Our thanks go to the editorial team who researched these biographies and who, fromthe letters and holdings in the archives, bring life to the stories held therein.

In particular we remember with gratitude the life and work of Seán Farragher whowas the instigator of this monumental work and whose life was dedicated topreserving and transmitting our rich Spiritan heritage.

Marc Whelan C.S.Sp.Provincial

v

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 5

IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBEREDINTRODUCTION

The Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors ofJesus. Looking at the figures whose names are given, we can see the breadth

and scope of the genealogy that made Jesus the person he was. Moving fromgeneration to generation, each period with its own dreams and challenges, its hopesand disappointments transmitted something of the human spirit to the divine Spiritof Jesus.

In putting together this second volume of Irish Spiritans Remembered, which coversthe years from June 1998 to June 2018 the Spiritan Mission Resource and HeritageCentre is continuing its work of mapping the genealogy of the Irish Province byhonouring the members of the Spiritan Family who have gone before us marked withthe sign of faith.

The few lines given to each Spiritan in this volume can only offer a glimpse of therich diversity of each person’s life. But reading between the lines, we hear a story ofmission and faith, of people who, living by the Spirit of Jesus, were attentive to thesigns of their times. A story of young churches growing throughout the world wherethe Word of God was proclaimed and the service of the poor was fostered. A story ofSpiritans remaining close to their people in times of war, famine and adversity.

In the lives of each person remembered in this book we also see seeds sown for thepresent and the future. We are grateful to God for these lives given to Spiritan Mission.We are grateful to the families of each of these Spiritans for their sons and brothers.

Our thanks go to the editorial team who researched these biographies and who, fromthe letters and holdings in the archives, bring life to the stories held therein.

In particular we remember with gratitude the life and work of Seán Farragher whowas the instigator of this monumental work and whose life was dedicated topreserving and transmitting our rich Spiritan heritage.

Marc Whelan C.S.Sp.Provincial

v

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 5

Page 6: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 6 Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 6

Page 7: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

FOREWORD

This volume covers the period from 1998 to 2018. The compilation of these311 portraits has been a team work of three years duration. It has been a

work that engaged many different hands coming together.

Primary sources which we used were the confrère’s individual personnel file andpersonal archival boxes. Also used were the obituary notices as written by BrianO’Toole CSSp (2000-06); Eddie O’Farrell CSSp (2006-12) and Peter O’Mahony(2012-18). These were used in conjunction with the funeral homilies recorded inthe Irish Provincial Newsletter and where available in its original format.

The four main secondary sources consulted were: Fr Henry Koran’s books onSpiritans who served on overseas missions in Nigeria, west & east Africa andBrazil. The Missionary Annals (Outlook) from 1919 to 2010. Go Teach All Nations– A History of the Irish Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and TheNecrology of the Irish Province and the Generalate.

In these 312 portraits we try to present a description of the life of each person; theyinclude the basic facts like education, mission work, relationships and death. Werefrained from including anecdotes and tales as we tried to describe without anyjudgement, reproach or compliment.

We offer a sincere thanks to all the confrères who shared their memories of thedeceased with us. This sharing helped us to gain a fuller insight into the person inquestion.

We are indebted to the staff at the Provincial Secretariat for their help and assistanceas we are to Mark Daniel of CRM Design & Print. Thanks must also be made toDolorés Stewart who compiled the photos for this volume and to our custodian of‘grammar and punctuation’ Séamus Maguire.

A very special thanks to Margaret Bluett who led the team in the production of thisvolume. It is Margaret’s untiring commitment that has brought this volume to sucha fine conclusion.

To all who are featured in these pages we wish Ar dheis Dé go raibh siad go léir.

Brian O’Toole C.S.Sp.

vii

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 7

FOREWORD

This volume covers the period from 1998 to 2018. The compilation of these311 portraits has been a team work of three years duration. It has been a

work that engaged many different hands coming together.

Primary sources which we used were the confrère’s individual personnel file andpersonal archival boxes. Also used were the obituary notices as written by BrianO’Toole CSSp (2000-06); Eddie O’Farrell CSSp (2006-12) and Peter O’Mahony(2012-18). These were used in conjunction with the funeral homilies recorded inthe Irish Provincial Newsletter and where available in its original format.

The four main secondary sources consulted were: Fr Henry Koran’s books onSpiritans who served on overseas missions in Nigeria, west & east Africa andBrazil. The Missionary Annals (Outlook) from 1919 to 2010. Go Teach All Nations– A History of the Irish Province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and TheNecrology of the Irish Province and the Generalate.

In these 312 portraits we try to present a description of the life of each person; theyinclude the basic facts like education, mission work, relationships and death. Werefrained from including anecdotes and tales as we tried to describe without anyjudgement, reproach or compliment.

We offer a sincere thanks to all the confrères who shared their memories of thedeceased with us. This sharing helped us to gain a fuller insight into the person inquestion.

We are indebted to the staff at the Provincial Secretariat for their help and assistanceas we are to Mark Daniel of CRM Design & Print. Thanks must also be made toDolorés Stewart who compiled the photos for this volume and to our custodian of‘grammar and punctuation’ Séamus Maguire.

A very special thanks to Margaret Bluett who led the team in the production of thisvolume. It is Margaret’s untiring commitment that has brought this volume to sucha fine conclusion.

To all who are featured in these pages we wish Ar dheis Dé go raibh siad go léir.

Brian O’Toole C.S.Sp.

vii

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 7

Page 8: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Designed and printed by CRM Design & PrintTel: (01) 429 0007

viii

SOURCES

Additional information on the Spiritans portrayed in this volume may be found by consulting the following written sources.

ONLINE AVAILABILITYAn online version of ISR Volume II is available on the Irish Spiritans website:

www.spiritan.ie

It is likely that Volume III will be an online version only.To facilitate this, Volume III will be made available online in December

of each year.

Go Teach All Nations, Ed. by Enda Watters C.S.Sp., (Paraclete Press, 2000).

Irish Province NECROLOGY, (2013) edition.

Irish Provincial Newsletter, Heritage & Archives Centre,Kimmage Manor.

Missionary Annals (Outlook), Heritage & ArchivesCentre, Kimmage Manor.

Spiritan East Africa Memorial, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp.,(Spiritus Press, 1994).

Spiritan Nigeria Memorial, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp., (Spiritus Press, 1996).

Spiritan West Africa Memoria, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp., (Spiritus Press, 1997).

Spiritan Brazil Memorial, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp., (Spiritus Press, 1997).

Generalate Necrology 1996 to 2015

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 8

Designed and printed by CRM Design & PrintTel: (01) 429 0007

viii

SOURCES

Additional information on the Spiritans portrayed in this volume may be found by consulting the following written sources.

ONLINE AVAILABILITYAn online version of ISR Volume II is available on the Irish Spiritans website:

www.spiritan.ie

It is likely that Volume III will be an online version only.To facilitate this, Volume III will be made available online in December

of each year.

Go Teach All Nations, Ed. by Enda Watters C.S.Sp., (Paraclete Press, 2000).

Irish Province NECROLOGY, (2013) edition.

Irish Provincial Newsletter, Heritage & Archives Centre,Kimmage Manor.

Missionary Annals (Outlook), Heritage & ArchivesCentre, Kimmage Manor.

Spiritan East Africa Memorial, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp.,(Spiritus Press, 1994).

Spiritan Nigeria Memorial, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp., (Spiritus Press, 1996).

Spiritan West Africa Memoria, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp., (Spiritus Press, 1997).

Spiritan Brazil Memorial, Henry J. Koran C.S.Sp., (Spiritus Press, 1997).

Generalate Necrology 1996 to 2015

Prelim pages etc_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:04 Page 8

Page 9: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

January 1st

O’DONOGHUE, Fr John1914-1999

Fr John O’Donoghue (Jack) wasborn on 24 June 1914 inToomevara, Co Tipperary. Johndid his secondary studies in Rockwell where heexcelled at rugby and hurling. He entered theCongregation in 1933 and was among the firstbatch of novices to do their novitiate at the newlyacquired Kilshane, Co Tipperary. Professed in1934 he did two years Philosophy in Kimmageand returned to Rockwell as Prefect. He playedon the Rockwell club rugby team.

Ordained in 1941 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria. It was wartime and whileawaiting a boat the young priests were located atKilshane where they spent most of their timefelling trees for fuel. On reaching Nigeria it wassoon discovered that his health condition ruledout life in the tropics. Returned to Ireland heserved at Rockwell until 1949 when he was re-appointed to Africa, this time to the more benignclimate of Kenya. The Mau Mau troubles beganto erupt and life was difficult at John’s mission.

Returned to Ireland in 1955 he served as bursarin Ardbraccan, Co. Meath. In 1957 he wastransferred to Blackrock where he served againas Bursar, and it was at Blackrock that he was tospend the rest of his life. He served as chaplainfor years to the Loreto Sisters in Dalkey and heofficiated as chaplain at many sportingoccasions. John’s spirituality was simple. Heliked to travel on pilgrimages, Lourdes and theHoly Land. He remained active to the end, a manwith a fund of stories, having many friends andno enemies. After a brief illness in Marian Househe died 1 January 1999 aged 85 years. Fr John isburied in the Spiritan plot in ShanganaghCemetery, Dublin.

January 1st

MAHER, Fr William A.1922-1999

Fr William Maher (Willie) wasborn 13 May 1922 in SouthCircular Road, Dublin. Willie didhis secondary studies at Synge Street C.B.S. andat St Mary’s College, Rathmines, where he wasa member of the rugby senior team. Havingjoined the Congregation at Kilshane he made hisprofession in 1941. He attended UCD where hesecured the BA degree in 1944 after which heprefected for a year at St Mary’s securing alsothe H.Dip.Ed. He qualified for the MA whilestudying philosophy in Kimmage. Ordainedpriest in 1950 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria.

Assigned to the Owerri district he taught for fiveyears at Bishop Shanahan Teacher TrainingCollege at Orlu. He proved a gifted teacher, agood communicator, and an able listener. He wasmanager of a very successful athletic team thatwon many national titles. He was conductor ofan excellent college choir. In 1957 BishopWhelan appointed him Chancellor of the Dioceseand also Editor of the Catholic newspaper TheLeader. He remained manager of the diocesanpress for eleven years and was also supervisor ofschools until obliged to leave Nigeria because ofthe Biafra War.

He did parish work in Monterey, California, fortwo years and was very happy there. In 1971 hevolunteered for service in Papua New Guinea,doing pastoral work in Mount Hagen Diocese.From 1974 he was superior of the group there.His efficiency and dedication were muchappreciated. The severe climate took a big toll onhis limited stamina. In ill health he returned toIreland in 1981 and worked in St Agnes’ parish,Crumlin, Dublin, as Administrator of KimmageChapel. In 1983 he was appointed to St Mary’sCollege. In preparation for the centenary of theCollege in 1990 he wrote a history of St MarysCollege. He was a member of the official groupentrusted with the work of promoting the causeof Bishop Shanahan. His health problemsincreased, but his death 1 January 1999 came

JANUARY

1

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 1

January 1st

O’DONOGHUE, Fr John1914-1999

Fr John O’Donoghue (Jack) wasborn on 24 June 1914 inToomevara, Co Tipperary. Johndid his secondary studies in Rockwell where heexcelled at rugby and hurling. He entered theCongregation in 1933 and was among the firstbatch of novices to do their novitiate at the newlyacquired Kilshane, Co Tipperary. Professed in1934 he did two years Philosophy in Kimmageand returned to Rockwell as Prefect. He playedon the Rockwell club rugby team.

Ordained in 1941 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria. It was wartime and whileawaiting a boat the young priests were located atKilshane where they spent most of their timefelling trees for fuel. On reaching Nigeria it wassoon discovered that his health condition ruledout life in the tropics. Returned to Ireland heserved at Rockwell until 1949 when he was re-appointed to Africa, this time to the more benignclimate of Kenya. The Mau Mau troubles beganto erupt and life was difficult at John’s mission.

Returned to Ireland in 1955 he served as bursarin Ardbraccan, Co. Meath. In 1957 he wastransferred to Blackrock where he served againas Bursar, and it was at Blackrock that he was tospend the rest of his life. He served as chaplainfor years to the Loreto Sisters in Dalkey and heofficiated as chaplain at many sportingoccasions. John’s spirituality was simple. Heliked to travel on pilgrimages, Lourdes and theHoly Land. He remained active to the end, a manwith a fund of stories, having many friends andno enemies. After a brief illness in Marian Househe died 1 January 1999 aged 85 years. Fr John isburied in the Spiritan plot in ShanganaghCemetery, Dublin.

January 1st

MAHER, Fr William A.1922-1999

Fr William Maher (Willie) wasborn 13 May 1922 in SouthCircular Road, Dublin. Willie didhis secondary studies at Synge Street C.B.S. andat St Mary’s College, Rathmines, where he wasa member of the rugby senior team. Havingjoined the Congregation at Kilshane he made hisprofession in 1941. He attended UCD where hesecured the BA degree in 1944 after which heprefected for a year at St Mary’s securing alsothe H.Dip.Ed. He qualified for the MA whilestudying philosophy in Kimmage. Ordainedpriest in 1950 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria.

Assigned to the Owerri district he taught for fiveyears at Bishop Shanahan Teacher TrainingCollege at Orlu. He proved a gifted teacher, agood communicator, and an able listener. He wasmanager of a very successful athletic team thatwon many national titles. He was conductor ofan excellent college choir. In 1957 BishopWhelan appointed him Chancellor of the Dioceseand also Editor of the Catholic newspaper TheLeader. He remained manager of the diocesanpress for eleven years and was also supervisor ofschools until obliged to leave Nigeria because ofthe Biafra War.

He did parish work in Monterey, California, fortwo years and was very happy there. In 1971 hevolunteered for service in Papua New Guinea,doing pastoral work in Mount Hagen Diocese.From 1974 he was superior of the group there.His efficiency and dedication were muchappreciated. The severe climate took a big toll onhis limited stamina. In ill health he returned toIreland in 1981 and worked in St Agnes’ parish,Crumlin, Dublin, as Administrator of KimmageChapel. In 1983 he was appointed to St Mary’sCollege. In preparation for the centenary of theCollege in 1990 he wrote a history of St MarysCollege. He was a member of the official groupentrusted with the work of promoting the causeof Bishop Shanahan. His health problemsincreased, but his death 1 January 1999 came

JANUARY

1

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 1

Page 10: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

rather unexpectedly. He was 76 years of age.Fr Willie is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery.

January 1st

TIMON, Fr Brendan T.1907-2000

Fr Brendan Timon was born inSynge St, Dublin, on 24 February1907 Brendan (Bennie to hisfriends) came to Blackrock College in 1921.Brendan joined the Congregation, beingprofessed in Kimmage in 1926. After hisphilosophy studies he was appointed to St Mary’sCollege, Trinidad, as prefect. Having served twoyears he returned to Ireland and did a further yearas prefect at Blackrock. Ordained priest in 1934he was appointed the following year toBlackrock. 1935 saw the launch of thePreparatory School in Willow Park with FrBrendan as its Director and Mr J J Beirne asassistant. He was called on to take charge of theCollege choir and act as organist. He was musicaldirector for the College opera produced by FrAndy Egan.

After three years service as director Fr Brendanwas called on to sail for Nigeria just as BishopShanahan, with whom he was very close in theBlackrock community, was setting off once againfor Africa, not this time to Nigeria but to Kenya.The Catholic mission in Southern Nigeria was bythen on the crest of the wave originated byBishop Shanahan, and during the next thirtyyears Fr Brendan was to play his part in that greatmissionary expansion at Owerri and later inUmuahia where he was appointed Vicar Generalof the new diocese. During the War Years,however, 1941-46, he was called on to serve asArmy Chaplain. On returning to pastoral workhe found the need of extra teachers so hesedulously fostered the recently founded order,the Brothers of St Peter Claver, whom hedirected for twenty years. In their interest helaunched an arts and crafts school, which proveda noted success. Forced to leave his belovedNigeria in 1968 due to the outbreak of the Biafra

war, he was appointed to the USA where foranother thirty years he was to engage in pastoralwork in several parishes in Florida.

Brendan was noted for this generosity, hiscourteousness, his common sense, his organisingskills, and his humour. Advanced in years andfailing in health he retired to Marian House,Kimmage in 1998. After a long life of unstintedservice the Lord called Fr Brendan home on thefirst day of the new millennium. He was aged 93years. He was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

January 3rd

ROCHE, Fr William P.1911-2000

Fr William Roche (Bill) was bornon 15 March 1911 in Gould,Coolkeena, Co Wicklow. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College and then entered the novitiateat Kimmage. He made his first profession in1932. Bill prefected at Blackrock from 1934 to1935, and was ordained to the priesthood in1938.

He was appointed to the vicariate of Zanzibar in1939 and was stationed successively at Riruta,Giriama and Limuru. In the early 1960s hebecame the pastor of the outstation at Ngararigawhere he had one assistant. There were over5,000 Catholics there and an even greater numberof catechumens. The last station where he servedwas at Gatitu in 1968.

Fr Bill returned to Ireland and was stationed atBethany House, Carlow, 1989-98. He was thentransferred to Marian House. He died there on 3January 2000, aged eight-eight years. Bill wasremembered especially for his sense of humour.He never tired of bringing joy into peoples’ livesand this was his way of spreading the GoodNews. It was Bill’s humanity more than histheology that made him a successful missionaryin Africa and won him so many friends whereever he went. He was seen to be most human andat ease with the Lord whom he saw as eminently

JANUARY

2

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 2

rather unexpectedly. He was 76 years of age.Fr Willie is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery.

January 1st

TIMON, Fr Brendan T.1907-2000

Fr Brendan Timon was born inSynge St, Dublin, on 24 February1907 Brendan (Bennie to hisfriends) came to Blackrock College in 1921.Brendan joined the Congregation, beingprofessed in Kimmage in 1926. After hisphilosophy studies he was appointed to St Mary’sCollege, Trinidad, as prefect. Having served twoyears he returned to Ireland and did a further yearas prefect at Blackrock. Ordained priest in 1934he was appointed the following year toBlackrock. 1935 saw the launch of thePreparatory School in Willow Park with FrBrendan as its Director and Mr J J Beirne asassistant. He was called on to take charge of theCollege choir and act as organist. He was musicaldirector for the College opera produced by FrAndy Egan.

After three years service as director Fr Brendanwas called on to sail for Nigeria just as BishopShanahan, with whom he was very close in theBlackrock community, was setting off once againfor Africa, not this time to Nigeria but to Kenya.The Catholic mission in Southern Nigeria was bythen on the crest of the wave originated byBishop Shanahan, and during the next thirtyyears Fr Brendan was to play his part in that greatmissionary expansion at Owerri and later inUmuahia where he was appointed Vicar Generalof the new diocese. During the War Years,however, 1941-46, he was called on to serve asArmy Chaplain. On returning to pastoral workhe found the need of extra teachers so hesedulously fostered the recently founded order,the Brothers of St Peter Claver, whom hedirected for twenty years. In their interest helaunched an arts and crafts school, which proveda noted success. Forced to leave his belovedNigeria in 1968 due to the outbreak of the Biafra

war, he was appointed to the USA where foranother thirty years he was to engage in pastoralwork in several parishes in Florida.

Brendan was noted for this generosity, hiscourteousness, his common sense, his organisingskills, and his humour. Advanced in years andfailing in health he retired to Marian House,Kimmage in 1998. After a long life of unstintedservice the Lord called Fr Brendan home on thefirst day of the new millennium. He was aged 93years. He was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

January 3rd

ROCHE, Fr William P.1911-2000

Fr William Roche (Bill) was bornon 15 March 1911 in Gould,Coolkeena, Co Wicklow. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College and then entered the novitiateat Kimmage. He made his first profession in1932. Bill prefected at Blackrock from 1934 to1935, and was ordained to the priesthood in1938.

He was appointed to the vicariate of Zanzibar in1939 and was stationed successively at Riruta,Giriama and Limuru. In the early 1960s hebecame the pastor of the outstation at Ngararigawhere he had one assistant. There were over5,000 Catholics there and an even greater numberof catechumens. The last station where he servedwas at Gatitu in 1968.

Fr Bill returned to Ireland and was stationed atBethany House, Carlow, 1989-98. He was thentransferred to Marian House. He died there on 3January 2000, aged eight-eight years. Bill wasremembered especially for his sense of humour.He never tired of bringing joy into peoples’ livesand this was his way of spreading the GoodNews. It was Bill’s humanity more than histheology that made him a successful missionaryin Africa and won him so many friends whereever he went. He was seen to be most human andat ease with the Lord whom he saw as eminently

JANUARY

2

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 2

Page 11: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

human and open to all. Fr Bill was buried in thelocal cemetery at Myshall, Co Carlow.

January 3rd

McCARTHY, Fr Gerard 1921-2009

Fr Gerard McCarthy (Garry) wasborn on 3 November 1921. Hemade his first profession on 22September 1941. He was awarded a B.A. andH.Dip.Ed by U.C.D. in 1944 and 1950respectively. He was ordained to the priesthoodon 11 July 1948 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 31 July 1949.

Garry’s first appointment was as a teacher at StMary’s College Rathmines in 1949. In 1954 hebecame the youngest member of the foundinggroup of six Irish Spiritans who moved toWoodstock, Ontario. He was subsequentlyappointed associate pastor at St Rita’s,Woodstock. In the following years it wasconsidered that he had influenced the directionthe Spiritans had taken in Transcanada. Garrywas appointed to the teaching staff of StMichael’s College, Toronto in 1957. His ministrywith the youth was particularly successful as theyrecognised and admired the honest simplicity ofhis approach. He also employed these methodsin the Neil McNeil High School, Toronto whichhe co-founded with Fr Michael Troy in 1958.During his years there he became successivelyvice principal, bursar and also for a period, deanof discipline. In 1963 Garry was electedprovincial superior, a post he held until 1972.

Following on from this he worked in a variety ofministries, including vocations, adult education,formation and pastoral ministry.

He retired to Shanahan House in 1997 and in2003 moved to Laval House, Toronto. His finalplace of retirement was the Providence Centrewhere he moved to in 2006. From his earliestyears until his death, Garry was a very simpleman. What you saw was exactly what you got.He had no hidden agenda. Fr Garry died on 3January 2009 and was buried in Holy CrossCemetery, Toronto.

January 3rd

FOLEY, Fr PatrickJoseph1926-2017

Fr Patrick Foley (Paddy) wasborn on 26 August 1926 inDunlavin, Co Wicklow. He completed hissecondary education in Terenure College beforeentering the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane whenhe was 19 and was professed there in 1946. Hewas awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. He then spent twoyears prefecting in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, during which time he was conferredwith a Higher Diploma in Education. Followingthis he studied philosophy and theology and wasordained in Dublin in 1954.

Paddy’s first appointment was to the archdioceseof Onitsha, Nigeria in 1955 and he ministeredalmost continuously in this West African countryuntil the end of 2014. During his time there hehad been both vice principal and principal ofE.T.C. Obollo Eke, vice principal of St Teresa’s(Nsukka) and principal of the new St Patrick’sSecondary School in Obollo Eke. In 1968 he hadundertaken pastoral work at Isienu in the dioceseof Enugu. He then completed a Diploma inSocial Leadership in St Francis Xavier Collegein Nova Scotia, Canada, while he wassimultaneously engaged in pastoral work in StAnne’s Parish in the diocese of New York. Hereturned to Nigeria in 1971, to work in thediocese of Makurdi where he assumed the roleof co-ordinator for justice and peace and wasbased in Abwa Rural Training Centre, in BenueState, for more than forty years.

He died on 3 January 2017 in Marian House,Kimmage Manor and was buried in BurgageCemetery, Blessington, Co Wickow.

JANUARY

3

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 3

human and open to all. Fr Bill was buried in thelocal cemetery at Myshall, Co Carlow.

January 3rd

McCARTHY, Fr Gerard 1921-2009

Fr Gerard McCarthy (Garry) wasborn on 3 November 1921. Hemade his first profession on 22September 1941. He was awarded a B.A. andH.Dip.Ed by U.C.D. in 1944 and 1950respectively. He was ordained to the priesthoodon 11 July 1948 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 31 July 1949.

Garry’s first appointment was as a teacher at StMary’s College Rathmines in 1949. In 1954 hebecame the youngest member of the foundinggroup of six Irish Spiritans who moved toWoodstock, Ontario. He was subsequentlyappointed associate pastor at St Rita’s,Woodstock. In the following years it wasconsidered that he had influenced the directionthe Spiritans had taken in Transcanada. Garrywas appointed to the teaching staff of StMichael’s College, Toronto in 1957. His ministrywith the youth was particularly successful as theyrecognised and admired the honest simplicity ofhis approach. He also employed these methodsin the Neil McNeil High School, Toronto whichhe co-founded with Fr Michael Troy in 1958.During his years there he became successivelyvice principal, bursar and also for a period, deanof discipline. In 1963 Garry was electedprovincial superior, a post he held until 1972.

Following on from this he worked in a variety ofministries, including vocations, adult education,formation and pastoral ministry.

He retired to Shanahan House in 1997 and in2003 moved to Laval House, Toronto. His finalplace of retirement was the Providence Centrewhere he moved to in 2006. From his earliestyears until his death, Garry was a very simpleman. What you saw was exactly what you got.He had no hidden agenda. Fr Garry died on 3January 2009 and was buried in Holy CrossCemetery, Toronto.

January 3rd

FOLEY, Fr PatrickJoseph1926-2017

Fr Patrick Foley (Paddy) wasborn on 26 August 1926 inDunlavin, Co Wicklow. He completed hissecondary education in Terenure College beforeentering the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane whenhe was 19 and was professed there in 1946. Hewas awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. He then spent twoyears prefecting in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, during which time he was conferredwith a Higher Diploma in Education. Followingthis he studied philosophy and theology and wasordained in Dublin in 1954.

Paddy’s first appointment was to the archdioceseof Onitsha, Nigeria in 1955 and he ministeredalmost continuously in this West African countryuntil the end of 2014. During his time there hehad been both vice principal and principal ofE.T.C. Obollo Eke, vice principal of St Teresa’s(Nsukka) and principal of the new St Patrick’sSecondary School in Obollo Eke. In 1968 he hadundertaken pastoral work at Isienu in the dioceseof Enugu. He then completed a Diploma inSocial Leadership in St Francis Xavier Collegein Nova Scotia, Canada, while he wassimultaneously engaged in pastoral work in StAnne’s Parish in the diocese of New York. Hereturned to Nigeria in 1971, to work in thediocese of Makurdi where he assumed the roleof co-ordinator for justice and peace and wasbased in Abwa Rural Training Centre, in BenueState, for more than forty years.

He died on 3 January 2017 in Marian House,Kimmage Manor and was buried in BurgageCemetery, Blessington, Co Wickow.

JANUARY

3

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 3

Page 12: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

January 6th

MADIGAN, Fr Robert J.1914-1998

Fr Robert Madigan (Bob) wasborn in Cobh, Co Cork, on 20March 1914. After completinghis secondary school studies at Rockwell JuniorScholasticate he entered the congregation andwas professed on 12 September 1934 atKilshane. He prefected at St Mary’s College,Rathmines, from 1937 to 1939 and was ordainedto the priesthood on 12 July 1942. On 30 July1943 he made his Consecration to the Apostolate.

For his first appointment, in 1943, he wasassigned to Sierra Leone and braved the dangersposed by submarine activity before arriving at hisdestination. He was then posted to Gerihun. Thismission was then only still developing and in theseven years he was there he evangelized some5,000 of its population, and spent the final twoyears at its outstation in Njala (Komboya) until1950. Upon returning to Ireland he wasappointed assistant novice master in Kilshane1950-1 and he then returned to Sierra Leone fora further two years. He came back to Ireland in1953 and was appointed director of juniorpostulant brothers in Kimmage. Bob thenbecame the first novice master of the brothers inArdbraccan when it opened in 1956; he was alsosuperior there from 1956 to 1962 and later bursar.He remained in Ardbraccan until 1971 when hewas appointed to Rockwell College where heassisted in farm management. In 1979 he wasappointed to assist in the financial administrationof the college, a function he performed until1994.

Bob loved daily Mass and had a very specialdevotion to the rosary. His beads were hardlyever out of his hands. Due to failing health hetransferred to Marian House, Kimmage, inJanuary 1997 and died there on 6 January 1998.He was buried in the community cemetery,Rockwell College.

January 9th

GILMORE, Fr Michael J.1910-2000

Fr Michael Gilmore was born on2 July 1910 in Carrodger,Newtowncashel, Co. Longford,and did his secondary studies at BlackrockCollege, 1924-29. Entering the novitiate atKimmage, he was professed in 1930. Heprefected at Blackrock, 1932-33, and was amongthe first group of Theologians who moved fromthe Castle, Blackrock, to Kimmage after thenovices had been transferred to Kilshane.Ordained priest in 1936 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria.

His first assignment was to Emekuku where heserved till 1942 when he was called on to act asChaplain to the British Army during the SecondWorld War. He was to serve in Sierra Leone,London, Middle East, Nigeria and Ghana.Returned to missionary work in Nigeria he wasassigned to the Diocese of Owerri and posted tothe new parish of Enyiogu as pastor. Sufferingfrom ill health he returned to Ireland and servedfor a year in the Brothers’ Novitiate in Kimmage.The following year he taught in Willow ParkPreparatory School. In 1960 he was appointedchaplain to the Holy Rosary Sisters Convent inKilleshandra, Co Cavan, where his dutiesinvolved regular lectures to the Sisters information. He built up a wonderful relationshipwith the Sisters and they in turn appreciated histotal commitment to them. He also helped out intaking religion classes in a local Vocationalschool, and he was a member of a closely linkedgroup of bridge players.

Fr Michael retired to Kimmage Manor in 1986where in spite of his 76 years he was to enjoygood health and continue his studies of thespiritual life. Fr Mick died on 9 January 2000aged 89 years. He was buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co. Dublin.

JANUARY

4

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 4

January 6th

MADIGAN, Fr Robert J.1914-1998

Fr Robert Madigan (Bob) wasborn in Cobh, Co Cork, on 20March 1914. After completinghis secondary school studies at Rockwell JuniorScholasticate he entered the congregation andwas professed on 12 September 1934 atKilshane. He prefected at St Mary’s College,Rathmines, from 1937 to 1939 and was ordainedto the priesthood on 12 July 1942. On 30 July1943 he made his Consecration to the Apostolate.

For his first appointment, in 1943, he wasassigned to Sierra Leone and braved the dangersposed by submarine activity before arriving at hisdestination. He was then posted to Gerihun. Thismission was then only still developing and in theseven years he was there he evangelized some5,000 of its population, and spent the final twoyears at its outstation in Njala (Komboya) until1950. Upon returning to Ireland he wasappointed assistant novice master in Kilshane1950-1 and he then returned to Sierra Leone fora further two years. He came back to Ireland in1953 and was appointed director of juniorpostulant brothers in Kimmage. Bob thenbecame the first novice master of the brothers inArdbraccan when it opened in 1956; he was alsosuperior there from 1956 to 1962 and later bursar.He remained in Ardbraccan until 1971 when hewas appointed to Rockwell College where heassisted in farm management. In 1979 he wasappointed to assist in the financial administrationof the college, a function he performed until1994.

Bob loved daily Mass and had a very specialdevotion to the rosary. His beads were hardlyever out of his hands. Due to failing health hetransferred to Marian House, Kimmage, inJanuary 1997 and died there on 6 January 1998.He was buried in the community cemetery,Rockwell College.

January 9th

GILMORE, Fr Michael J.1910-2000

Fr Michael Gilmore was born on2 July 1910 in Carrodger,Newtowncashel, Co. Longford,and did his secondary studies at BlackrockCollege, 1924-29. Entering the novitiate atKimmage, he was professed in 1930. Heprefected at Blackrock, 1932-33, and was amongthe first group of Theologians who moved fromthe Castle, Blackrock, to Kimmage after thenovices had been transferred to Kilshane.Ordained priest in 1936 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria.

His first assignment was to Emekuku where heserved till 1942 when he was called on to act asChaplain to the British Army during the SecondWorld War. He was to serve in Sierra Leone,London, Middle East, Nigeria and Ghana.Returned to missionary work in Nigeria he wasassigned to the Diocese of Owerri and posted tothe new parish of Enyiogu as pastor. Sufferingfrom ill health he returned to Ireland and servedfor a year in the Brothers’ Novitiate in Kimmage.The following year he taught in Willow ParkPreparatory School. In 1960 he was appointedchaplain to the Holy Rosary Sisters Convent inKilleshandra, Co Cavan, where his dutiesinvolved regular lectures to the Sisters information. He built up a wonderful relationshipwith the Sisters and they in turn appreciated histotal commitment to them. He also helped out intaking religion classes in a local Vocationalschool, and he was a member of a closely linkedgroup of bridge players.

Fr Michael retired to Kimmage Manor in 1986where in spite of his 76 years he was to enjoygood health and continue his studies of thespiritual life. Fr Mick died on 9 January 2000aged 89 years. He was buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co. Dublin.

JANUARY

4

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 4

Page 13: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

January 10th

DARCY, Fr Edward 1916-2000

Fr Edward Darcy (Ned) was bornon 13 July 1916 inClonmacnoise, Athlone, Co.Westmeath and completed his secondary studiesat St Mel’s College, Longford. Having joined theCongregation at Kilshane in 1936 he wasprofessed the following year. Moving toKimmage Manor he studied at UCD, acquiringthe BA in 1943 having also done three yearsprefecting - one in the Burse, 1938-39, and twoin Rockwell, 1939-41. Ordained in 1946 he wasappointed the following year to Nigeria but asillness delayed his departure till 1948 he workedin the Propaganda Office.

Assigned to the Owerri diocese he served atOgbaku, a station just opened in 1948, at Ahiarain 1952, and then in charge of the OgbakuElimentary Teachers Training College in 1961.He was commissioned by the Bishop to build anew secondary school in the town of Uli and tobe its first Principal. In 1967, early in the Biafranwar, he had to close his school and leave forhome. He went to the USA in 1968 where heworked the Diocese of Corpus Christi but had toreturn to Ireland for an operation in 1969. In1972 he went back to Africa - this time to Kenyawhere he served in pastoral duties in theArchdiocese of Nairobi for five years.

Having developed serious eye trouble he had toreturn to Ireland for major surgery requiring theremoval of the affected eye. Stationed at StMary’s College, Rathmines, he continuedteaching with enthusiasm. He had a great love forhis work in charge of the College chapel, whichhe kept spotlessly clean. In 1994 Fr Ned wasmoved to Marian House where he was cared forduring his last years. He died on 10 January 2000aged 83 years. Fr Ned was buried inClonmacnoise.

January 10th

CARRAGHER, Fr Arthur1922-2011

Fr Arthur Carragher was born on16 October 1922 in Cullyhanna,Co Armagh. He completed hissecondary school education at St Patrick’sCollege, Armagh. He made his first professionon 8 September 1942 and prefected for two yearsat St Mary’s College, Rathmines. Arthur wasordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950.

Arthurs’s first mission assignment was to Nigeriain 1951. He served in Obollo Eke, Nsukka,Nonokwa and Onitsha until he was forced toleave due to the outbreak of the Biafran War. Hesubsequently returned to Ireland and worked asa teacher at St Mary’s College, Rathmines. In1971 Arthur moved to Canada where he servedin various parishes in Ontario including Guelph,Hamilton, Scotland, and West Hill.

Following on from this he returned to Ireland in1989 and became an associate pastor in thearchdiocese of Armagh. In 1995 he made thedecision to retire to Toronto, Canada. Fr Arthurdied on 10 January 2011 in Bendale Acres,Toronto and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto.

January 12th

MURPHY, Fr James Mary Bernard1924-2002

Fr James Murphy (Barney) wasborn in Wellington Road, CorkCity, on 20 July 1924. Barneycompleted his secondary schoolstudies in C.B.S. Sullivan Quay, and C.B.S.North Monastery. He joined the congregationand made his first profession on 16 September1944 in Kilshane. He studied for a B.A. at UCD1944-7 and then prefected in Rockwell for twoyears. He then studied theology at Kimmageand was ordained to the priesthood on 29 June1952. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1953.

JANUARY

5

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 5

January 10th

DARCY, Fr Edward 1916-2000

Fr Edward Darcy (Ned) was bornon 13 July 1916 inClonmacnoise, Athlone, Co.Westmeath and completed his secondary studiesat St Mel’s College, Longford. Having joined theCongregation at Kilshane in 1936 he wasprofessed the following year. Moving toKimmage Manor he studied at UCD, acquiringthe BA in 1943 having also done three yearsprefecting - one in the Burse, 1938-39, and twoin Rockwell, 1939-41. Ordained in 1946 he wasappointed the following year to Nigeria but asillness delayed his departure till 1948 he workedin the Propaganda Office.

Assigned to the Owerri diocese he served atOgbaku, a station just opened in 1948, at Ahiarain 1952, and then in charge of the OgbakuElimentary Teachers Training College in 1961.He was commissioned by the Bishop to build anew secondary school in the town of Uli and tobe its first Principal. In 1967, early in the Biafranwar, he had to close his school and leave forhome. He went to the USA in 1968 where heworked the Diocese of Corpus Christi but had toreturn to Ireland for an operation in 1969. In1972 he went back to Africa - this time to Kenyawhere he served in pastoral duties in theArchdiocese of Nairobi for five years.

Having developed serious eye trouble he had toreturn to Ireland for major surgery requiring theremoval of the affected eye. Stationed at StMary’s College, Rathmines, he continuedteaching with enthusiasm. He had a great love forhis work in charge of the College chapel, whichhe kept spotlessly clean. In 1994 Fr Ned wasmoved to Marian House where he was cared forduring his last years. He died on 10 January 2000aged 83 years. Fr Ned was buried inClonmacnoise.

January 10th

CARRAGHER, Fr Arthur1922-2011

Fr Arthur Carragher was born on16 October 1922 in Cullyhanna,Co Armagh. He completed hissecondary school education at St Patrick’sCollege, Armagh. He made his first professionon 8 September 1942 and prefected for two yearsat St Mary’s College, Rathmines. Arthur wasordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950.

Arthurs’s first mission assignment was to Nigeriain 1951. He served in Obollo Eke, Nsukka,Nonokwa and Onitsha until he was forced toleave due to the outbreak of the Biafran War. Hesubsequently returned to Ireland and worked asa teacher at St Mary’s College, Rathmines. In1971 Arthur moved to Canada where he servedin various parishes in Ontario including Guelph,Hamilton, Scotland, and West Hill.

Following on from this he returned to Ireland in1989 and became an associate pastor in thearchdiocese of Armagh. In 1995 he made thedecision to retire to Toronto, Canada. Fr Arthurdied on 10 January 2011 in Bendale Acres,Toronto and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto.

January 12th

MURPHY, Fr James Mary Bernard1924-2002

Fr James Murphy (Barney) wasborn in Wellington Road, CorkCity, on 20 July 1924. Barneycompleted his secondary schoolstudies in C.B.S. Sullivan Quay, and C.B.S.North Monastery. He joined the congregationand made his first profession on 16 September1944 in Kilshane. He studied for a B.A. at UCD1944-7 and then prefected in Rockwell for twoyears. He then studied theology at Kimmageand was ordained to the priesthood on 29 June1952. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1953.

JANUARY

5

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 5

Page 14: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

His first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria. Barney ministered in Nigeriafor over sixteen years serving at the teachertraining colleges at Umuahia and Bende and thenas principal of the boys’ secondary school,Ohafia. He then returned to Ireland and served asdean of discipline at Rockwell College, 1967-8.He went back to Nigeria but due to the civil warhe returned to Ireland again in 1969. Thefollowing year he was appointed to the U.S.A.and was given a parish ministry in New York. In1972 he was appointed to the district of Brazilwhere he served in the parish of Sao Sebastiao inSuzano and he was accorded the freedom of thecity for his service to the community in 1987. Hefounded the parish of the Good Shepherd wherehe undertook the building of a large modernchurch based on one he saw at Kildimo villagein Co Limerick. After a sabbatical he wasappointed as administrator to the parish of SaoPedro in Sao Paulo in 1994. In 1998 he appliedto the authorities seeking a plot of land uponwhich he planned to build a community centre.The request was approved in June 1999 andconstruction of Cesar de Souza Institute began.

Having suffered a stroke he was hospitalised on6 December 2001. During this time the peoplefrom his parish organised shifts so that there werealways at least two people at his bedside. Barneywas brought back to Marian House, Kimmage,on Christmas Eve 2001. On 28 December he wasadmitted to St. James’s Hospital where, duringthe following two weeks, he suffered a series ofstrokes. He died on 12 January 2002 aged 77years. He was buried in the community cemetery,Rockwell College.

January 12th

O’CARROLL, Fr Michael John1911-2004

Fr Michael O’Carroll was born inNewcastle West, Co Limerick, onthe 11 June 1911. After his secondary schoolstudies at Blackrock Juniorate he entered theNovitiate in Kimmage where he made his firstprofession on 1 September 1929. He wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1932and then prefected in Rockwell College from1932 to 1933 and in St Mary’s, 1933-4. Hereceived the H.Dip in education. in 1934.Michael studied theology at Fribourg Universitywhere he graduated with a doctorate in divinity.He was ordained to the priesthood on 25 July1937 and made his Consecration to theApostolate in Fribourg on 23 July 1939.

In 1939 Michael was appointed to the teachingstaff at Blackrock College. For many years hewas dean of the Castle and editor of the collegeannual. Michael was an excellent teacher andtaught French, Latin, English, history andreligion. He was a man of prodigious andapparently inexhaustible energy. Nothing was toomuch for him: daily ministry, preaching retreats,lecturing, radio talks and writing. He was aprolific writer and his first pamphlet waspublished in 1940, The secret of Knock. ItsMarian theme was to be his passion for the restof his life. In an interview in 1998, when askedwhat gave him the greatest pride, he answered :‘That I have written so much on Our Lady’. Andhis greatest regret? ‘That I should have writtenmore’. His twenty-four published books include:Life of Edward Leen, Saint Joseph, FrancisLibermann, the Marian encyclopaediaTheotokos, Corpus Christi - a study on theEucharist, Life from the East. His last volume Apriest in changing times: memories and opinionsof Michael O’Carroll CSSp is a reflection on hisown life.

Michael was an international figure and servedas secretary of the International Association ofPriests. He also had a deep commitment toecumenism. Consequently, he will be

JANUARY

6

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 6

His first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria. Barney ministered in Nigeriafor over sixteen years serving at the teachertraining colleges at Umuahia and Bende and thenas principal of the boys’ secondary school,Ohafia. He then returned to Ireland and served asdean of discipline at Rockwell College, 1967-8.He went back to Nigeria but due to the civil warhe returned to Ireland again in 1969. Thefollowing year he was appointed to the U.S.A.and was given a parish ministry in New York. In1972 he was appointed to the district of Brazilwhere he served in the parish of Sao Sebastiao inSuzano and he was accorded the freedom of thecity for his service to the community in 1987. Hefounded the parish of the Good Shepherd wherehe undertook the building of a large modernchurch based on one he saw at Kildimo villagein Co Limerick. After a sabbatical he wasappointed as administrator to the parish of SaoPedro in Sao Paulo in 1994. In 1998 he appliedto the authorities seeking a plot of land uponwhich he planned to build a community centre.The request was approved in June 1999 andconstruction of Cesar de Souza Institute began.

Having suffered a stroke he was hospitalised on6 December 2001. During this time the peoplefrom his parish organised shifts so that there werealways at least two people at his bedside. Barneywas brought back to Marian House, Kimmage,on Christmas Eve 2001. On 28 December he wasadmitted to St. James’s Hospital where, duringthe following two weeks, he suffered a series ofstrokes. He died on 12 January 2002 aged 77years. He was buried in the community cemetery,Rockwell College.

January 12th

O’CARROLL, Fr Michael John1911-2004

Fr Michael O’Carroll was born inNewcastle West, Co Limerick, onthe 11 June 1911. After his secondary schoolstudies at Blackrock Juniorate he entered theNovitiate in Kimmage where he made his firstprofession on 1 September 1929. He wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1932and then prefected in Rockwell College from1932 to 1933 and in St Mary’s, 1933-4. Hereceived the H.Dip in education. in 1934.Michael studied theology at Fribourg Universitywhere he graduated with a doctorate in divinity.He was ordained to the priesthood on 25 July1937 and made his Consecration to theApostolate in Fribourg on 23 July 1939.

In 1939 Michael was appointed to the teachingstaff at Blackrock College. For many years hewas dean of the Castle and editor of the collegeannual. Michael was an excellent teacher andtaught French, Latin, English, history andreligion. He was a man of prodigious andapparently inexhaustible energy. Nothing was toomuch for him: daily ministry, preaching retreats,lecturing, radio talks and writing. He was aprolific writer and his first pamphlet waspublished in 1940, The secret of Knock. ItsMarian theme was to be his passion for the restof his life. In an interview in 1998, when askedwhat gave him the greatest pride, he answered :‘That I have written so much on Our Lady’. Andhis greatest regret? ‘That I should have writtenmore’. His twenty-four published books include:Life of Edward Leen, Saint Joseph, FrancisLibermann, the Marian encyclopaediaTheotokos, Corpus Christi - a study on theEucharist, Life from the East. His last volume Apriest in changing times: memories and opinionsof Michael O’Carroll CSSp is a reflection on hisown life.

Michael was an international figure and servedas secretary of the International Association ofPriests. He also had a deep commitment toecumenism. Consequently, he will be

JANUARY

6

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 6

Page 15: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

remembered as one who pioneered bodies whichpromoted inter faith dialogue e.g. the MercierSociety between Catholics and Protestants, andPillar of Fire Society between Catholics andJews. Maynooth College recognised hisdistinguished career by awarding him anhonorary doctorate in 1995. Michael died on 12January 2004 in Blackrock Clinic, Dublin andwas buried in Shanganagh Cemetery.

January 13th

GOGAN, Fr Cothraí 1926-2013

Fr Cothraí Gogan was born inDublin on 31 March 1926.Following secondary schoolstudies in St Mary’s College, Rathmines, heentered the Novitiate at Kilshane in 1944 andwas professed the following year. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor, 1949-50, andthen received a B.A. in English and Irish in 1948,followed by an M.A. in Irish literature in 1950from UCD. In 1950 Cothraí went to BlackrockCollege where he prefected for one year. In 1951he went to Fribourg to study theology, throughLatin, and he was ordained there in July 1954 andgraduated with an S.T.L.

Cothraí’s mission appointment was to Nigeria,arriving in Onitsha in 1955 where he was basedin Ihiala Junior Scholasticate, and subsequentlyin Awomamma / Isienu where he was director ofscholastics. In 1965 he moved to Enugu and wasin Biafra during the civil war. Because he wasproficient in the Igbo language, he later servedas chaplain in the refugee camps on the IvoryCoast.

After leaving West Africa he did short teachingstints in Tanzania and Mauritius before beingappointed to Kenya in 1972. He served as aparish priest in Ruaraka followed by Kalimoni,Kiambu, Ngarariga and Lioki, as well asundertaking other ministries such as novicemaster and chaplain. During the near forty yearshe spent in Kenya he mastered eight languagesand it was here that he wrote much of his belovedpoetry, in English and Irish, as well as the Gospel

of Brother Gabriel. In the 1990s he wrote ahistory of the Nairobi mission, followed by acomplete history of the Spiritan mission inKenya.

Of all the many titles he had – theologian,philosopher, academic, teacher, formator, author,poet, priest and religious – perhaps the mostprecious to him was that of missionary. As he putit in a line from a short poem he titledMissionary: ‘Tis true that bearing love I came,but O surprise, the more do I receive than give’.

He returned to Ireland in June 2011 to theKimmage community where he would spend hisfinal days in retirement. Cothraí died on 13January 2013 and was buried in DardistownCemetery.

January 14th

COMERFORD, Fr Patrick Thomas1933-1999

Fr Patrick Comerford (Pat) wasborn on 28 March 1933 inCahirciveen, Co. Kerry, Patrick and did hissecondary studies in Blackrock College, 1948-50. Having entered the congregation he wasprofessed in 1952. After two years study inKimmage he prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, 1954-56. Ordained in 1959 he wasassigned the following year to promotional workin Ireland where he served for three years.

Appointed to Nigeria he served in Onitsha forfour years working mainly in Adazi at StAndrew’s large parish with a congregation of25,000. From 1967 to 1969 he worked in Londonand Glasgow in parish ministry and then returnedto Nigeria where he worked for two years untilobliged to leave because of the Biafra War. In1970 he went to work with his Americanconfreres in an African-American parish inLouisiana until 1973 when he joined them intheir work among the Indians in Mexico. Heserved there until his retirement in 1997 due toill health. It was said about Pat that “he neverspoke about himself or his work. It was always

JANUARY

7

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 7

remembered as one who pioneered bodies whichpromoted inter faith dialogue e.g. the MercierSociety between Catholics and Protestants, andPillar of Fire Society between Catholics andJews. Maynooth College recognised hisdistinguished career by awarding him anhonorary doctorate in 1995. Michael died on 12January 2004 in Blackrock Clinic, Dublin andwas buried in Shanganagh Cemetery.

January 13th

GOGAN, Fr Cothraí 1926-2013

Fr Cothraí Gogan was born inDublin on 31 March 1926.Following secondary schoolstudies in St Mary’s College, Rathmines, heentered the Novitiate at Kilshane in 1944 andwas professed the following year. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor, 1949-50, andthen received a B.A. in English and Irish in 1948,followed by an M.A. in Irish literature in 1950from UCD. In 1950 Cothraí went to BlackrockCollege where he prefected for one year. In 1951he went to Fribourg to study theology, throughLatin, and he was ordained there in July 1954 andgraduated with an S.T.L.

Cothraí’s mission appointment was to Nigeria,arriving in Onitsha in 1955 where he was basedin Ihiala Junior Scholasticate, and subsequentlyin Awomamma / Isienu where he was director ofscholastics. In 1965 he moved to Enugu and wasin Biafra during the civil war. Because he wasproficient in the Igbo language, he later servedas chaplain in the refugee camps on the IvoryCoast.

After leaving West Africa he did short teachingstints in Tanzania and Mauritius before beingappointed to Kenya in 1972. He served as aparish priest in Ruaraka followed by Kalimoni,Kiambu, Ngarariga and Lioki, as well asundertaking other ministries such as novicemaster and chaplain. During the near forty yearshe spent in Kenya he mastered eight languagesand it was here that he wrote much of his belovedpoetry, in English and Irish, as well as the Gospel

of Brother Gabriel. In the 1990s he wrote ahistory of the Nairobi mission, followed by acomplete history of the Spiritan mission inKenya.

Of all the many titles he had – theologian,philosopher, academic, teacher, formator, author,poet, priest and religious – perhaps the mostprecious to him was that of missionary. As he putit in a line from a short poem he titledMissionary: ‘Tis true that bearing love I came,but O surprise, the more do I receive than give’.

He returned to Ireland in June 2011 to theKimmage community where he would spend hisfinal days in retirement. Cothraí died on 13January 2013 and was buried in DardistownCemetery.

January 14th

COMERFORD, Fr Patrick Thomas1933-1999

Fr Patrick Comerford (Pat) wasborn on 28 March 1933 inCahirciveen, Co. Kerry, Patrick and did hissecondary studies in Blackrock College, 1948-50. Having entered the congregation he wasprofessed in 1952. After two years study inKimmage he prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, 1954-56. Ordained in 1959 he wasassigned the following year to promotional workin Ireland where he served for three years.

Appointed to Nigeria he served in Onitsha forfour years working mainly in Adazi at StAndrew’s large parish with a congregation of25,000. From 1967 to 1969 he worked in Londonand Glasgow in parish ministry and then returnedto Nigeria where he worked for two years untilobliged to leave because of the Biafra War. In1970 he went to work with his Americanconfreres in an African-American parish inLouisiana until 1973 when he joined them intheir work among the Indians in Mexico. Heserved there until his retirement in 1997 due toill health. It was said about Pat that “he neverspoke about himself or his work. It was always

JANUARY

7

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 7

Page 16: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

about the mission and the people. He certainlyworked among those whose needs weregreatest.” As he lay dying his great consolationwas that at that moment the ordination ceremonyof the two first Mexican Spiritans was takingplace. Fr Pat died in St Vincent’s Hospital,Dublin, on 14 January 1999 after a long illness.He is buried in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery.

January 14th

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Liam1922 -2012

Fr Liam O’Sullivan was born inLimerick on 22 June 1922. Afterhis secondary school studies atC.B.S., Limerick, he entered the novitiate atKilshane, where he was professed on 7 October1945. He studied philosophy at Kimmage andwas awarded an M.Sc. in mathematics by U.C.D.Liam studied theology in Fribourg between 1945and 1950 where he gained an S.T.L. magna cumlaude. He was ordained to the priesthood on 24July 1949 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 23 July 1950.

Liam’s mission appointment in 1950 was to EastAfrica where he taught mathematics at St FrancisCollege in Pugu, near Dar–es-Salaam. He heldthis position for twelve years. After spending1963 pursuing a course in postgraduate studiesat the University of Oxford, he then went toSierra Leone. He lectured in mathematics at theFoura Bay College of the University of SierraLeone where he also fulfilled the role of chaplainto its students. Liam remained there for morethan two decades. He never saw his chaplaincyministry as only an outreach to Catholic studentsas he related well to students of alldenominations. It was this inclusive sense ofministry that he later brought to his work in theRoyal College of Surgeons.

Liam returned to Ireland in 1986 and becamechaplain to the Royal College of Surgeons. Hedied in Marian House, Kimmage, on 14 January2012 and is interred in Mount St LawrenceCemetery, Limerick.

January 17th

FARRELLY, Fr Thomas Michael1925-2017

Fr Thomas Farrelly (Tom) wasborn on 4 March 1925. Aftercompleting his secondary school education in StFinian’s Mullingar, he entered Kilshane in 1943and was professed the following year. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage and was awarded a B.A.in Latin and Irish by U.C.D followed by an M.A.in Irish language and literature. He then studiedtheology in Fribourg, Switzerland, and wasordained in Chevilly, France, in 1952.

Appointed to Kenya, Tom served from 1954 to1967 as a teacher there, much of it as principal,and/or in pastoral roles, in Kabaa High School,St Mary’s School, Nairobi, where he was alsobursar, in Githunguri, Kilungu and in Tala. Hethen moved to Kenyatta College.

Tom was an inspector of schools for the Ministryof Education in Nairobi in the early 1970s beforemoving to the U.S.A. to undertake doctoralstudies in the University of South Florida whichhe combined with pastoral ministry. He returnedto Kenya in 1980 where he spent the next twoyears working for Kenya’s Catholic Secretariat.This included a period spent as joint editor of aseries of primary school religion textbooks.Moving to Rome in 1983, he served for fouryears in research and planning at the Generalate.

He was assigned to the School of Education,Duquesne, from 1988 to 1994. He then served aseducation co-ordinator in Ireland. He was afounding member of the D.E.A. (now SpiritanEducation Trust) and was centrally involved inthe drafting of its initial documentation andprotocols. This was due to him having been aboard-member from its inception and also part ofits ethos sub-committee. He served as a mentorto the P.L.T. for six years, meticulouslyaccompanying its planning sessions.

Tom moved to Kimmage Manor in 2011 from theBlackrock Community and died on 17 January2017 in Marian House. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JANUARY

8

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 8

about the mission and the people. He certainlyworked among those whose needs weregreatest.” As he lay dying his great consolationwas that at that moment the ordination ceremonyof the two first Mexican Spiritans was takingplace. Fr Pat died in St Vincent’s Hospital,Dublin, on 14 January 1999 after a long illness.He is buried in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery.

January 14th

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Liam1922 -2012

Fr Liam O’Sullivan was born inLimerick on 22 June 1922. Afterhis secondary school studies atC.B.S., Limerick, he entered the novitiate atKilshane, where he was professed on 7 October1945. He studied philosophy at Kimmage andwas awarded an M.Sc. in mathematics by U.C.D.Liam studied theology in Fribourg between 1945and 1950 where he gained an S.T.L. magna cumlaude. He was ordained to the priesthood on 24July 1949 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 23 July 1950.

Liam’s mission appointment in 1950 was to EastAfrica where he taught mathematics at St FrancisCollege in Pugu, near Dar–es-Salaam. He heldthis position for twelve years. After spending1963 pursuing a course in postgraduate studiesat the University of Oxford, he then went toSierra Leone. He lectured in mathematics at theFoura Bay College of the University of SierraLeone where he also fulfilled the role of chaplainto its students. Liam remained there for morethan two decades. He never saw his chaplaincyministry as only an outreach to Catholic studentsas he related well to students of alldenominations. It was this inclusive sense ofministry that he later brought to his work in theRoyal College of Surgeons.

Liam returned to Ireland in 1986 and becamechaplain to the Royal College of Surgeons. Hedied in Marian House, Kimmage, on 14 January2012 and is interred in Mount St LawrenceCemetery, Limerick.

January 17th

FARRELLY, Fr Thomas Michael1925-2017

Fr Thomas Farrelly (Tom) wasborn on 4 March 1925. Aftercompleting his secondary school education in StFinian’s Mullingar, he entered Kilshane in 1943and was professed the following year. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage and was awarded a B.A.in Latin and Irish by U.C.D followed by an M.A.in Irish language and literature. He then studiedtheology in Fribourg, Switzerland, and wasordained in Chevilly, France, in 1952.

Appointed to Kenya, Tom served from 1954 to1967 as a teacher there, much of it as principal,and/or in pastoral roles, in Kabaa High School,St Mary’s School, Nairobi, where he was alsobursar, in Githunguri, Kilungu and in Tala. Hethen moved to Kenyatta College.

Tom was an inspector of schools for the Ministryof Education in Nairobi in the early 1970s beforemoving to the U.S.A. to undertake doctoralstudies in the University of South Florida whichhe combined with pastoral ministry. He returnedto Kenya in 1980 where he spent the next twoyears working for Kenya’s Catholic Secretariat.This included a period spent as joint editor of aseries of primary school religion textbooks.Moving to Rome in 1983, he served for fouryears in research and planning at the Generalate.

He was assigned to the School of Education,Duquesne, from 1988 to 1994. He then served aseducation co-ordinator in Ireland. He was afounding member of the D.E.A. (now SpiritanEducation Trust) and was centrally involved inthe drafting of its initial documentation andprotocols. This was due to him having been aboard-member from its inception and also part ofits ethos sub-committee. He served as a mentorto the P.L.T. for six years, meticulouslyaccompanying its planning sessions.

Tom moved to Kimmage Manor in 2011 from theBlackrock Community and died on 17 January2017 in Marian House. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JANUARY

8

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 8

Page 17: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

January 19th

BUCKLEY, Fr Michael1931-2015

Fr Michael Buckley was born on20 April 1931 in Moyvane, CoKerry. On completing hissecondary school studies in Rockwell College,Co Tipperary, he entered the Novitiate inKilshane and was professed in 1952. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and prefected inBlackrock College from 1954 to 1956. He thenreturned to Kimmage to study theology for thenext four years. Michael was ordained in July1959 and he made his Consecration to theApostolate on 29 July 1960.

Michael was scheduled to go to Kenya in 1961but ill-health prevented him from travelling andinstead he would spend the rest of his life on thehome mission engaged in a mixture offundraising, bursary and chaplaincy roles.

In 1962, having recovered sufficiently, Michaelundertook the task of promotions / fundraisingfor the congregation and this lasted through the1960s and 70s. In 1982 he served as chaplain inBlanchardstown Hospital and then later, in 1992,in St Mary’s Hospital in the Phoenix Park. In1981 he completed a clinical pastoral educationprogramme at St Vincent’s Hospital. He wasappointed bursar firstly in Kimmage in 1985 and,up to 2014, in St Mary’s College, Rathmines.Michael did eventually get to see Kenya on athree week trip in the mid-1970s when heaccompanied his life-long friend, Fr MichaelDuggan Cssp.

Described by a fellow confrère as ‘one of God’sgentlemen’, and remembered by another for ‘hiskindness and exceptional capacity forfriendship’, Michael’s life was hugely influencedby Padre Pio and he started the Padre Pio prayergroup in Kimmage in the 1970s. In his homily atthe funeral mass, Fr Duggan recalled howMichael, though disappointed he was not to takeup his overseas mission appointment, ‘didn’t sitaround’ when he missed out on his firstappointment a decade and a half earlier, butknuckled down to the crucial and unglamoroustask of fundraising to support the missions.

Michael died on 19 January 2015 and is buriedin his native Kerry in Murhur Cemetery,Moyvane.

January 23rd

KEARINS, Mr Peter1940-2014

Mr Peter Kearins was born inLahardane, Ballina, Co Mayo on31 May 1940. He completed hissecondary school education in Blackrock Collegeand entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1958. Hemade his first profession in September 1959. Hethen completed his studies in Kimmage and wasordained in 1966.

Peter’s first mission appointment was, in 1967,to Sierra Leone with fellow missionaries PeterQueally and Liam Martin. After a short periodspent in Serabu he was assigned to Bonthe- anisland off the coast. He worked there for tenyears where he established a mobile health clinicto look after people who lived in very remote andinaccessible villages.

Peter was appointed to St Mary’s parish inMonrovia, Liberia and in 1982 he was electeddistrict superior of the Spiritans in Sierra Leoneand served in this capacity for the next six years.He played a significant role in setting up the WestAfrican Foundation of the Spiritans. He leftSierra Leone in 1992 and went to New York tocomplete a three month chaplaincy course. Hereturned to Ireland that autumn to work as achaplain in James Connolly Memorial Hospital,Blanchardstown. In 1993 he again returned toNew York to undergo further training in thisfield.

Peter left the Congregation in 1994 and becamemanager of the Cheshire Home in Monkstown.In 2007 he began working, as a companion, withthe confreres in Marian House and in 2009 hereturned to live in the Kimmage Community. Hesubsequently began the process of beingreadmitted back into the Congregation and hadbeen given the necessary permission by theGeneral Council to do so. Unfortunately due to

JANUARY

9

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 9

January 19th

BUCKLEY, Fr Michael1931-2015

Fr Michael Buckley was born on20 April 1931 in Moyvane, CoKerry. On completing hissecondary school studies in Rockwell College,Co Tipperary, he entered the Novitiate inKilshane and was professed in 1952. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and prefected inBlackrock College from 1954 to 1956. He thenreturned to Kimmage to study theology for thenext four years. Michael was ordained in July1959 and he made his Consecration to theApostolate on 29 July 1960.

Michael was scheduled to go to Kenya in 1961but ill-health prevented him from travelling andinstead he would spend the rest of his life on thehome mission engaged in a mixture offundraising, bursary and chaplaincy roles.

In 1962, having recovered sufficiently, Michaelundertook the task of promotions / fundraisingfor the congregation and this lasted through the1960s and 70s. In 1982 he served as chaplain inBlanchardstown Hospital and then later, in 1992,in St Mary’s Hospital in the Phoenix Park. In1981 he completed a clinical pastoral educationprogramme at St Vincent’s Hospital. He wasappointed bursar firstly in Kimmage in 1985 and,up to 2014, in St Mary’s College, Rathmines.Michael did eventually get to see Kenya on athree week trip in the mid-1970s when heaccompanied his life-long friend, Fr MichaelDuggan Cssp.

Described by a fellow confrère as ‘one of God’sgentlemen’, and remembered by another for ‘hiskindness and exceptional capacity forfriendship’, Michael’s life was hugely influencedby Padre Pio and he started the Padre Pio prayergroup in Kimmage in the 1970s. In his homily atthe funeral mass, Fr Duggan recalled howMichael, though disappointed he was not to takeup his overseas mission appointment, ‘didn’t sitaround’ when he missed out on his firstappointment a decade and a half earlier, butknuckled down to the crucial and unglamoroustask of fundraising to support the missions.

Michael died on 19 January 2015 and is buriedin his native Kerry in Murhur Cemetery,Moyvane.

January 23rd

KEARINS, Mr Peter1940-2014

Mr Peter Kearins was born inLahardane, Ballina, Co Mayo on31 May 1940. He completed hissecondary school education in Blackrock Collegeand entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1958. Hemade his first profession in September 1959. Hethen completed his studies in Kimmage and wasordained in 1966.

Peter’s first mission appointment was, in 1967,to Sierra Leone with fellow missionaries PeterQueally and Liam Martin. After a short periodspent in Serabu he was assigned to Bonthe- anisland off the coast. He worked there for tenyears where he established a mobile health clinicto look after people who lived in very remote andinaccessible villages.

Peter was appointed to St Mary’s parish inMonrovia, Liberia and in 1982 he was electeddistrict superior of the Spiritans in Sierra Leoneand served in this capacity for the next six years.He played a significant role in setting up the WestAfrican Foundation of the Spiritans. He leftSierra Leone in 1992 and went to New York tocomplete a three month chaplaincy course. Hereturned to Ireland that autumn to work as achaplain in James Connolly Memorial Hospital,Blanchardstown. In 1993 he again returned toNew York to undergo further training in thisfield.

Peter left the Congregation in 1994 and becamemanager of the Cheshire Home in Monkstown.In 2007 he began working, as a companion, withthe confreres in Marian House and in 2009 hereturned to live in the Kimmage Community. Hesubsequently began the process of beingreadmitted back into the Congregation and hadbeen given the necessary permission by theGeneral Council to do so. Unfortunately due to

JANUARY

9

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 9

Page 18: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

ill health he was unable to complete this process.Peter died on 23 January 2014 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

January 23rd

McCARTHY, Fr Michael1921 -2015

Fr Michael McCarthy was bornon 2 February 1921 in Emmet’sPlace, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Oncompletion of his secondary school education atRockwell College he entered the Novitiate inKilshane and was professed in 1940. He thenstudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and afterthis he returned briefly to Rockwell Collegebefore working as a prefect in Trinidad, 1943-5.Following on from this he went back toKimmage for a further four years to studytheology and was ordained in Dublin byArchbishop McQuaid on 11 July 1948.

His first appointment was to Nigeria where hespent almost two decades engaged inevangelization and pastoral ministry in Ikeduru,St Brendan’s Parish and later in St Joseph’s andUrualla. He returned to Ireland in 1968 duringthe Nigerian Civil War, engaging in parishministry in St Michan’s, Dublin 7, before movingto Louisiana for a year to fulfil a similar function.Michael was re-assigned to Sierra Leone in 1972where he laboured for seven years in the serviceof the diocese of Kenema.

He returned to the U.S. in 1978 and was attachedto the Long Island Community working out ofL.I. City House where, from 1987 to 1998, heoccupied the positions of bursar and guest-master. During his tenure in America he raisedmuch needed funds for Kenema under theauspices of the Mission Co-operative Plan andhelped many needy and under resourcedmissionaries.

Michael was a great letter-writer who also stayedin close contact with a number of missionarypriests and nuns who had benefited from hisendeavours. He finally returned to Ireland in2006 to live out his retirement at KimmageManor. He was transferred to Marian House

Nursing Home in 2008 where he died on 23January 2015 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

January 26th

GRAHAM, Fr Edward1924-2012

Fr Edward Graham (Ned) wasborn 5 January, 1924 inDrogheda, Co Louth. Hecompleted his secondary school education inO’Connell’s, CBS Dublin. He made his firstprofession on 8 September, 1942 and wasordained to the priesthood in Fribourg on 23 July1950. He made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1951. Having been awarded anM.A. in Mathematics and Mathematical Physicshe subsequently graduated from FribourgUniversity with an STL in 1951.

His first mission assignment was to Mauritiuswhere he taught at College du St Esprit from1951 until 1968. In 1969 he was transferred tothe Spiritan Province of TransCanada and taughtat Neil McNeil Secondary School in Toronto. Hebecame an associate pastor of St Brigid’s Parishin Toronto in 1985. He also served as provincialbursar from 1989 until his retirement in 2002.

Fr Ned was known for his fondness of reading,simplicity of life and gentle kindness. Hecontinued to have a keen interest in history andmathematics throughout his life. He diedpeacefully on 26 January, 2012 at the House ofProvidence, Toronto. He is buried at Holy CrossCemetery, Toronto.

JANUARY

10

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 10

ill health he was unable to complete this process.Peter died on 23 January 2014 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

January 23rd

McCARTHY, Fr Michael1921 -2015

Fr Michael McCarthy was bornon 2 February 1921 in Emmet’sPlace, Kenmare, Co Kerry. Oncompletion of his secondary school education atRockwell College he entered the Novitiate inKilshane and was professed in 1940. He thenstudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and afterthis he returned briefly to Rockwell Collegebefore working as a prefect in Trinidad, 1943-5.Following on from this he went back toKimmage for a further four years to studytheology and was ordained in Dublin byArchbishop McQuaid on 11 July 1948.

His first appointment was to Nigeria where hespent almost two decades engaged inevangelization and pastoral ministry in Ikeduru,St Brendan’s Parish and later in St Joseph’s andUrualla. He returned to Ireland in 1968 duringthe Nigerian Civil War, engaging in parishministry in St Michan’s, Dublin 7, before movingto Louisiana for a year to fulfil a similar function.Michael was re-assigned to Sierra Leone in 1972where he laboured for seven years in the serviceof the diocese of Kenema.

He returned to the U.S. in 1978 and was attachedto the Long Island Community working out ofL.I. City House where, from 1987 to 1998, heoccupied the positions of bursar and guest-master. During his tenure in America he raisedmuch needed funds for Kenema under theauspices of the Mission Co-operative Plan andhelped many needy and under resourcedmissionaries.

Michael was a great letter-writer who also stayedin close contact with a number of missionarypriests and nuns who had benefited from hisendeavours. He finally returned to Ireland in2006 to live out his retirement at KimmageManor. He was transferred to Marian House

Nursing Home in 2008 where he died on 23January 2015 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

January 26th

GRAHAM, Fr Edward1924-2012

Fr Edward Graham (Ned) wasborn 5 January, 1924 inDrogheda, Co Louth. Hecompleted his secondary school education inO’Connell’s, CBS Dublin. He made his firstprofession on 8 September, 1942 and wasordained to the priesthood in Fribourg on 23 July1950. He made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1951. Having been awarded anM.A. in Mathematics and Mathematical Physicshe subsequently graduated from FribourgUniversity with an STL in 1951.

His first mission assignment was to Mauritiuswhere he taught at College du St Esprit from1951 until 1968. In 1969 he was transferred tothe Spiritan Province of TransCanada and taughtat Neil McNeil Secondary School in Toronto. Hebecame an associate pastor of St Brigid’s Parishin Toronto in 1985. He also served as provincialbursar from 1989 until his retirement in 2002.

Fr Ned was known for his fondness of reading,simplicity of life and gentle kindness. Hecontinued to have a keen interest in history andmathematics throughout his life. He diedpeacefully on 26 January, 2012 at the House ofProvidence, Toronto. He is buried at Holy CrossCemetery, Toronto.

JANUARY

10

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 10

Page 19: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

January 26th

KENNY, Fr Myles Joseph 1923-1998

Fr Myles Kenny (Milo) was bornon 7 November 1923 inWaterford and attended Synge St.CBS, Dublin. Following in the footsteps of hisuncle Fr Bertie Farrell he joined theCongregation and was professed in 1941. Hestudied at Kimmage and UCD, gaining a MSc.Ist Class Honours in 1945. He prefected atBlackrock for two years and qualified for theH.Dip.Ed. Sent to Fribourg, Switzerland, to doTheology he was ordained priest in 1951 andgraduated summa cum laude the following year.

Appointed to Owerri district he served at Nsu,Ahiara, for three years and then taught for oneyear at Holy Spirit Teachers Training College inUmuahia before transferring to Stella MarisSecondary School in Owerri. Three years later hewas appointed to teach in the national secondaryschool at Arondizougu. He was then called on toserve at the Spiritan seminary in Isienu and at theBigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu. When theBiafran war broke out in 1967 he was secondedto relief work at Orlu and at Libreville, Gabon.In 1970 he left Nigeria and served for one yearin the USA. He then went to Brazil working inthe Sao Paulo area but was forced by illness toreturn to the USA.

After one year at Florida he joined the Spiritangroup in New Orleans and served in severalparishes. Fr Miles died 26 January 1998 aged 74years.

January 27th

CONNOLLY, Fr Timothy1928-2015

Fr Timothy Connolly (Tim) wasborn on 7 November 1928 inLimerick. However he grew up inCharleville, Co Cork where he attended the localCBS primary and secondary schools. Heattended Blackrock College where he studiedfrom 1942 to 1946 before entering the Novitiate

in Kilshane where he was professed in 1947. Hethen studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor, andcompleted his B.A. in 1950. Following on fromthis he served as a prefect in Blackrock Collegebefore he returned to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained in Clonliffe Collegeon 3 July 1955.

Tim was assigned to Nigeria in 1956 and spentover a decade in the Owerri district where heestablished a community secondary school atAwo Idemile and taught at the Holy GhostCollege in Umuahia, at Xavier Teacher TrainingCollege in Bende, and in the Bishop ShanahanTeacher Training College in Orlu. He returned toIreland in July 1967 and spent a brief period ascurate in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, beforetaking a short sabbatical in Lumen Vitae,Brussels. He taught for two years in TempleogueCollege and was conferred with a H. Dip. ineducation in 1970. There followed a year inNamwala government secondary school inZambia which was considered a very challengingeducational mission at the time and he wasfondly remembered for his kindness there.

In 1973 he was appointed to the Province ofTransCanada and devoted most of the rest of hisworking life to pastoral ministry in Alberta inCrowsnest, Sacred Heart (Strathmore), Our Ladyof Perpetual Help (Calgary) and Edmonton. Hereturned to Ireland in 1986 and served aschaplain in Blanchardstown Hospital, in FenorParish, Co Waterford, and in Kingscourt, CoMeath. He went back to Canada in 1989 andworked in Ontario for a number of years beforebecoming superior of the Laval Community inToronto, 1999 -2001.

Tim made his final return to Ireland in 2002. Helived out his remaining years in Kimmage Manorbefore he transferred to Marian House in 2012. Heenjoyed an active retirement, often attending theNational Concert Hall and other cultural events.Although confined to Marian House in his finalyears, he still enjoyed reading, using his computerand watching documentaries on television. Hedied on 27 January 2015 and is buried in HolyCross Cemetery, Charleville, Co Cork.

JANUARY

11

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 11

January 26th

KENNY, Fr Myles Joseph 1923-1998

Fr Myles Kenny (Milo) was bornon 7 November 1923 inWaterford and attended Synge St.CBS, Dublin. Following in the footsteps of hisuncle Fr Bertie Farrell he joined theCongregation and was professed in 1941. Hestudied at Kimmage and UCD, gaining a MSc.Ist Class Honours in 1945. He prefected atBlackrock for two years and qualified for theH.Dip.Ed. Sent to Fribourg, Switzerland, to doTheology he was ordained priest in 1951 andgraduated summa cum laude the following year.

Appointed to Owerri district he served at Nsu,Ahiara, for three years and then taught for oneyear at Holy Spirit Teachers Training College inUmuahia before transferring to Stella MarisSecondary School in Owerri. Three years later hewas appointed to teach in the national secondaryschool at Arondizougu. He was then called on toserve at the Spiritan seminary in Isienu and at theBigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu. When theBiafran war broke out in 1967 he was secondedto relief work at Orlu and at Libreville, Gabon.In 1970 he left Nigeria and served for one yearin the USA. He then went to Brazil working inthe Sao Paulo area but was forced by illness toreturn to the USA.

After one year at Florida he joined the Spiritangroup in New Orleans and served in severalparishes. Fr Miles died 26 January 1998 aged 74years.

January 27th

CONNOLLY, Fr Timothy1928-2015

Fr Timothy Connolly (Tim) wasborn on 7 November 1928 inLimerick. However he grew up inCharleville, Co Cork where he attended the localCBS primary and secondary schools. Heattended Blackrock College where he studiedfrom 1942 to 1946 before entering the Novitiate

in Kilshane where he was professed in 1947. Hethen studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor, andcompleted his B.A. in 1950. Following on fromthis he served as a prefect in Blackrock Collegebefore he returned to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained in Clonliffe Collegeon 3 July 1955.

Tim was assigned to Nigeria in 1956 and spentover a decade in the Owerri district where heestablished a community secondary school atAwo Idemile and taught at the Holy GhostCollege in Umuahia, at Xavier Teacher TrainingCollege in Bende, and in the Bishop ShanahanTeacher Training College in Orlu. He returned toIreland in July 1967 and spent a brief period ascurate in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny, beforetaking a short sabbatical in Lumen Vitae,Brussels. He taught for two years in TempleogueCollege and was conferred with a H. Dip. ineducation in 1970. There followed a year inNamwala government secondary school inZambia which was considered a very challengingeducational mission at the time and he wasfondly remembered for his kindness there.

In 1973 he was appointed to the Province ofTransCanada and devoted most of the rest of hisworking life to pastoral ministry in Alberta inCrowsnest, Sacred Heart (Strathmore), Our Ladyof Perpetual Help (Calgary) and Edmonton. Hereturned to Ireland in 1986 and served aschaplain in Blanchardstown Hospital, in FenorParish, Co Waterford, and in Kingscourt, CoMeath. He went back to Canada in 1989 andworked in Ontario for a number of years beforebecoming superior of the Laval Community inToronto, 1999 -2001.

Tim made his final return to Ireland in 2002. Helived out his remaining years in Kimmage Manorbefore he transferred to Marian House in 2012. Heenjoyed an active retirement, often attending theNational Concert Hall and other cultural events.Although confined to Marian House in his finalyears, he still enjoyed reading, using his computerand watching documentaries on television. Hedied on 27 January 2015 and is buried in HolyCross Cemetery, Charleville, Co Cork.

JANUARY

11

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 11

Page 20: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

January 28th

DILLON, Fr Matthew1915-1999

Fr Matthew Dillon (Matt) wasborn on 28 March 1915 inGurtaclohane, Listowel, Co.Kerry, and completed his secondary studies atBlackrock, 1933-36. Professed in 1937 he wasordained priest in 1942 and the following year hewas appointed to Nigeria. Being wartime he hadto endure a perilous time at sea. They had totravel in convoy up by Scotland, out to SouthAmerica and back over the Atlantic to Nigeria.

He served in Owerri vicariate at Mbasi – a newlyopened station – and later at Mbutu-Okohia andin Umahia. He did Trojan work. A dedicated manwith a sense of humour and an ability tosocialise. He was a good singer. In 1955 hereturned to Ireland and worked for ten years onpromotional work, fundraising and missionanimation. He travelled the length and breadth ofIreland showing films at a time when there werefew films in rural Ireland.

Appointed to St Michael’s College, AilesburyRoad, in 1966 he served there until 1971 whenhe was seconded to the USA to work in parishministry. After some chaplaincy work inElmhurst Hospital, Queens, he spent the nexttwenty years in St Joan of Arc Parish,Jacksonville Heights, New York. The tributessent for his Golden Jubilee show how much hewas appreciated by his parishioners. Ill healthforced him to return home in 1994. Stationed atKimmage he was in declining health and died inMarian House on 28 January 1999 aged 84 years.Fr Matt is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery.

January 28th

KILLIAN, Fr Nicholas1915-2000

Fr Nicholas Killian was born on15 May 1915 in Ballybrian, Fahy,Edenderry, Co. Offaly. Havingopted for service as a diocesan priest, Nickentered Maynooth College where he secured theBA degree and had begun his theology when heopted to serve as a missionary priest. On decidingto enter the Congregation he was professed in1939 and resumed his theological studies, thistime in Kimmage Manor. Ordained priest in 1941his first appointment was to Rockwell Collegewhere he served for one year, 1942-43.Assigned to the Vicariate of Zanzibar he had toface the perilous voyage at a time whensubmarines posed a deadly threat to ships. Hisfirst year in Kenya was spent in pastoral work inthe Holy Family Church, Nairobi. Then began along stint in educational work: first in St Mary’sSchool, 1945-49, then in the junior seminary inKilimanbogo, 1950-54, Mangu High School,1954-57, the seminary at Ngong, 1959-65, andfinally at Kilungu’s secondary school, 1960-69. Thereafter he did pastoral ministry at Mboni till1973, and at Makueni in the Diocese ofMombasa till 1979. He is mentioned as havingserved also in Thomeandu, Mbone, and Tala. In1980 he moved to the mission of Kilungu wherehe remained in active retirement. He was seen tobe a man totally dedicated to the will of God,even when it came in the form of being told thathis active career was over because of cancerbeing diagnosed. He thanked God for his yearsin Kenya and asked all present for forgivenessfor any offence he might have caused anyone. Hewent back to Ireland for treatment and whensufficiently recovered he returned to help out asbest he could in active retirement in the companyof two African priests many years his junior.Serious ill health obliged him finally in July 1996to call it a day. He returned to Ireland and wascared for in Marian House where he borepatiently the increasing infirmities of old age. Hedied on 28 January 2000 aged 84 years. FrNicholas was buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JANUARY

12

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 12

January 28th

DILLON, Fr Matthew1915-1999

Fr Matthew Dillon (Matt) wasborn on 28 March 1915 inGurtaclohane, Listowel, Co.Kerry, and completed his secondary studies atBlackrock, 1933-36. Professed in 1937 he wasordained priest in 1942 and the following year hewas appointed to Nigeria. Being wartime he hadto endure a perilous time at sea. They had totravel in convoy up by Scotland, out to SouthAmerica and back over the Atlantic to Nigeria.

He served in Owerri vicariate at Mbasi – a newlyopened station – and later at Mbutu-Okohia andin Umahia. He did Trojan work. A dedicated manwith a sense of humour and an ability tosocialise. He was a good singer. In 1955 hereturned to Ireland and worked for ten years onpromotional work, fundraising and missionanimation. He travelled the length and breadth ofIreland showing films at a time when there werefew films in rural Ireland.

Appointed to St Michael’s College, AilesburyRoad, in 1966 he served there until 1971 whenhe was seconded to the USA to work in parishministry. After some chaplaincy work inElmhurst Hospital, Queens, he spent the nexttwenty years in St Joan of Arc Parish,Jacksonville Heights, New York. The tributessent for his Golden Jubilee show how much hewas appreciated by his parishioners. Ill healthforced him to return home in 1994. Stationed atKimmage he was in declining health and died inMarian House on 28 January 1999 aged 84 years.Fr Matt is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery.

January 28th

KILLIAN, Fr Nicholas1915-2000

Fr Nicholas Killian was born on15 May 1915 in Ballybrian, Fahy,Edenderry, Co. Offaly. Havingopted for service as a diocesan priest, Nickentered Maynooth College where he secured theBA degree and had begun his theology when heopted to serve as a missionary priest. On decidingto enter the Congregation he was professed in1939 and resumed his theological studies, thistime in Kimmage Manor. Ordained priest in 1941his first appointment was to Rockwell Collegewhere he served for one year, 1942-43.Assigned to the Vicariate of Zanzibar he had toface the perilous voyage at a time whensubmarines posed a deadly threat to ships. Hisfirst year in Kenya was spent in pastoral work inthe Holy Family Church, Nairobi. Then began along stint in educational work: first in St Mary’sSchool, 1945-49, then in the junior seminary inKilimanbogo, 1950-54, Mangu High School,1954-57, the seminary at Ngong, 1959-65, andfinally at Kilungu’s secondary school, 1960-69. Thereafter he did pastoral ministry at Mboni till1973, and at Makueni in the Diocese ofMombasa till 1979. He is mentioned as havingserved also in Thomeandu, Mbone, and Tala. In1980 he moved to the mission of Kilungu wherehe remained in active retirement. He was seen tobe a man totally dedicated to the will of God,even when it came in the form of being told thathis active career was over because of cancerbeing diagnosed. He thanked God for his yearsin Kenya and asked all present for forgivenessfor any offence he might have caused anyone. Hewent back to Ireland for treatment and whensufficiently recovered he returned to help out asbest he could in active retirement in the companyof two African priests many years his junior.Serious ill health obliged him finally in July 1996to call it a day. He returned to Ireland and wascared for in Marian House where he borepatiently the increasing infirmities of old age. Hedied on 28 January 2000 aged 84 years. FrNicholas was buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JANUARY

12

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 12

Page 21: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

January 30th

WHELAN, Ms Betty Ms Betty Whelan was anassociate in the congregation anda Kimmage parishioner when shelived in Shelton with her sisterJanet. Betty joined the associatesin 2003. She was an active member of the parishand enjoyed serving as a minister of theEucharist. She was also a national leader ofRecovery Self Help Method Ireland for over tenyears and made regular trips to Chicago as partof the international board that oversaw therunning of the organisation. Betty died on 30January 2014.

JANUARY

13

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 13

January 30th

WHELAN, Ms Betty Ms Betty Whelan was anassociate in the congregation anda Kimmage parishioner when shelived in Shelton with her sisterJanet. Betty joined the associatesin 2003. She was an active member of the parishand enjoyed serving as a minister of theEucharist. She was also a national leader ofRecovery Self Help Method Ireland for over tenyears and made regular trips to Chicago as partof the international board that oversaw therunning of the organisation. Betty died on 30January 2014.

JANUARY

13

January Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:05 Page 13

Page 22: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

February 1st

GORMLEY, Mr BrianMr Brian Gormley was anassociate member in thecongregation and a Kimmageparishioner who lived onTempleville Road with his wife Mary and theirchildren; Jean, Claire and Christine. Brian, andhis wife Mary, had been associated since 2000.He made a great contribution through his musicaltalent, and generosity of spirit, to the Spiritancelebrations in the parish church. His gentle butpersistent manner helped to make a success ofthe 2006 Chapter at which he spoke abouthonesty and responsibility which he believed ledto healing. Brian died on 1 February 2012.

February 2nd

FAY, Fr Myles1928 -2008

Fr Myles Fay was born inTerenure, Dublin on 21 April1928. He entered the Novitiate inKilshane in 1946 and was professed on 8September 1947. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and was also awarded a B.Aand an M.A. by U.C.D. Myles prefected at StMary’s College, Rathmines, between 1952 and1953. He was awarded an S.T.L. by theGregorian University, Rome, in 1957. Myles wasordained to the priesthood on 1 July 1956 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 26June 1957.

His first appointment was to St Mary’s College,Rathmines, in 1957 and he remained a memberof the teaching staff there until 1959. He wasthen appointed to Umuahia in Nigeria where heheld various positions until 1969. For examplehe taught at Madonna High School in Ihitte until1962 and then joined the teaching staff at theSpiritan senior seminary at Awa Omamma.Following this, Myles occupied the position ofdirector of the House of Studies, ViaMacchiavelli, Rome until 1970.

In 1970 he was reassigned to Sierra Leone andtaught at the teachers training school in Bo until1979. During this period, in September 1977, hetook a sabbatical year to attend a psychologycourse in Ontario where he was awarded anM.Ed. in applied psychology by TorontoUniversity.Between 1979 and 1988 Myles worked inadministration, education and pastoral ministryin Tanzania, Rome and Chicago. In Rome he wasappointed secretary to the newly establishedSpiritan Research and Animation Centre,translating and editing English language versionsof Spiritan papers. Over the 1995-2005 periodMyles translated in three volumes the Spiritancommentary on St John’s Gospel by FrancisLibermann Cssp. These volumes were entitled‘Jesus through Jewish Eyes’.In 1988 he was appointed to the staff of SIST, theNigerian theologate, based at Enugu, where heremained until 1995. Myles worked in thediocese of Dublin, 1996-7, before his finaloverseas appointment to Bakau Parish in theGambia. On a trip home from the Gambia in December2002, he suffered a stroke and never returned. FrMyles died on 2 February 2008 in Marian House,Kimmage Manor, and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

February 4th

MURPHY, Fr Augustine P.1927-2000

Fr Augustine Murphy (Gus) wasborn on 26 January 1927 inDrumcondra, Dublin andattended O’Connell Schools. While a student hejoined the Legion of Mary, and the Legion wasto be his constant instrument of evangelisation ina missionary career that was to span forty-sixyears in Nigeria and Ghana. Having entered theCongregation at Kilshane he made his professionin 1946. He secured the BA in 1949 and theH.Dip. in 1950 while prefecting for one year atSt Mary’s College, Rathmines. Ordained in 1950he was appointed the following year to Nigeria.

FEBRUARY

14

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 14

February 1st

GORMLEY, Mr BrianMr Brian Gormley was anassociate member in thecongregation and a Kimmageparishioner who lived onTempleville Road with his wife Mary and theirchildren; Jean, Claire and Christine. Brian, andhis wife Mary, had been associated since 2000.He made a great contribution through his musicaltalent, and generosity of spirit, to the Spiritancelebrations in the parish church. His gentle butpersistent manner helped to make a success ofthe 2006 Chapter at which he spoke abouthonesty and responsibility which he believed ledto healing. Brian died on 1 February 2012.

February 2nd

FAY, Fr Myles1928 -2008

Fr Myles Fay was born inTerenure, Dublin on 21 April1928. He entered the Novitiate inKilshane in 1946 and was professed on 8September 1947. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and was also awarded a B.Aand an M.A. by U.C.D. Myles prefected at StMary’s College, Rathmines, between 1952 and1953. He was awarded an S.T.L. by theGregorian University, Rome, in 1957. Myles wasordained to the priesthood on 1 July 1956 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 26June 1957.

His first appointment was to St Mary’s College,Rathmines, in 1957 and he remained a memberof the teaching staff there until 1959. He wasthen appointed to Umuahia in Nigeria where heheld various positions until 1969. For examplehe taught at Madonna High School in Ihitte until1962 and then joined the teaching staff at theSpiritan senior seminary at Awa Omamma.Following this, Myles occupied the position ofdirector of the House of Studies, ViaMacchiavelli, Rome until 1970.

In 1970 he was reassigned to Sierra Leone andtaught at the teachers training school in Bo until1979. During this period, in September 1977, hetook a sabbatical year to attend a psychologycourse in Ontario where he was awarded anM.Ed. in applied psychology by TorontoUniversity.Between 1979 and 1988 Myles worked inadministration, education and pastoral ministryin Tanzania, Rome and Chicago. In Rome he wasappointed secretary to the newly establishedSpiritan Research and Animation Centre,translating and editing English language versionsof Spiritan papers. Over the 1995-2005 periodMyles translated in three volumes the Spiritancommentary on St John’s Gospel by FrancisLibermann Cssp. These volumes were entitled‘Jesus through Jewish Eyes’.In 1988 he was appointed to the staff of SIST, theNigerian theologate, based at Enugu, where heremained until 1995. Myles worked in thediocese of Dublin, 1996-7, before his finaloverseas appointment to Bakau Parish in theGambia. On a trip home from the Gambia in December2002, he suffered a stroke and never returned. FrMyles died on 2 February 2008 in Marian House,Kimmage Manor, and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

February 4th

MURPHY, Fr Augustine P.1927-2000

Fr Augustine Murphy (Gus) wasborn on 26 January 1927 inDrumcondra, Dublin andattended O’Connell Schools. While a student hejoined the Legion of Mary, and the Legion wasto be his constant instrument of evangelisation ina missionary career that was to span forty-sixyears in Nigeria and Ghana. Having entered theCongregation at Kilshane he made his professionin 1946. He secured the BA in 1949 and theH.Dip. in 1950 while prefecting for one year atSt Mary’s College, Rathmines. Ordained in 1950he was appointed the following year to Nigeria.

FEBRUARY

14

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 14

Page 23: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Sent to the Onitsha district he engaged inteaching until 1958 when he requested to beappointed to parish ministry. By 1961 he wasassistant at Sacred Heart in Onitsha, and later hewas in charge of St Joseph’s Parish in Aguleri,ministering to a congregation of 15,000 andsupervising its forty-five primary schools,attended by 5,360 pupils. There were also 15praesidia of the Legion of Mary to be attendedto. Having gone on leave in March 1967 beforethe Biafra war commenced, he did ministry inIreland, England and the USA. In 1971 a callcame from Ghana for some of the formermissionaries in Nigeria to come to help in theevangelisation work in the diocese of Kumasi.Gus joined that team and later became thesuperior of the Irish Spiritans working there. Hisfirst task in Ghana was to master the Twilanguage of the Ashanti, which he did withconsiderable success. He ministered to theparishes of Nynahini, Ahensan, Obuasi and Tredein the diocese of Kumasi and Obuasi. Hispreferred method was to build up a parish andthen move on. His approach in this was to buildchurches, halls, schools, and houses, developingoutstations, always with a solid catecheticalprogramme.

Fr Gus was a man with the common touch. Hehad a great feel for the people and had a specialplace for the “ordinary” person. He had a solidprayer life and having loved the Scriptureshimself he was forever on the lookout for newways of helping his people appreciate and praythe word of God. Fr Augustine died unexpectedlyin Siloam Hospital in Kumasi after a short illnesson 4 February 2000 at the age of 73

February 4th

GILTINAN, Fr James1905-2002

Fr James Giltinan (Jim) was bornin Rathkeale, Co Limerick on 28November 1905 and completedhis secondary school studies in BlackrockCollege from 1919 to 1924. Having entered theNovitiate at Kimmage Manor, he made his first

profession on 24 August 1925. After one yearstudying philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock, heprefected in St Mary’s College, Rathmines,1926-7 and in Blackrock, 1927-8. He thencompleted his studies at the Castle, Blackrock,where the senior seminary was then located, andwas ordained to the priesthood on 5 June 1932 inClonliffe College. Jim made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 11 July 1933 in BlackrockCollege.

His first appointment was to the vicariate ofSouthern Nigeria. Jim ministered in Nigeria foreight years serving at Eke and Emekuku. In 1941he was appointed to the vicariate of Zanzibar andwas posted to the parish of Limuru, twenty milesfrom Nairobi. During the Second World War,when Italian missionaries were interned, Jim wasone of the three confrères sent to replace them inAbyssinia, 1943-4. Near the end of 1944 Jimreturned to Kenya and was appointed to Giriamabut after one year was transferred to the KituiDistrict where he established the parishes ofMutane and Ikanga. In 1957 he was appointed asa teacher at the secondary school at Kabaa wherehe served for eleven years.

In 1968 Jim took a working sabbatical in theparish of St Vincent on the Harrow Road inLondon. In 1971 he returned to Ireland where heworked with the Burse Team until October whenhe went to Anchorage in Alaska. Jim continuedhis ministry in London and then returned toKenya in 1973. This time he was appointed to thediocese of Machakos and helped build up theparishes of Thatha and Kithioka. From 1977onwards he worked in a semi-retired capacity atKallmoni and Kiteta.

In 1980 Jim retired to the Mission House atKimmage Manor and for the next 20 years helived a very active retirement. However hefinally succumbed to ill health and wastransferred to Marian House nursing home inSeptember 2001 where he died the followingyear on 4 February 2002. Fr Jim is buried in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

FEBRUARY

15

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 15

Sent to the Onitsha district he engaged inteaching until 1958 when he requested to beappointed to parish ministry. By 1961 he wasassistant at Sacred Heart in Onitsha, and later hewas in charge of St Joseph’s Parish in Aguleri,ministering to a congregation of 15,000 andsupervising its forty-five primary schools,attended by 5,360 pupils. There were also 15praesidia of the Legion of Mary to be attendedto. Having gone on leave in March 1967 beforethe Biafra war commenced, he did ministry inIreland, England and the USA. In 1971 a callcame from Ghana for some of the formermissionaries in Nigeria to come to help in theevangelisation work in the diocese of Kumasi.Gus joined that team and later became thesuperior of the Irish Spiritans working there. Hisfirst task in Ghana was to master the Twilanguage of the Ashanti, which he did withconsiderable success. He ministered to theparishes of Nynahini, Ahensan, Obuasi and Tredein the diocese of Kumasi and Obuasi. Hispreferred method was to build up a parish andthen move on. His approach in this was to buildchurches, halls, schools, and houses, developingoutstations, always with a solid catecheticalprogramme.

Fr Gus was a man with the common touch. Hehad a great feel for the people and had a specialplace for the “ordinary” person. He had a solidprayer life and having loved the Scriptureshimself he was forever on the lookout for newways of helping his people appreciate and praythe word of God. Fr Augustine died unexpectedlyin Siloam Hospital in Kumasi after a short illnesson 4 February 2000 at the age of 73

February 4th

GILTINAN, Fr James1905-2002

Fr James Giltinan (Jim) was bornin Rathkeale, Co Limerick on 28November 1905 and completedhis secondary school studies in BlackrockCollege from 1919 to 1924. Having entered theNovitiate at Kimmage Manor, he made his first

profession on 24 August 1925. After one yearstudying philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock, heprefected in St Mary’s College, Rathmines,1926-7 and in Blackrock, 1927-8. He thencompleted his studies at the Castle, Blackrock,where the senior seminary was then located, andwas ordained to the priesthood on 5 June 1932 inClonliffe College. Jim made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 11 July 1933 in BlackrockCollege.

His first appointment was to the vicariate ofSouthern Nigeria. Jim ministered in Nigeria foreight years serving at Eke and Emekuku. In 1941he was appointed to the vicariate of Zanzibar andwas posted to the parish of Limuru, twenty milesfrom Nairobi. During the Second World War,when Italian missionaries were interned, Jim wasone of the three confrères sent to replace them inAbyssinia, 1943-4. Near the end of 1944 Jimreturned to Kenya and was appointed to Giriamabut after one year was transferred to the KituiDistrict where he established the parishes ofMutane and Ikanga. In 1957 he was appointed asa teacher at the secondary school at Kabaa wherehe served for eleven years.

In 1968 Jim took a working sabbatical in theparish of St Vincent on the Harrow Road inLondon. In 1971 he returned to Ireland where heworked with the Burse Team until October whenhe went to Anchorage in Alaska. Jim continuedhis ministry in London and then returned toKenya in 1973. This time he was appointed to thediocese of Machakos and helped build up theparishes of Thatha and Kithioka. From 1977onwards he worked in a semi-retired capacity atKallmoni and Kiteta.

In 1980 Jim retired to the Mission House atKimmage Manor and for the next 20 years helived a very active retirement. However hefinally succumbed to ill health and wastransferred to Marian House nursing home inSeptember 2001 where he died the followingyear on 4 February 2002. Fr Jim is buried in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

FEBRUARY

15

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 15

Page 24: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

February 5th

NUGENT, Fr William1925-2016

Fr William Nugent (Willie) wasborn in Ardfinnan, Cahir, CoTipperary on 24 July 1925 andcompleted his secondary school studies inRockwell College where he also prefected in1949. He entered the Spiritan Novitiate inKilshane in 1943 and, after his profession thefollowing year, he moved to Kimmage Manor tostudy philosophy. He later studied theology inRome. He also took Celtic Studies in U.C.D.,where he was awarded a B.A. in 1947 and anM.A. two years later. He was awarded his B.D.from Rome’s Gregorian University in 1952.

Ordained in Rome in 1953, Willie completed hisS.T.L. before returning to Kimmage thefollowing year to take up his first appointment asprofessor of theology. He was professor ofdogma from 1955 to 1962, returning to that rolefrom 1963 to 1966 after a year of further studiesin Rome which had culminated in the award of adoctorate in divinity.

From 1966 to 1974 he was novice master inKilshane. Having served as a delegate to boththe Provincial and General Chapters in 1974, hecompleted a sabbatical in Lumen Vitae, Brussels,and received a diploma in catechetics.

On his return to Ireland in 1975, he was superiorin St Mary’s College, Rathmines until 1981during which time he also taught in the seniorschool and was awarded the H. Dip. In 1982,while remaining a member of the St Mary’scommunity, he took up a role as chaplain in St.John of God Hospital, Stillorgan.

Appointed to Kimmage in 2009, Fr Willie movedto Marian House in February 2011 where he diedon 5 February 2016 and is buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

February 10th

KEANE, Fr Bernard P.1907-2001

Fr Bernard Keane (Barney) wasborn on 7 November 1907 inDartmouth Square, Rathmines,Dublin and attended CBC Synge St where hewas acclaimed as a top athlete, winning manymedals in athletic competitions. He met Fr BertieFarrell, Director of the Blackrock Juniorate,during the Sale of Work in St Mary’s Christmas1923, and he entered the Juniorate on 16 January1924. Again he distinguished himself as asportsman, winning medals in hurling and inathletics while competing in the first All IrelandSports for secondary schools. Some thirty of hismedals have survived. Having entered thenovitiate at Kimmage Manor he made his firstprofession in 1926. He was sent to Rockwell asPrefect directly after his profession. He servedsuccessfully there for three years and wasallowed to make his final profession as he wasstarting his Philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock.He was ordained in 1934 and with John O’Neillwas appointed to Angola. They headed forPortugal where they underwent a crash course inPortuguese language and culture.

Arriving in Angola in 1936 he was to spend 37gruelling years there. His first station wasGhivinguiro where he spent one year, followedby two years in Sendi. His third station, Chiulo,was to be the theatre of his many operations till1973. In 1954 when he felt dispirited with thelack of progress he wrote to his friend Frank Dufffor advice on how to set up the Legion of Maryin his mission. Frank favoured him with alengthy personal letter, which Fr Barneytreasured all his life. On the strength of thisadvice the Legion was launched and during thedarkest days of Angola later when torn by civilwar it was stated that the Legion was practicallythe only movement that existed in the country,and that its work for evangelisation wasincalculable in the absence of missionaries.During the difficult years of the Second WorldWar when there were no schools, Barney taughtthe children himself. With the help of the people

FEBRUARY

16

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 16

February 5th

NUGENT, Fr William1925-2016

Fr William Nugent (Willie) wasborn in Ardfinnan, Cahir, CoTipperary on 24 July 1925 andcompleted his secondary school studies inRockwell College where he also prefected in1949. He entered the Spiritan Novitiate inKilshane in 1943 and, after his profession thefollowing year, he moved to Kimmage Manor tostudy philosophy. He later studied theology inRome. He also took Celtic Studies in U.C.D.,where he was awarded a B.A. in 1947 and anM.A. two years later. He was awarded his B.D.from Rome’s Gregorian University in 1952.

Ordained in Rome in 1953, Willie completed hisS.T.L. before returning to Kimmage thefollowing year to take up his first appointment asprofessor of theology. He was professor ofdogma from 1955 to 1962, returning to that rolefrom 1963 to 1966 after a year of further studiesin Rome which had culminated in the award of adoctorate in divinity.

From 1966 to 1974 he was novice master inKilshane. Having served as a delegate to boththe Provincial and General Chapters in 1974, hecompleted a sabbatical in Lumen Vitae, Brussels,and received a diploma in catechetics.

On his return to Ireland in 1975, he was superiorin St Mary’s College, Rathmines until 1981during which time he also taught in the seniorschool and was awarded the H. Dip. In 1982,while remaining a member of the St Mary’scommunity, he took up a role as chaplain in St.John of God Hospital, Stillorgan.

Appointed to Kimmage in 2009, Fr Willie movedto Marian House in February 2011 where he diedon 5 February 2016 and is buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

February 10th

KEANE, Fr Bernard P.1907-2001

Fr Bernard Keane (Barney) wasborn on 7 November 1907 inDartmouth Square, Rathmines,Dublin and attended CBC Synge St where hewas acclaimed as a top athlete, winning manymedals in athletic competitions. He met Fr BertieFarrell, Director of the Blackrock Juniorate,during the Sale of Work in St Mary’s Christmas1923, and he entered the Juniorate on 16 January1924. Again he distinguished himself as asportsman, winning medals in hurling and inathletics while competing in the first All IrelandSports for secondary schools. Some thirty of hismedals have survived. Having entered thenovitiate at Kimmage Manor he made his firstprofession in 1926. He was sent to Rockwell asPrefect directly after his profession. He servedsuccessfully there for three years and wasallowed to make his final profession as he wasstarting his Philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock.He was ordained in 1934 and with John O’Neillwas appointed to Angola. They headed forPortugal where they underwent a crash course inPortuguese language and culture.

Arriving in Angola in 1936 he was to spend 37gruelling years there. His first station wasGhivinguiro where he spent one year, followedby two years in Sendi. His third station, Chiulo,was to be the theatre of his many operations till1973. In 1954 when he felt dispirited with thelack of progress he wrote to his friend Frank Dufffor advice on how to set up the Legion of Maryin his mission. Frank favoured him with alengthy personal letter, which Fr Barneytreasured all his life. On the strength of thisadvice the Legion was launched and during thedarkest days of Angola later when torn by civilwar it was stated that the Legion was practicallythe only movement that existed in the country,and that its work for evangelisation wasincalculable in the absence of missionaries.During the difficult years of the Second WorldWar when there were no schools, Barney taughtthe children himself. With the help of the people

FEBRUARY

16

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 16

Page 25: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

he dug many wells in his parish. Seeing thatmany young mothers died at childbirth Fr Barneystudied midwifery at the hospital conducted bythe Medical Missionaries at Drogheda. Whilewaiting for Mother Mary Martin to send Sisters,he built a little clinic and helped to safely delivermany babies. The Sisters had high praise for himas their chaplain, spiritual director and adviser onall things practical, including cooking. In Chuilothere was also a large prison, which Fr Barneyoften visited and he continued to help prisonersonce they were set free.

He had to leave Chuilo in 1973 because of illhealth. Even when he retired from activemissionary work and joined the community atBlackrock College he continued to assist themission with cargos of necessary equipment. Heeven went back on occasion to Angola during thecivil war to lend a helping hand. A skilfulphotographer, he made good use of his camera inrecording significant aspects of the mission. Hefought a continual battle with ill health but waswell into his 94th year when at last the Lordwhom he had served so well called him home. FrBarney died in Marian House on 10 February2001 aged 93 years. He was interred in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown.

February 10th

O’BRIEN, Fr Timothy B.1923-2001

Fr Timothy O’Brien (Tim) wasborn on 20 August 1923 inClontarf, Dublin and later went tolive in Nenagh. Tim did his secondary studies inRockwell College, 1937-43. Professed inKilshane in 1944 he was ordained to thepriesthood in 1950.

The following year he was appointed to OnitshaDiocese, Nigeria. He served first as assistant atSt Mary’s, Port Harcourt at Ezinehite and Ohajiparishes. His final posting was to St Patrick’sparish at Awo Onamna. He had to leave Nigeriaunexpectedly and in a hurry when the Biafra warbroke our. It was a traumatic experience for him.Returning to Ireland in 1968 he served for threeyears in the Diocese of Ossory. He was then

transferred to the community at Ardbraccanwhere he served as superior. He was a teacher inthe Vocational School Navan until a heart attackobliged him to retire from that post in 1975.When he ceased to be Superior in 1980 he wasappointed chaplain at Our Lady’s Hospital Navanand continued in this ministry until ill healthforced him to retire in 1997.

Tim’s life centred on his family, hiscongregation, his priesthood and his people. Hisgreat love of music stayed with him to the end.Even when he was ill or on holidays it was seenthat his day centred round his recitation of theOffice and Mass. He had a special devotion toOur Lady and was happy to have acted aschaplain to pilgrimages to Lourdes on over thirtyoccasions. Many stories were told at his funeralabout his commitment to others. Bouts of illnessfinally obliged him to go to Marian House wherehe died on 10 February 2001 aged 77 years. Fr Timothy was buried in the Rockwellcommunity cemetery.

February 11th

GODFREY, Fr Jeremiah C.1923-1999

Fr Jeremiah Godfrey (Jerome)was born on 1 January 1923 inTralee, Co. Kerry and did hissecondary studies in C.B.S. in Tralee. He workedfor a period at Pharmacy before opting to join theCongregation instead for a missionary career.Professed in 1944 he did his studies in KimmageManor. Ordained in 1950 he was appointed thefollowing year to Zanzibar vicariate. Ill health,however, required extensive surgery and at oneperiod fears were felt for his survival. Whilerecuperating he was first stationed at StMichael’s, Ailesbury Rd, where he served for ayear. Transferred to Willow Park he taught therefor three years and got very much involved inextracurricular activities.

In 1956 his services were called for at theCollege where he was to serve successively asDean of the Boarding School (1956-63) asBursar (1963-71) and as President (1971-77). Heproved an astute coach of the senior rugby team,

FEBRUARY

17

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 17

he dug many wells in his parish. Seeing thatmany young mothers died at childbirth Fr Barneystudied midwifery at the hospital conducted bythe Medical Missionaries at Drogheda. Whilewaiting for Mother Mary Martin to send Sisters,he built a little clinic and helped to safely delivermany babies. The Sisters had high praise for himas their chaplain, spiritual director and adviser onall things practical, including cooking. In Chuilothere was also a large prison, which Fr Barneyoften visited and he continued to help prisonersonce they were set free.

He had to leave Chuilo in 1973 because of illhealth. Even when he retired from activemissionary work and joined the community atBlackrock College he continued to assist themission with cargos of necessary equipment. Heeven went back on occasion to Angola during thecivil war to lend a helping hand. A skilfulphotographer, he made good use of his camera inrecording significant aspects of the mission. Hefought a continual battle with ill health but waswell into his 94th year when at last the Lordwhom he had served so well called him home. FrBarney died in Marian House on 10 February2001 aged 93 years. He was interred in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown.

February 10th

O’BRIEN, Fr Timothy B.1923-2001

Fr Timothy O’Brien (Tim) wasborn on 20 August 1923 inClontarf, Dublin and later went tolive in Nenagh. Tim did his secondary studies inRockwell College, 1937-43. Professed inKilshane in 1944 he was ordained to thepriesthood in 1950.

The following year he was appointed to OnitshaDiocese, Nigeria. He served first as assistant atSt Mary’s, Port Harcourt at Ezinehite and Ohajiparishes. His final posting was to St Patrick’sparish at Awo Onamna. He had to leave Nigeriaunexpectedly and in a hurry when the Biafra warbroke our. It was a traumatic experience for him.Returning to Ireland in 1968 he served for threeyears in the Diocese of Ossory. He was then

transferred to the community at Ardbraccanwhere he served as superior. He was a teacher inthe Vocational School Navan until a heart attackobliged him to retire from that post in 1975.When he ceased to be Superior in 1980 he wasappointed chaplain at Our Lady’s Hospital Navanand continued in this ministry until ill healthforced him to retire in 1997.

Tim’s life centred on his family, hiscongregation, his priesthood and his people. Hisgreat love of music stayed with him to the end.Even when he was ill or on holidays it was seenthat his day centred round his recitation of theOffice and Mass. He had a special devotion toOur Lady and was happy to have acted aschaplain to pilgrimages to Lourdes on over thirtyoccasions. Many stories were told at his funeralabout his commitment to others. Bouts of illnessfinally obliged him to go to Marian House wherehe died on 10 February 2001 aged 77 years. Fr Timothy was buried in the Rockwellcommunity cemetery.

February 11th

GODFREY, Fr Jeremiah C.1923-1999

Fr Jeremiah Godfrey (Jerome)was born on 1 January 1923 inTralee, Co. Kerry and did hissecondary studies in C.B.S. in Tralee. He workedfor a period at Pharmacy before opting to join theCongregation instead for a missionary career.Professed in 1944 he did his studies in KimmageManor. Ordained in 1950 he was appointed thefollowing year to Zanzibar vicariate. Ill health,however, required extensive surgery and at oneperiod fears were felt for his survival. Whilerecuperating he was first stationed at StMichael’s, Ailesbury Rd, where he served for ayear. Transferred to Willow Park he taught therefor three years and got very much involved inextracurricular activities.

In 1956 his services were called for at theCollege where he was to serve successively asDean of the Boarding School (1956-63) asBursar (1963-71) and as President (1971-77). Heproved an astute coach of the senior rugby team,

FEBRUARY

17

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 17

Page 26: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

greatly respected by the players, and did much torevive a high standard of athletics. He organisedseveral very successful school tours on theContinent. As Bursar and as President he wasvery much involved in the planning of somemajor extensions to the plant in the College andin Willow Park.

Finally, in 1988 when he had reached the age of65, he was free to take a sabbatical from schoollife. He devoted it to parish work in the Dioceseof Hallam, England, where he was very happy tobe involved in the ministry. In 1989 his serviceswere called for again at Blackrock. He wasappointed to Willow Park as Bursar. The Lordcalled him home on 11 February, the Feast of OurLady of Lourdes, 1999. Fr Jerome is buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Dublin.

February 11th

SHEEDY, Fr Cyril1928-2014

Fr Cyril Sheedy was born inFeakle, Co Clare, on 7 April1928. Following his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College, he enteredthe Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane where he wasprofessed in 1947. He was awarded a B.A. in1950 by U.C.D. and later a H.Dip.Ed. Cyrilprefected in Trinidad from September 1950 toJuly 1952. On the completion of his theologicalstudies at Kimmage Manor he was ordained tothe priesthood in Clonliffe College in July 1955by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. Alsoordained that day was his older brother Valentinewho went on to minister with the congregationin Nigeria and later in the U.S.A.

Cyril’s first mission appointment was also toNigeria where he worked in the new teachertraining college in Ayangba in the Benue regioncommencing on 1 January 1957. However, hisstay in Nigeria came to an abrupt end in 1959when he was seriously injured in a car accident.

After a period of hospitalisation he recovered. In1960 he took up a teaching role in St Michael’sCollege, Dublin, and served as superior there

from 1977 to 1983. Cyril gave himselfwholeheartedly to teaching and many otheractivities in the college such as producing playsand operas. By 1995 he had undergone a numberof operations which did not bring completehealing; nonetheless he continued to take classeswhich he said kept him focused on the Lord andreality. Fr Cyril moved to Kimmage Manor in2011 and he died there on 11 February 2014. Hewas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 13th

WALSH, Mr BrendanMr Brendan Walsh was anassociate member in thecongregation and a Kimmageparishioner who lived inRockfield with his wife Anne andtheir children; Brenda, Lesley, Lisa, Joyce andGary. Brendan was very actively involved in themusical life of the parish. He played theaccordion with the choir and also contributed tothe music ministry at the funeral masses of theSpiritan confrères. Brendan died on 13 February2014.

February 14th

HOLLAND, Fr Patrick1925-2004

Fr Patrick Holland (Paddy) wasborn in Clonakilty, Co Cork onthe 14 April 1925. On completionof his secondary school education at RockwellJuniorate he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1944. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected in RockwellCollege from 1946 to 1948. Paddy studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and also became anaccomplished cellist. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 15 July 1951 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1952.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1952. His mission stations included Gerihun,

FEBRUARY

18

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 18

greatly respected by the players, and did much torevive a high standard of athletics. He organisedseveral very successful school tours on theContinent. As Bursar and as President he wasvery much involved in the planning of somemajor extensions to the plant in the College andin Willow Park.

Finally, in 1988 when he had reached the age of65, he was free to take a sabbatical from schoollife. He devoted it to parish work in the Dioceseof Hallam, England, where he was very happy tobe involved in the ministry. In 1989 his serviceswere called for again at Blackrock. He wasappointed to Willow Park as Bursar. The Lordcalled him home on 11 February, the Feast of OurLady of Lourdes, 1999. Fr Jerome is buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Dublin.

February 11th

SHEEDY, Fr Cyril1928-2014

Fr Cyril Sheedy was born inFeakle, Co Clare, on 7 April1928. Following his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College, he enteredthe Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane where he wasprofessed in 1947. He was awarded a B.A. in1950 by U.C.D. and later a H.Dip.Ed. Cyrilprefected in Trinidad from September 1950 toJuly 1952. On the completion of his theologicalstudies at Kimmage Manor he was ordained tothe priesthood in Clonliffe College in July 1955by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. Alsoordained that day was his older brother Valentinewho went on to minister with the congregationin Nigeria and later in the U.S.A.

Cyril’s first mission appointment was also toNigeria where he worked in the new teachertraining college in Ayangba in the Benue regioncommencing on 1 January 1957. However, hisstay in Nigeria came to an abrupt end in 1959when he was seriously injured in a car accident.

After a period of hospitalisation he recovered. In1960 he took up a teaching role in St Michael’sCollege, Dublin, and served as superior there

from 1977 to 1983. Cyril gave himselfwholeheartedly to teaching and many otheractivities in the college such as producing playsand operas. By 1995 he had undergone a numberof operations which did not bring completehealing; nonetheless he continued to take classeswhich he said kept him focused on the Lord andreality. Fr Cyril moved to Kimmage Manor in2011 and he died there on 11 February 2014. Hewas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 13th

WALSH, Mr BrendanMr Brendan Walsh was anassociate member in thecongregation and a Kimmageparishioner who lived inRockfield with his wife Anne andtheir children; Brenda, Lesley, Lisa, Joyce andGary. Brendan was very actively involved in themusical life of the parish. He played theaccordion with the choir and also contributed tothe music ministry at the funeral masses of theSpiritan confrères. Brendan died on 13 February2014.

February 14th

HOLLAND, Fr Patrick1925-2004

Fr Patrick Holland (Paddy) wasborn in Clonakilty, Co Cork onthe 14 April 1925. On completionof his secondary school education at RockwellJuniorate he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1944. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected in RockwellCollege from 1946 to 1948. Paddy studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and also became anaccomplished cellist. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 15 July 1951 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1952.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1952. His mission stations included Gerihun,

FEBRUARY

18

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 18

Page 27: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Pugehun, Yengema, Blama and Bonthe. In 1967he was transferred to the new Spiritan mission inBrazil where he worked in Adamantina andHerculandia.

In 1972 he was appointed to the promotions teamin New York and during his short time there ranits first annual dance. In 1973 he transferred toCalifornia to continue promotions work. Heworked in parishes in San Mateo and Fremont.He attended Sonoma University and wasawarded an M.A. in counselling and psychology.He worked in Jamestown, North Dakota, 1977-9. He then returned to New York and worked indifferent parishes including St Francis of Rome,in the North Bronx, Holy Family in Staten Islandand St. Lawrence O’Toole in Brewster. Ill healthbrought Paddy home in 1986 but the followingyear he returned to New York. For the next tenyears he worked in the parish of the ImmaculateConception in the diocese of Rockville Centre,Long Island. In 1997 he moved to the diocese ofMetuchen where he served as chaplain in the J.F. Kennedy Medical Centre, Edison, New Jersey.

Fr Paddy returned to Ireland on 19 March 1998and lived out his retirement in the MissionHouse, Kimmage. He moved to Marian Houseten days before he died on the 14th of February2004. He was buried in the community cemeteryat Rockwell College.

February 15th

LIDDANE,Fr Patrick Joseph1918-2003

Fr Patrick Liddane (Pat) was bornat Doonaha East, Kilkee, CoClare on 26 November 1918. After his secondaryschool education at Rockwell Juniorate heentered Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 8 September 1939. He wasawarded a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from U.C.D. in 1942and 1943 respectively. He prefected in RockwellCollege from 1943 to 1945 and then studiedtheology in Fribourg. Pat was ordained to thepriesthood on 24 July 1949. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 23 July 1950

and took his S.Th.L ‘magna cum laude’ in thesame year.

Pat’s first mission appointment, in 1951, was toNigeria where he was assigned to the vicarate ofOwerri. He taught at Holy Ghost College until1955. He returned to Ireland, in 1955, and taughtin Blackrock College, Dublin. In 1956 hereturned to Nigeria as principal of the StellaMaris Secondary School. In 1963 he returned toIreland for studies and was conferred with a Ph.Dfrom N.U.I. in 1965. In that same year hereturned to Africa, this time to Sierra Leone. Hespent a year at Chirst the King, Bo. From 1966until 1979 he was lecturer and then professor atNjala University College. In 1979 at the age of60 he had to retire from the university andreturned to Ireland to teach at St Mary’s College,Rathmines and remained there until the age of 65in 1984.

In 1984 Pat was appointed to work in theLimerick Diocese. For three years he served assuperior of the Munster Regional Community. In1994 Pat retired from fulltime active ministryand went to live with his family. Pat joined theRockwell Community in July 2002 and due tofailing health came to Marian House later thatyear. Fr Pat died on 15 February 2003 and wasburied in the community cemetery at RockwellCollege.

February 16th

CLEMENTS, Fr James Noel1920-2002

Fr James Clements (Séamus) wasborn at Osborne Terrace, Dublin6, on 7 January 1920. He completed hissecondary school education at Blackrock College,1932-8. Séamus made his first profession on 8September 1939 in Kilshane. He attended UCDat Earlsfort Terrace and was awarded a B.A.degree in 1942. He prefected in BlackrockCollege, 1942-4, and then studied theology atKimmage Manor. During this period he wasknown for his skill in the art of illustration,especially in producing maps for scripture

FEBRUARY

19

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 19

Pugehun, Yengema, Blama and Bonthe. In 1967he was transferred to the new Spiritan mission inBrazil where he worked in Adamantina andHerculandia.

In 1972 he was appointed to the promotions teamin New York and during his short time there ranits first annual dance. In 1973 he transferred toCalifornia to continue promotions work. Heworked in parishes in San Mateo and Fremont.He attended Sonoma University and wasawarded an M.A. in counselling and psychology.He worked in Jamestown, North Dakota, 1977-9. He then returned to New York and worked indifferent parishes including St Francis of Rome,in the North Bronx, Holy Family in Staten Islandand St. Lawrence O’Toole in Brewster. Ill healthbrought Paddy home in 1986 but the followingyear he returned to New York. For the next tenyears he worked in the parish of the ImmaculateConception in the diocese of Rockville Centre,Long Island. In 1997 he moved to the diocese ofMetuchen where he served as chaplain in the J.F. Kennedy Medical Centre, Edison, New Jersey.

Fr Paddy returned to Ireland on 19 March 1998and lived out his retirement in the MissionHouse, Kimmage. He moved to Marian Houseten days before he died on the 14th of February2004. He was buried in the community cemeteryat Rockwell College.

February 15th

LIDDANE,Fr Patrick Joseph1918-2003

Fr Patrick Liddane (Pat) was bornat Doonaha East, Kilkee, CoClare on 26 November 1918. After his secondaryschool education at Rockwell Juniorate heentered Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 8 September 1939. He wasawarded a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from U.C.D. in 1942and 1943 respectively. He prefected in RockwellCollege from 1943 to 1945 and then studiedtheology in Fribourg. Pat was ordained to thepriesthood on 24 July 1949. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 23 July 1950

and took his S.Th.L ‘magna cum laude’ in thesame year.

Pat’s first mission appointment, in 1951, was toNigeria where he was assigned to the vicarate ofOwerri. He taught at Holy Ghost College until1955. He returned to Ireland, in 1955, and taughtin Blackrock College, Dublin. In 1956 hereturned to Nigeria as principal of the StellaMaris Secondary School. In 1963 he returned toIreland for studies and was conferred with a Ph.Dfrom N.U.I. in 1965. In that same year hereturned to Africa, this time to Sierra Leone. Hespent a year at Chirst the King, Bo. From 1966until 1979 he was lecturer and then professor atNjala University College. In 1979 at the age of60 he had to retire from the university andreturned to Ireland to teach at St Mary’s College,Rathmines and remained there until the age of 65in 1984.

In 1984 Pat was appointed to work in theLimerick Diocese. For three years he served assuperior of the Munster Regional Community. In1994 Pat retired from fulltime active ministryand went to live with his family. Pat joined theRockwell Community in July 2002 and due tofailing health came to Marian House later thatyear. Fr Pat died on 15 February 2003 and wasburied in the community cemetery at RockwellCollege.

February 16th

CLEMENTS, Fr James Noel1920-2002

Fr James Clements (Séamus) wasborn at Osborne Terrace, Dublin6, on 7 January 1920. He completed hissecondary school education at Blackrock College,1932-8. Séamus made his first profession on 8September 1939 in Kilshane. He attended UCDat Earlsfort Terrace and was awarded a B.A.degree in 1942. He prefected in BlackrockCollege, 1942-4, and then studied theology atKimmage Manor. During this period he wasknown for his skill in the art of illustration,especially in producing maps for scripture

FEBRUARY

19

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 19

Page 28: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

examinations and for his comic illustrations forthe confères’ humourous magazine known asCapers. Séamus was ordained to the priesthoodon 13 July 1947 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 13 July 1948.

His first appointment was to the vicariate ofZanzibar, Kenya. From 1948 to 1968 heministered in secondary school teaching, parishwork and chaplaincy to hospitals and jails.Having mastered the Kikuyu language hepublished a catechism in it and in 1967, on theoccasion of his departure from the mission inNgarariga, he was made a full member of theKikuyu people and an Elder. From 1968 until1974 he lectured in Kenyatta University College.In 1975 he transferred to Nairobi University andwas secretary of the University Council forHigher Studies in Religion. Séamus wasinvolved very much in the development ofreligious education programmes for schools and,with others, he made academic contact with theWorld Council of Churches. After 35 years ofdedicated service Séamus left Kenya in 1983.

In 1984 he was appointed to the Long IslandCommunity and served in Our Lady of VictoriesChurch, Jersey City. Séamus returned to Irelandin 2000 and retired to the Blackrock Collegecommunity. He remained a student all his life andloved books and music. His favourite readingwas the New Testament in Greek which wasconstantly at his side. Suffering from indifferenthealth for some time Fr Séamus died suddenlyon 16 February 2002 and is buried in the Spiritanplot in Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 17th

O’REILLY, Fr Hugh1930-2016

Fr Hugh O’Reilly was born on 2 September 1930 inDerrygeeraghan, Milltown,Belturbet, Co Cavan. After his secondaryeducation in St Patrick’s College, Cavan, and inSt Mary’s College, Rathmines, he enteredKilshane in 1949 and was professed thefollowing year. He completed philosophy and

theology studies in Kimmage Manor. In the early1950s he prefected in the office of MissionaryAnnals for a year and in St Michael’s College foranother year. He was awarded a Dip. religiouseducation from Corpus Christi, London, as wellas a Dip. career guidance and a H. Dip. ineducation from UCD. Hugh was ordained in1958 by Archbishop McQuaid.

Hugh was appointed to Kenya where he wouldserve from 1960 to 1970 in mostly pastoral andteacher-training roles, firstly in Kiteta andsubsequently in Nairobi (as Secretary toArchbishop McCarthy), Kilimambogo and Mwala.

Returning to Ireland in 1971 he was appointedchaplain and curate in Dublin’s City Quay beforemoving to Blackrock College where he hadteaching and counselling roles until 1977. Hethen taught in St Felim’s College, Ballinamore,Co Leitrim for two years and in TempleogueCollege for a year. In 1980 he was appointed toSt Mary’s College, Rathmines and while there heserved a term as superior.

In 1990, after a short period in New York, Hughtook on parish ministry in the diocese ofDromore and in 1996 in the diocese of Down &Connor and later in the diocese of Clonfert. FrHugh was appointed to Ardbraccan in 2004 andto Kimmage in 2006 where he died on 17February 2016 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

February 18th

CHAMBERLAIN,Fr Alfred 1916-2006

Fr Alfred Chamberlain (Alfie)was born in Calcutta, India, on 21August 1916. He came to Ireland in 1926 andattended St Colman’s College, Newry, andBlackrock College. His activities in Blackrockwere not confined to the classroom however ashe also was hooker on the winning senior cuprugby team in 1934 and went on to represent hiscollege at provincial level. He entered theNovitiate in Kilshane where he made his first

FEBRUARY

20

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 20

examinations and for his comic illustrations forthe confères’ humourous magazine known asCapers. Séamus was ordained to the priesthoodon 13 July 1947 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 13 July 1948.

His first appointment was to the vicariate ofZanzibar, Kenya. From 1948 to 1968 heministered in secondary school teaching, parishwork and chaplaincy to hospitals and jails.Having mastered the Kikuyu language hepublished a catechism in it and in 1967, on theoccasion of his departure from the mission inNgarariga, he was made a full member of theKikuyu people and an Elder. From 1968 until1974 he lectured in Kenyatta University College.In 1975 he transferred to Nairobi University andwas secretary of the University Council forHigher Studies in Religion. Séamus wasinvolved very much in the development ofreligious education programmes for schools and,with others, he made academic contact with theWorld Council of Churches. After 35 years ofdedicated service Séamus left Kenya in 1983.

In 1984 he was appointed to the Long IslandCommunity and served in Our Lady of VictoriesChurch, Jersey City. Séamus returned to Irelandin 2000 and retired to the Blackrock Collegecommunity. He remained a student all his life andloved books and music. His favourite readingwas the New Testament in Greek which wasconstantly at his side. Suffering from indifferenthealth for some time Fr Séamus died suddenlyon 16 February 2002 and is buried in the Spiritanplot in Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 17th

O’REILLY, Fr Hugh1930-2016

Fr Hugh O’Reilly was born on 2 September 1930 inDerrygeeraghan, Milltown,Belturbet, Co Cavan. After his secondaryeducation in St Patrick’s College, Cavan, and inSt Mary’s College, Rathmines, he enteredKilshane in 1949 and was professed thefollowing year. He completed philosophy and

theology studies in Kimmage Manor. In the early1950s he prefected in the office of MissionaryAnnals for a year and in St Michael’s College foranother year. He was awarded a Dip. religiouseducation from Corpus Christi, London, as wellas a Dip. career guidance and a H. Dip. ineducation from UCD. Hugh was ordained in1958 by Archbishop McQuaid.

Hugh was appointed to Kenya where he wouldserve from 1960 to 1970 in mostly pastoral andteacher-training roles, firstly in Kiteta andsubsequently in Nairobi (as Secretary toArchbishop McCarthy), Kilimambogo and Mwala.

Returning to Ireland in 1971 he was appointedchaplain and curate in Dublin’s City Quay beforemoving to Blackrock College where he hadteaching and counselling roles until 1977. Hethen taught in St Felim’s College, Ballinamore,Co Leitrim for two years and in TempleogueCollege for a year. In 1980 he was appointed toSt Mary’s College, Rathmines and while there heserved a term as superior.

In 1990, after a short period in New York, Hughtook on parish ministry in the diocese ofDromore and in 1996 in the diocese of Down &Connor and later in the diocese of Clonfert. FrHugh was appointed to Ardbraccan in 2004 andto Kimmage in 2006 where he died on 17February 2016 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

February 18th

CHAMBERLAIN,Fr Alfred 1916-2006

Fr Alfred Chamberlain (Alfie)was born in Calcutta, India, on 21August 1916. He came to Ireland in 1926 andattended St Colman’s College, Newry, andBlackrock College. His activities in Blackrockwere not confined to the classroom however ashe also was hooker on the winning senior cuprugby team in 1934 and went on to represent hiscollege at provincial level. He entered theNovitiate in Kilshane where he made his first

FEBRUARY

20

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 20

Page 29: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

profession on 17 September 1935 and prefectedin Blackrock, 1936-8. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D in 1940. Alfie studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 11 July 1943 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 2 August1944.

Alfie’s first appointment was to BlackrockCollege in 1945 where he served as dean ofdiscipline for one year. A student who later joinedthe congregation remembered him as devout,correct, precise and sensitive. In 1947 he wasappointed to the vicariate of Onitsha in Nigeriawhere he taught at the College of the ImmaculateConception in Enugu. In 1949 he becameprincipal of St Anthony’s Teacher TrainingCollege in Agula and four years later the rectorof the Spiritan junior seminary in Ihiala. Hereturned to Ireland in 1958 and served fortwenty-one years as director of the RockwellJunior Scholasticate. During this time he taughtEnglish, Religion and French while completinga H.Dip. at University College Cork. In 1979 hewas appointed to Australia where he worked inMelbourne and then as assistant pastor inRingwood, Victoria.

In 1983 he returned to Ireland and joined the StMichael’s Community. Fr Alfred died on 18February 2006 in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin,and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

February 18th

TARMEY, Fr Thomas1929-2009

Fr Thomas Tarmey (Tom) wasborn in Williamstown, CoGalway on the 10 July 1929.After completing his secondary education inBlackrock College, he entered the Novitiate in1948 and was professed in Kilshane on 8September 1949. Tom studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and was awarded a B.A. Hon.degree in 1952. He prefected in Blackrockbetween 1952 and 1954 after which he studiedtheology in Kimmage. Tom was ordained to the

priesthood in 1957 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in 1958.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to theGambia in 1959, where he was assigned toparish ministry for one year before teaching atSt Augustine’s secondary school in Banjulwhere he remained until 1965. For the last threeyears of his time in the Gambia he held variousadministrative positions in Banjul Diocese. In1978 he was appointed to Templeogue Collegeas teacher/bursar and during this year he wasalso awarded a B.D. by Maynooth College. In1990 he took up ministry in the diocese ofDown and Connor and was often seen on theAndersonstown Road chatting to parishioners.They remarked that his gentle, understandingnature, made people very relaxed in hispresence.

In 2002 he was appointed community leader ofSt Mary’s, Rathmines, and in 2005 he returnedto the diocese of Down and Connor where heremained until he retired to Kimmage. Fr Thomas died on 18 February 2009 and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 19th

EGAN, Fr Francis1932-2009

Fr Francis Egan (Frank) was bornin Castleplunkett, Castlerea, CoRoscommon, on 13 July 1932.After completing his secondary school educationin Blackrock College, he entered the novitiate in1952 and was professed on 8 September 1953.Frank studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorbetween 1953 and 1955, after which he prefectedin Trinidad until 1958. He also studied theologyin Kimmage and was ordained to the priesthoodon 16 July 1961. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in 1962.

Frank’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Machakos, Kenya, in 1962 and hecontinued to work in Kenya in a variety ofpastoral ministries until his return to Ireland in2000.

FEBRUARY

21

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 21

profession on 17 September 1935 and prefectedin Blackrock, 1936-8. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D in 1940. Alfie studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 11 July 1943 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 2 August1944.

Alfie’s first appointment was to BlackrockCollege in 1945 where he served as dean ofdiscipline for one year. A student who later joinedthe congregation remembered him as devout,correct, precise and sensitive. In 1947 he wasappointed to the vicariate of Onitsha in Nigeriawhere he taught at the College of the ImmaculateConception in Enugu. In 1949 he becameprincipal of St Anthony’s Teacher TrainingCollege in Agula and four years later the rectorof the Spiritan junior seminary in Ihiala. Hereturned to Ireland in 1958 and served fortwenty-one years as director of the RockwellJunior Scholasticate. During this time he taughtEnglish, Religion and French while completinga H.Dip. at University College Cork. In 1979 hewas appointed to Australia where he worked inMelbourne and then as assistant pastor inRingwood, Victoria.

In 1983 he returned to Ireland and joined the StMichael’s Community. Fr Alfred died on 18February 2006 in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin,and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

February 18th

TARMEY, Fr Thomas1929-2009

Fr Thomas Tarmey (Tom) wasborn in Williamstown, CoGalway on the 10 July 1929.After completing his secondary education inBlackrock College, he entered the Novitiate in1948 and was professed in Kilshane on 8September 1949. Tom studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and was awarded a B.A. Hon.degree in 1952. He prefected in Blackrockbetween 1952 and 1954 after which he studiedtheology in Kimmage. Tom was ordained to the

priesthood in 1957 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in 1958.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to theGambia in 1959, where he was assigned toparish ministry for one year before teaching atSt Augustine’s secondary school in Banjulwhere he remained until 1965. For the last threeyears of his time in the Gambia he held variousadministrative positions in Banjul Diocese. In1978 he was appointed to Templeogue Collegeas teacher/bursar and during this year he wasalso awarded a B.D. by Maynooth College. In1990 he took up ministry in the diocese ofDown and Connor and was often seen on theAndersonstown Road chatting to parishioners.They remarked that his gentle, understandingnature, made people very relaxed in hispresence.

In 2002 he was appointed community leader ofSt Mary’s, Rathmines, and in 2005 he returnedto the diocese of Down and Connor where heremained until he retired to Kimmage. Fr Thomas died on 18 February 2009 and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 19th

EGAN, Fr Francis1932-2009

Fr Francis Egan (Frank) was bornin Castleplunkett, Castlerea, CoRoscommon, on 13 July 1932.After completing his secondary school educationin Blackrock College, he entered the novitiate in1952 and was professed on 8 September 1953.Frank studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorbetween 1953 and 1955, after which he prefectedin Trinidad until 1958. He also studied theologyin Kimmage and was ordained to the priesthoodon 16 July 1961. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in 1962.

Frank’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Machakos, Kenya, in 1962 and hecontinued to work in Kenya in a variety ofpastoral ministries until his return to Ireland in2000.

FEBRUARY

21

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 21

Page 30: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

His evangelical activity was complemented bythe establishment of necessary materialstructures which entailed the construction oftwenty one churches in cooperation with thelocal Christian communities. In his lastappointment to the parish of Masii, which hadover 20 out stations, he brought the experienceof his previous years and left behind a parishcomplete with a council, youth movement,women’s groups and pastoral centre. He returnedto Dublin and following a sabbatical atMarianella, Frank was appointed to work in thediocese of Elphin.

In 2002 he was appointed as community leaderof the Ardbraccan Community, and then returnedto the parish of Ballymoe in Elphin Diocese,where he remained until his retirement toKimmage. Fr Francis died on 19 February 2009and was buried in Dardisdown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 19th

HEGARTY, Fr John1926-2010

Fr John Hegarty was born inNewcastle, Clonmel, CoTipperary, on 2 June 1926.Following his secondary school education atBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1945. After studying philosophy in KimmageManor, he prefected in Trinidad. Following thishe worked in the bursar’s office, Kimmage. Hestudied theology in Kimmage between 1950 and1953 and was ordained to the priesthood on 5July 1953. John made his Consecration to theApostolate on 30 July 1954.

John’s first mission appointment was to theOwerri district of Nigeria in 1954, where hebecame engaged in parish ministry in the Owerriand Port Harcourt Dioceses. In this capacity hewas put in charge of Elele Parish where he serveda congregation of over 5,000 and supervised itsthirteen schools. By the time he left Nigeria in1967 his parish had grown to 9,300.

John was reappointed to New Orleans in 1967where he administered pastoral care. He was thelast of the Irish Spiritans working in NewOrleans, remaining there until 2005 and workedclosely with the people in the aftermath ofHurricane Katrina. Fr John then returned toKimmage where he remained active in retirementup until his death on 19 February 2010 inTallaght Hospital. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

February 20th

MOLONEY, Fr Pearse1919-2003

Fr Pearse Moloney was born atTarr’s Bridge in Dungarvan, CoWaterford, on 4 October 1919.After his secondary school education at C.B.S.Dungarvan he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1939. UCD awarded him a B.A.(1942) and an M.A. in Irish Language Studies(1943). He prefected at Blackrock Collegebetween 1944 and 1945. In 1945 he went toFribourg where he was awarded an S.T.L. Pearsewas ordained to the priesthood in Fribourg on 18July 1948 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 24 July 1949.

In 1949 Pearse’s first appointment was to theKimmage Scholasticate as professor ofphilosophy and he was subsequently appointedprofessor of dogma. He was then sent to theAngelicum in Rome to train as a formator.Consequentely he was appointed novice masterin Kilshane in 1956 and remained in this positionuntil 1966 when he returned to Kimmage Manorto teach theology. In 1969 he took a sabbatical atthe Institut Catholique, Paris.

On his return from Paris in 1970 he spent onefurther year teaching theology in KimmageManor and was then appointed to Kenya in 1971where he served at Thika in the diocese ofNairobi. During this time he also worked for anumber of years with the Spiritan Renewal Team.In 1976 Pearse was transferred to the SpiritanGeneralate in Rome and became its general

FEBRUARY

22

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 22

His evangelical activity was complemented bythe establishment of necessary materialstructures which entailed the construction oftwenty one churches in cooperation with thelocal Christian communities. In his lastappointment to the parish of Masii, which hadover 20 out stations, he brought the experienceof his previous years and left behind a parishcomplete with a council, youth movement,women’s groups and pastoral centre. He returnedto Dublin and following a sabbatical atMarianella, Frank was appointed to work in thediocese of Elphin.

In 2002 he was appointed as community leaderof the Ardbraccan Community, and then returnedto the parish of Ballymoe in Elphin Diocese,where he remained until his retirement toKimmage. Fr Francis died on 19 February 2009and was buried in Dardisdown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

February 19th

HEGARTY, Fr John1926-2010

Fr John Hegarty was born inNewcastle, Clonmel, CoTipperary, on 2 June 1926.Following his secondary school education atBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1945. After studying philosophy in KimmageManor, he prefected in Trinidad. Following thishe worked in the bursar’s office, Kimmage. Hestudied theology in Kimmage between 1950 and1953 and was ordained to the priesthood on 5July 1953. John made his Consecration to theApostolate on 30 July 1954.

John’s first mission appointment was to theOwerri district of Nigeria in 1954, where hebecame engaged in parish ministry in the Owerriand Port Harcourt Dioceses. In this capacity hewas put in charge of Elele Parish where he serveda congregation of over 5,000 and supervised itsthirteen schools. By the time he left Nigeria in1967 his parish had grown to 9,300.

John was reappointed to New Orleans in 1967where he administered pastoral care. He was thelast of the Irish Spiritans working in NewOrleans, remaining there until 2005 and workedclosely with the people in the aftermath ofHurricane Katrina. Fr John then returned toKimmage where he remained active in retirementup until his death on 19 February 2010 inTallaght Hospital. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

February 20th

MOLONEY, Fr Pearse1919-2003

Fr Pearse Moloney was born atTarr’s Bridge in Dungarvan, CoWaterford, on 4 October 1919.After his secondary school education at C.B.S.Dungarvan he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1939. UCD awarded him a B.A.(1942) and an M.A. in Irish Language Studies(1943). He prefected at Blackrock Collegebetween 1944 and 1945. In 1945 he went toFribourg where he was awarded an S.T.L. Pearsewas ordained to the priesthood in Fribourg on 18July 1948 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 24 July 1949.

In 1949 Pearse’s first appointment was to theKimmage Scholasticate as professor ofphilosophy and he was subsequently appointedprofessor of dogma. He was then sent to theAngelicum in Rome to train as a formator.Consequentely he was appointed novice masterin Kilshane in 1956 and remained in this positionuntil 1966 when he returned to Kimmage Manorto teach theology. In 1969 he took a sabbatical atthe Institut Catholique, Paris.

On his return from Paris in 1970 he spent onefurther year teaching theology in KimmageManor and was then appointed to Kenya in 1971where he served at Thika in the diocese ofNairobi. During this time he also worked for anumber of years with the Spiritan Renewal Team.In 1976 Pearse was transferred to the SpiritanGeneralate in Rome and became its general

FEBRUARY

22

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 22

Page 31: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

secretary. At the conclusion of his term in thispositon he was reappointed to Kenya where hebecame parish priest at St Austin’s, Nairobi. In1998 on the occasion of the golden jubilee of hisordination Pearse wrote from the Uzima Centre,Thika, that ‘of my fifty years as a priest I havespent twenty seven in Kenya and twenty inIreland – so there’s a certain poetic justice incelebrating the jubilee here’. Fr Pearse died inMarian House, Kimmage Manor, on 20 February2003 and was buried in the community plot inthe cemetery at Dardistown, Co Dublin.

February 21st

SCOTT, Fr Michael Gerard1930-2018 

Fr Michael Gerard Scott (Gerry)was born on 10 April 1930 inElphin, Co Roscommon. He made his firstprofession on 8 September 1949, trained inIreland and Trinidad and was ordained to thepriesthood on 13 July 1958. During his sixtyyears as a priest he served in a variety ofeducational, pastoral and formation ministries inCanada, the United States, Papua New Guineaand Australia.

His first mission assignment was to Canada in1959 where he taught at Neil McNeil HighSchool. In 1968 he began a succession ofministries in Hamilton, Guelph and Toronto. Asnovice master to the North AmericanInternational Novitiate from 1978 to 1983, Gerrytouched the lives of many novices with hiswisdom, experience and good humour. Followingon from this he spent three years in the missionsof Papua New Guinea and also spent a furtheryear doing vocation and mission animation inAustralia. He then returned to Canada where heagain worked in pastoral ministry in Toronto,Woodstock, Guelph and Edmonton.

Having been appointed a member of theProvincial Council of the Spiritan Province ofTransCanada Gerry was always ready to servethe Spiritan Community in formation and inadministration. He went into semi-retirement at

the age of eighty but continued to enjoy part-timeministry at St Stephen’s Chapel in downtownToronto. In addition to this he also assisted bydoing weekend ministry in various Ontarioparishes. Gerry was widely known in the TorontoIrish community and was always ready to helpmembers of that community. At St Stephen’sChapel he provided assistance long after it wasexpected of him. In 2002 Gerry joined the LavalCommunity in Toronto and then, in 2015, movedto the House of Providence, Scarborough,Ontario where he died peacefully on 21 February2018. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto, Canada.

February 22nd

BARRY, Fr Thomas Raymond1932-2005

Fr Raymond Barry (Ray) was born at Drumheriff,Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, on 29 December1932. After his secondary school education atPresentation College, Carrick-on-Shannon, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 8 September 1951. UCDawarded him a B.A. (1954) and a H. Dip in Ed.(1955). He prefected at St Michael’s College,1954-56. Ray studied theology at Fribourg wherehe received a B.D. in 1958 and S.T.L. in 1960.He was ordained to the priesthood on 19 July1959 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 17 July 1960.

In 1960 Ray’s first appointment was to SierraLeone where he became a teacher and chaplainat St Edward’s Secondary School, Freetown. In1962 he was appointed vice-principal of St Paul’sSecondary School, Pujehun. From 1964 until1974 he was the headmaster of YengemaSecondary School. It was said of him that he sawthe bigger picture and educated his pupils to meetthe greater challenges of life. He kept in mind thereal-life needs of his students, promotingagricultural studies as well as other moreacademic disciplines. In 1974 Ray took asabbatical at the Institut Catholique, Paris. He

FEBRUARY

23

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 23

secretary. At the conclusion of his term in thispositon he was reappointed to Kenya where hebecame parish priest at St Austin’s, Nairobi. In1998 on the occasion of the golden jubilee of hisordination Pearse wrote from the Uzima Centre,Thika, that ‘of my fifty years as a priest I havespent twenty seven in Kenya and twenty inIreland – so there’s a certain poetic justice incelebrating the jubilee here’. Fr Pearse died inMarian House, Kimmage Manor, on 20 February2003 and was buried in the community plot inthe cemetery at Dardistown, Co Dublin.

February 21st

SCOTT, Fr Michael Gerard1930-2018 

Fr Michael Gerard Scott (Gerry)was born on 10 April 1930 inElphin, Co Roscommon. He made his firstprofession on 8 September 1949, trained inIreland and Trinidad and was ordained to thepriesthood on 13 July 1958. During his sixtyyears as a priest he served in a variety ofeducational, pastoral and formation ministries inCanada, the United States, Papua New Guineaand Australia.

His first mission assignment was to Canada in1959 where he taught at Neil McNeil HighSchool. In 1968 he began a succession ofministries in Hamilton, Guelph and Toronto. Asnovice master to the North AmericanInternational Novitiate from 1978 to 1983, Gerrytouched the lives of many novices with hiswisdom, experience and good humour. Followingon from this he spent three years in the missionsof Papua New Guinea and also spent a furtheryear doing vocation and mission animation inAustralia. He then returned to Canada where heagain worked in pastoral ministry in Toronto,Woodstock, Guelph and Edmonton.

Having been appointed a member of theProvincial Council of the Spiritan Province ofTransCanada Gerry was always ready to servethe Spiritan Community in formation and inadministration. He went into semi-retirement at

the age of eighty but continued to enjoy part-timeministry at St Stephen’s Chapel in downtownToronto. In addition to this he also assisted bydoing weekend ministry in various Ontarioparishes. Gerry was widely known in the TorontoIrish community and was always ready to helpmembers of that community. At St Stephen’sChapel he provided assistance long after it wasexpected of him. In 2002 Gerry joined the LavalCommunity in Toronto and then, in 2015, movedto the House of Providence, Scarborough,Ontario where he died peacefully on 21 February2018. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto, Canada.

February 22nd

BARRY, Fr Thomas Raymond1932-2005

Fr Raymond Barry (Ray) was born at Drumheriff,Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, on 29 December1932. After his secondary school education atPresentation College, Carrick-on-Shannon, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 8 September 1951. UCDawarded him a B.A. (1954) and a H. Dip in Ed.(1955). He prefected at St Michael’s College,1954-56. Ray studied theology at Fribourg wherehe received a B.D. in 1958 and S.T.L. in 1960.He was ordained to the priesthood on 19 July1959 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 17 July 1960.

In 1960 Ray’s first appointment was to SierraLeone where he became a teacher and chaplainat St Edward’s Secondary School, Freetown. In1962 he was appointed vice-principal of St Paul’sSecondary School, Pujehun. From 1964 until1974 he was the headmaster of YengemaSecondary School. It was said of him that he sawthe bigger picture and educated his pupils to meetthe greater challenges of life. He kept in mind thereal-life needs of his students, promotingagricultural studies as well as other moreacademic disciplines. In 1974 Ray took asabbatical at the Institut Catholique, Paris. He

FEBRUARY

23

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 23

Page 32: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

returned to Sierra Leone in 1976 after he hadbeen asked to open the inter-territorial pastoralcentre in Kenema, which he had built fromscratch. He taught there for eight years,becoming director of the centre, and later servedat St Kizito’s Seminary in Kenema.

In 1994 Ray was appointed to the Generalate inRome as director of information services.Following on from this he took up his newappointment as Irish provincial archivist on 1January 2002. However he became unwell in2004 and was admitted to hospital a number oftimes for treatment. Fr Raymond died on 22February 2005 in Mission House, KimmageManor, and was buried in the community plot inthe cemetery at Dardistown, Co Dublin.

February 22nd

MEAGHER, Fr Thomas1919-2013

Fr Thomas Meagher was born inRatoath, Co Meath on 11February 1919. After completinghis secondary school education in St Finian’s,Mullingar, he entered the novitiate at Kilshane in1937. He studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand then prefected in Blackrock College; 1941-2. He then returned to Kimmage to studytheology and was ordained to the priesthood inJuly 1945 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to thevicariate of Zanzibar in 1946. He went on tospend over fifty years on mission in east Africa.He became a tutor in Kilima Mbogo for a numberof years before moving to Archbishop’s Housein 1952 where he served as secretary to thebishop and procurator of what in 1953 becamethe archdiocese of Nairobi. He later became itschancellor and served as such until 1969. At thesame time he was also in charge of the newmission which opened at Kariobangi in theNairobi area. He built its church, while alsoacting as vicar general of the diocese. Heremained vicar general for ten years. In 1975 hebecame the priest in charge of the Holy FamilyCathedral in Nairobi.

Following this he spent a brief period in Englandbefore he transferred back to the district of Kenyain 1984. He spent the next seven years at thenovitiate of the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi.He subsequently spent several years attached toSt Austin’s Parish, Nairobi, and in 1999 on theoccasion of their centenary he gave the keynoteaddress at the celebrations. He returned to Irelandin 2000 and became part of the KimmageCommunity. Fr Thomas died on 22 February2013 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

February 24th

CAHILL, Fr Desmond M.1926-2000

Fr Desmond Cahill (Des) wasborn on 17 October 1926 inMillford, Co. Donegal andcompleted his secondary studies in RockwellCollege, 1940-45. Having entered theCongregation at Kilshane he made his professionin 1946. He qualified for the BA at UCD,prefected for a year in the Burse, I947- 48, andin Rockwell, 1948-49. Ordained in 1954 he wasappointed the following year to Kenya.

His assignment was to the staff of KilimambogoTeacher Training College, 1955-68. To give hima rest from this onerous post he was transferredto St Mary’s, Nairobi, where he would beteaching at second level. After three years hereturned to the Training College in Kilimambowhere he did another six years’ stint. During theforty years he served in the Archdiocese ofNairobi he was very much involved in thetraining of teachers. It was his life’s work in factand he was seen by students and staff to be totallydedicated to this vocation, which at times couldbe very demanding. When the students wereunsure of themselves Des was always ready tohelp, and they knew that they could approachhim easily.

God’s compassion was the theme of the liturgyat his funeral mass as his life exemplified thevirtue of compassion in a remarkable manner.And in spite of having to devote himself so much

FEBRUARY

24

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 24

returned to Sierra Leone in 1976 after he hadbeen asked to open the inter-territorial pastoralcentre in Kenema, which he had built fromscratch. He taught there for eight years,becoming director of the centre, and later servedat St Kizito’s Seminary in Kenema.

In 1994 Ray was appointed to the Generalate inRome as director of information services.Following on from this he took up his newappointment as Irish provincial archivist on 1January 2002. However he became unwell in2004 and was admitted to hospital a number oftimes for treatment. Fr Raymond died on 22February 2005 in Mission House, KimmageManor, and was buried in the community plot inthe cemetery at Dardistown, Co Dublin.

February 22nd

MEAGHER, Fr Thomas1919-2013

Fr Thomas Meagher was born inRatoath, Co Meath on 11February 1919. After completinghis secondary school education in St Finian’s,Mullingar, he entered the novitiate at Kilshane in1937. He studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand then prefected in Blackrock College; 1941-2. He then returned to Kimmage to studytheology and was ordained to the priesthood inJuly 1945 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to thevicariate of Zanzibar in 1946. He went on tospend over fifty years on mission in east Africa.He became a tutor in Kilima Mbogo for a numberof years before moving to Archbishop’s Housein 1952 where he served as secretary to thebishop and procurator of what in 1953 becamethe archdiocese of Nairobi. He later became itschancellor and served as such until 1969. At thesame time he was also in charge of the newmission which opened at Kariobangi in theNairobi area. He built its church, while alsoacting as vicar general of the diocese. Heremained vicar general for ten years. In 1975 hebecame the priest in charge of the Holy FamilyCathedral in Nairobi.

Following this he spent a brief period in Englandbefore he transferred back to the district of Kenyain 1984. He spent the next seven years at thenovitiate of the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi.He subsequently spent several years attached toSt Austin’s Parish, Nairobi, and in 1999 on theoccasion of their centenary he gave the keynoteaddress at the celebrations. He returned to Irelandin 2000 and became part of the KimmageCommunity. Fr Thomas died on 22 February2013 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

February 24th

CAHILL, Fr Desmond M.1926-2000

Fr Desmond Cahill (Des) wasborn on 17 October 1926 inMillford, Co. Donegal andcompleted his secondary studies in RockwellCollege, 1940-45. Having entered theCongregation at Kilshane he made his professionin 1946. He qualified for the BA at UCD,prefected for a year in the Burse, I947- 48, andin Rockwell, 1948-49. Ordained in 1954 he wasappointed the following year to Kenya.

His assignment was to the staff of KilimambogoTeacher Training College, 1955-68. To give hima rest from this onerous post he was transferredto St Mary’s, Nairobi, where he would beteaching at second level. After three years hereturned to the Training College in Kilimambowhere he did another six years’ stint. During theforty years he served in the Archdiocese ofNairobi he was very much involved in thetraining of teachers. It was his life’s work in factand he was seen by students and staff to be totallydedicated to this vocation, which at times couldbe very demanding. When the students wereunsure of themselves Des was always ready tohelp, and they knew that they could approachhim easily.

God’s compassion was the theme of the liturgyat his funeral mass as his life exemplified thevirtue of compassion in a remarkable manner.And in spite of having to devote himself so much

FEBRUARY

24

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 24

Page 33: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

to the academic aspect of school life he saw thevalue of extracurricular activity. He was a goodathlete himself and he excelled as a team coach,especially of basketball and athletics. In 1998 hetransferred to the Diocese of Mombasa and it wasthere after a brief illness he died on 24 February2000 aged 73 years.

February 27th

BROSNAN, Fr Michael J.1929-2006

Fr Michael J Brosnan was bornon 22 November 1929 at NorthCircular Road, Dublin. Hecompleted his secondary school education atC.B.S. Tralee, Co Kerry. He held clericalpositions in both Dublin Corporation and theElectricity Supply Board before entering thenovitiate at Kilshane. He made his firstprofession in 1951. He then prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines from 1956 to 1957and was awarded a B.Sc. by U.C.D. Followingon from this he studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood in1960.Michael’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1961 where he was assigned to avariety of pastoral and educational roles in thediocese of Umuahia. He taught for one year atMadonna High School, Ihitte. He then combinedteaching at the junior seminary in Ahieke withparish duties in St Finbar’s, Umuahia. In 1964 heaccepted a teaching post at Sacred HeartSecondary School in Aba. The following year hebecame the first principal of the new boy’s highschool at Nvosi. The building of this school hadbeen financed by Paul Ururuka, a local Catholicpolitician, on condition that it was run by theCatholic clergy. Michael developed and built upthis school remaining there until mid 1967. Hethen spent short periods of time in both Braziland back in Dublin. In 1971 he moved toHamilton, Ontario to do a masters degree inphilosophy at McMaster University. He thenmoved to Pittsburgh to complete a post graduatecourse in philosophy at Duquesne University andalso assisted in a nearby parish. Following on

from this he spent a year in the Yemen ArabRepublic as field director of Concern where healso ministered to the pastoral needs of thecatholic volunteer workers. He later said that itwas whilst living in such a completely non-Christian environment that he came to appreciatethe human and social aspects of the church’smission.

In 1975 Michael was transferred to the Trans-Canada Province and apart from a period of timein the 1980s when he was seconded to theLondon Missionary Institute in England as alecturer he spent the rest of his life in Canada.This included his tenure as chaplain at YorkUniversity in Toronto, a position he held forseventeen years. For the last few years of his lifeFr Michael became superior of Laval HouseCommunity. He died on 27 February 2006 inCententary Hospital, Scarborough and wasburied at Holy Cross Cemetery, Toronto.

February 28th

REGAN, Fr David J.1926-2004

Fr David Regan (Dave) was bornin Arraghslea, Kilshane, CoTipperary on 13 March 1926.Following the completion of his secondaryschool education at Blackrock College he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 9 September 1946. He studiedphilosophy at U.C.D. and graduated with a B.A.in 1949. He prefected in Blackrock College from1949 to 1951. Dave then went to Rome to studytheology and was awarded a B.D. in 1953 andS.T.L. in 1955. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 4 July 1954 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 26 June 1955.

He was then appointment as a member of theteaching staff in the Kimmage Scholasticate. Helectured both in philosophy and theology. Aftera short sabbatical at Louvain he was appointedto the novitiate at Kilshane in 1960 as assistantnovice master. In 1963 he was appointed toBrazil where he became actively engaged in inparish pastoral work in Pacaembu. In 1968 he

FEBRUARY

25

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 25

to the academic aspect of school life he saw thevalue of extracurricular activity. He was a goodathlete himself and he excelled as a team coach,especially of basketball and athletics. In 1998 hetransferred to the Diocese of Mombasa and it wasthere after a brief illness he died on 24 February2000 aged 73 years.

February 27th

BROSNAN, Fr Michael J.1929-2006

Fr Michael J Brosnan was bornon 22 November 1929 at NorthCircular Road, Dublin. Hecompleted his secondary school education atC.B.S. Tralee, Co Kerry. He held clericalpositions in both Dublin Corporation and theElectricity Supply Board before entering thenovitiate at Kilshane. He made his firstprofession in 1951. He then prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines from 1956 to 1957and was awarded a B.Sc. by U.C.D. Followingon from this he studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood in1960.Michael’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1961 where he was assigned to avariety of pastoral and educational roles in thediocese of Umuahia. He taught for one year atMadonna High School, Ihitte. He then combinedteaching at the junior seminary in Ahieke withparish duties in St Finbar’s, Umuahia. In 1964 heaccepted a teaching post at Sacred HeartSecondary School in Aba. The following year hebecame the first principal of the new boy’s highschool at Nvosi. The building of this school hadbeen financed by Paul Ururuka, a local Catholicpolitician, on condition that it was run by theCatholic clergy. Michael developed and built upthis school remaining there until mid 1967. Hethen spent short periods of time in both Braziland back in Dublin. In 1971 he moved toHamilton, Ontario to do a masters degree inphilosophy at McMaster University. He thenmoved to Pittsburgh to complete a post graduatecourse in philosophy at Duquesne University andalso assisted in a nearby parish. Following on

from this he spent a year in the Yemen ArabRepublic as field director of Concern where healso ministered to the pastoral needs of thecatholic volunteer workers. He later said that itwas whilst living in such a completely non-Christian environment that he came to appreciatethe human and social aspects of the church’smission.

In 1975 Michael was transferred to the Trans-Canada Province and apart from a period of timein the 1980s when he was seconded to theLondon Missionary Institute in England as alecturer he spent the rest of his life in Canada.This included his tenure as chaplain at YorkUniversity in Toronto, a position he held forseventeen years. For the last few years of his lifeFr Michael became superior of Laval HouseCommunity. He died on 27 February 2006 inCententary Hospital, Scarborough and wasburied at Holy Cross Cemetery, Toronto.

February 28th

REGAN, Fr David J.1926-2004

Fr David Regan (Dave) was bornin Arraghslea, Kilshane, CoTipperary on 13 March 1926.Following the completion of his secondaryschool education at Blackrock College he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 9 September 1946. He studiedphilosophy at U.C.D. and graduated with a B.A.in 1949. He prefected in Blackrock College from1949 to 1951. Dave then went to Rome to studytheology and was awarded a B.D. in 1953 andS.T.L. in 1955. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 4 July 1954 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 26 June 1955.

He was then appointment as a member of theteaching staff in the Kimmage Scholasticate. Helectured both in philosophy and theology. Aftera short sabbatical at Louvain he was appointedto the novitiate at Kilshane in 1960 as assistantnovice master. In 1963 he was appointed toBrazil where he became actively engaged in inparish pastoral work in Pacaembu. In 1968 he

FEBRUARY

25

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 25

Page 34: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

resumed his studies in theology at the InstitutCatholique in Paris. Responding to theemergency in Biafra he volunteered and spent thefirst five months of 1969 on the island of SãoTomé as the representative of Africa Concern. Hereturned to Brazil and became pastoral co-ordinator of the diocese of Marilia from 1970until 1975. From 1977 until 1983 Dave workedin Brasilia as advisor to the National Conferenceof Bishops. In 1983 he took a study sabbatical atArdbraccan and in 1985 he was appointed aslecturer at the theologate in Kimmage Manor. In1988 he transferred to the Generalate in Romeworking on mission research and animation.During this time he completed his doctorate inmissiology at the Gregoriana.

Dave was a prolific writer and from 1962 hebecame a regular contributor to IrishEcclesiastical Record, Doctrine and Life, TheFurrow, Theology Digest, and The Tablet. Daveworked both at the local and the internationallevel. While in Ireland he conducted workshopson basic Christian communities in Darndale andBallymun, Dublin. His work with SECAM,MISEREOR and MISSIO took him to Nigeria,Kenya, the Congo, South Africa, Ethiopia andGhana. Due to illness Fr David returned fromBrazil to Mission House, Kimmage, in mid-2003. He died 28 February 2004 and was buriedin the community plot in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

FEBRUARY

26

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 26

resumed his studies in theology at the InstitutCatholique in Paris. Responding to theemergency in Biafra he volunteered and spent thefirst five months of 1969 on the island of SãoTomé as the representative of Africa Concern. Hereturned to Brazil and became pastoral co-ordinator of the diocese of Marilia from 1970until 1975. From 1977 until 1983 Dave workedin Brasilia as advisor to the National Conferenceof Bishops. In 1983 he took a study sabbatical atArdbraccan and in 1985 he was appointed aslecturer at the theologate in Kimmage Manor. In1988 he transferred to the Generalate in Romeworking on mission research and animation.During this time he completed his doctorate inmissiology at the Gregoriana.

Dave was a prolific writer and from 1962 hebecame a regular contributor to IrishEcclesiastical Record, Doctrine and Life, TheFurrow, Theology Digest, and The Tablet. Daveworked both at the local and the internationallevel. While in Ireland he conducted workshopson basic Christian communities in Darndale andBallymun, Dublin. His work with SECAM,MISEREOR and MISSIO took him to Nigeria,Kenya, the Congo, South Africa, Ethiopia andGhana. Due to illness Fr David returned fromBrazil to Mission House, Kimmage, in mid-2003. He died 28 February 2004 and was buriedin the community plot in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

FEBRUARY

26

February Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:06 Page 26

Page 35: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

March 1st

FARRELL, Fr John A.1924-2003

Fr John Farrell was born atHoneypark Lodge, Monkstown,Dublin on 31 May 1924. Aftercompleting his secondary school education at StMary’s, Rathmines, he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on5 October 1944. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1947 and he prefectedat St Mary’s College, Rathmines, between 1947and 1949. John was ordained to the priesthoodon 29 June 1952 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

John’s first appointment was to Trinidad in 1953where for the next two years he taught at StMary’s College, Port of Spain. He returned toIreland in 1955 and was appointed to BlackrockCollege. From 1955 to 1956 he was at WillowPark and the following year he transferred to thecollege to teach full time until his retirement in1989. John’s main teaching subject was Frenchand every summer, for many years, he didreplacement ministry in a parish in Versailles.Over the years he also took classes in English,Irish, Latin, German and Spanish. John wasentirely dedicated to his profession and when hehad to retire from full time teaching at the age ofsixty-five, in accordance with Governmentregulations, he continued on for another fiveyears teaching a number of hours a week.

John finally retired in 1993 and he spent his lastnine years in parish ministry and hospitalchaplaincy. Characteristically he broughtdedication and enthusiasm to this work. He alsohad a lifelong involvement in the Saint Vincentde Paul Society both at local and national levels.He died on 1 March 2003 in St Vincent’sHospital, Dublin, and was buried in thecommunity plot at Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 3rd

O’CONNOR, Fr Bernard1920-2004

Fr Bernard O’Connor (Bryan)was born at Woodbine, Cashel,Co Tipperary, on 22 February1920. After completing his secondary schooleducation at Rockwell Juniorate he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 8 September 1939. He wasawarded a B.Sc. and H.Dip. Ed. by U.C.D. in1944 and 1945 respectively. He prefected at StMary’s College, Rathmines and was ordained tothe priesthood on 10 July 1949. He made hisConsecration to the Apostalate on 4 August 1950.

Bryan’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1951 where he began teaching in St Edward’sSecondary School, Freetown. In 1955 hetransferred to Yengema where he becameinvolved in pastoral work. He returned toteaching in 1957, this time at Christ the KingCollege in Bo. In 1962 he was again appointedto St Edward’s where he continued on until 1975.He built up the science departments of theseschools and they became models of excellenceto which government ministers brought peopleto see best practice. A perfectionist in everythinghe did, he would spend hours repairing or writinga programme for his computer.

In 1975 Bryan took up pastoral ministry inEngland and the following year he was appointedto the staff of Rockwell College. He remained adedicated teacher until his retirement. Inretirement he stayed on in the RockwellCommunity but with failing health he moved toMission House, Kimmage Manor in 2002. Hemoved to Marian House in 2003 where he diedon 3 March 2004 and was buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

MARCH

27

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 27

March 1st

FARRELL, Fr John A.1924-2003

Fr John Farrell was born atHoneypark Lodge, Monkstown,Dublin on 31 May 1924. Aftercompleting his secondary school education at StMary’s, Rathmines, he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on5 October 1944. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1947 and he prefectedat St Mary’s College, Rathmines, between 1947and 1949. John was ordained to the priesthoodon 29 June 1952 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

John’s first appointment was to Trinidad in 1953where for the next two years he taught at StMary’s College, Port of Spain. He returned toIreland in 1955 and was appointed to BlackrockCollege. From 1955 to 1956 he was at WillowPark and the following year he transferred to thecollege to teach full time until his retirement in1989. John’s main teaching subject was Frenchand every summer, for many years, he didreplacement ministry in a parish in Versailles.Over the years he also took classes in English,Irish, Latin, German and Spanish. John wasentirely dedicated to his profession and when hehad to retire from full time teaching at the age ofsixty-five, in accordance with Governmentregulations, he continued on for another fiveyears teaching a number of hours a week.

John finally retired in 1993 and he spent his lastnine years in parish ministry and hospitalchaplaincy. Characteristically he broughtdedication and enthusiasm to this work. He alsohad a lifelong involvement in the Saint Vincentde Paul Society both at local and national levels.He died on 1 March 2003 in St Vincent’sHospital, Dublin, and was buried in thecommunity plot at Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 3rd

O’CONNOR, Fr Bernard1920-2004

Fr Bernard O’Connor (Bryan)was born at Woodbine, Cashel,Co Tipperary, on 22 February1920. After completing his secondary schooleducation at Rockwell Juniorate he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 8 September 1939. He wasawarded a B.Sc. and H.Dip. Ed. by U.C.D. in1944 and 1945 respectively. He prefected at StMary’s College, Rathmines and was ordained tothe priesthood on 10 July 1949. He made hisConsecration to the Apostalate on 4 August 1950.

Bryan’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1951 where he began teaching in St Edward’sSecondary School, Freetown. In 1955 hetransferred to Yengema where he becameinvolved in pastoral work. He returned toteaching in 1957, this time at Christ the KingCollege in Bo. In 1962 he was again appointedto St Edward’s where he continued on until 1975.He built up the science departments of theseschools and they became models of excellenceto which government ministers brought peopleto see best practice. A perfectionist in everythinghe did, he would spend hours repairing or writinga programme for his computer.

In 1975 Bryan took up pastoral ministry inEngland and the following year he was appointedto the staff of Rockwell College. He remained adedicated teacher until his retirement. Inretirement he stayed on in the RockwellCommunity but with failing health he moved toMission House, Kimmage Manor in 2002. Hemoved to Marian House in 2003 where he diedon 3 March 2004 and was buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

MARCH

27

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 27

Page 36: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

March 5th

HUDSON, Fr Robert J.1920 -2009

Fr Robert Hudson (Bob) wasborn on 25 February 1920 atStonepark, Co Longford. Heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 13 September 1940. Heprefected in St Mary’s, Rathmines from 1942 to1943 and then studied theology at KimmageManor. Bob was ordained to the priesthood on14 July 1946 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 1 August 1947.

Bob’s first mission appointment was to Kimmagein 1947 where he worked with the PromotionsTeam visiting secondary schools andencouraging young men to consider a vocationin the priesthood. He later stated that many ofthe Spiritans he lived with in Canada had beenrecruited by him in the classrooms he had visitedduring this period. In 1954 Bob was selected asone of the group of Spiritans who were taskedwith establishing the Trans-Canadian Province.The group set up base in Woodstock, Ontario andBob spent the next twenty years travelling thecountry from east to west doing promotion workfor the missions and organising retreats. He wasappointed associate pastor in St Rita’s Parish,Woodstock in 1976 and then pastor of StJoseph’s in Port Elgin, Ontario in 1978. Bobretired to Laval House, Toronto in 2002 wherehe died on 5 March 2009, aged eighty nine years.Fr Bob was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto.

March 6th

DOWNEY, Fr Michael J.1921-2001

Fr Michael Downey (Mick) wasborn on 1 November 1921 inGaranboy, Adare, Co. Limerickand completed his secondary education at StMunchins College. After his novitiate inKilshane he was professed in 1941. He studiedat Kimmage Manor and at U.C.D. where hegained a BA. After one year’s prefecting inRockwell, 1944-45, he studied theology inKimmage and was ordained in 1948.

Appointed to Kenya the following year he servedat St Peter Claver’s in Nairobi. At thebeginning, before he became Parish Priest, hewas in charge of the school there. After a fullday’s work in the school, he went to the largeKing George VI Hospital in the suburbs of thecity to visit the sick. With the help of adevoted group of people from the Legion ofMary he absolved, baptized and blessed patients.He rarely returned home before 10 pm. This wasa demanding and exhausting schedule.Following on his time in Nairobi City heserved in Thika and Kalimoni.

After thirty years service in Kenya he returned toIreland where, in 1980, he took up a hospitalchaplaincy at St Mary’s, Drumcar. Thefollowing year he served as hospital chaplain inDaly City, California. He then returned toParish Ministry in Ireland. Appointed in 1983to Tallanstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth, heconstantly visited the sick in their homes and inthe hospitals of Drogheda and Dundalk. Heestablished a good rapport with the people ofthe parish. He was to serve there for seventeenyears. He himself was brought by ill health to thehospital in Drogheda in 2000 and then to MarianHouse at the beginning of 2001 where he diedon 6 March 2 0 0 1 aged 79 years. Manypeople from the parish came to assist at hisfuneral Mass celebrated by the Primate,Archbishop Seán Brady. Fr Michael was buriedin the cemetery at Tallanstown, Dundalk.

MARCH

28

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 28

March 5th

HUDSON, Fr Robert J.1920 -2009

Fr Robert Hudson (Bob) wasborn on 25 February 1920 atStonepark, Co Longford. Heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 13 September 1940. Heprefected in St Mary’s, Rathmines from 1942 to1943 and then studied theology at KimmageManor. Bob was ordained to the priesthood on14 July 1946 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 1 August 1947.

Bob’s first mission appointment was to Kimmagein 1947 where he worked with the PromotionsTeam visiting secondary schools andencouraging young men to consider a vocationin the priesthood. He later stated that many ofthe Spiritans he lived with in Canada had beenrecruited by him in the classrooms he had visitedduring this period. In 1954 Bob was selected asone of the group of Spiritans who were taskedwith establishing the Trans-Canadian Province.The group set up base in Woodstock, Ontario andBob spent the next twenty years travelling thecountry from east to west doing promotion workfor the missions and organising retreats. He wasappointed associate pastor in St Rita’s Parish,Woodstock in 1976 and then pastor of StJoseph’s in Port Elgin, Ontario in 1978. Bobretired to Laval House, Toronto in 2002 wherehe died on 5 March 2009, aged eighty nine years.Fr Bob was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto.

March 6th

DOWNEY, Fr Michael J.1921-2001

Fr Michael Downey (Mick) wasborn on 1 November 1921 inGaranboy, Adare, Co. Limerickand completed his secondary education at StMunchins College. After his novitiate inKilshane he was professed in 1941. He studiedat Kimmage Manor and at U.C.D. where hegained a BA. After one year’s prefecting inRockwell, 1944-45, he studied theology inKimmage and was ordained in 1948.

Appointed to Kenya the following year he servedat St Peter Claver’s in Nairobi. At thebeginning, before he became Parish Priest, hewas in charge of the school there. After a fullday’s work in the school, he went to the largeKing George VI Hospital in the suburbs of thecity to visit the sick. With the help of adevoted group of people from the Legion ofMary he absolved, baptized and blessed patients.He rarely returned home before 10 pm. This wasa demanding and exhausting schedule.Following on his time in Nairobi City heserved in Thika and Kalimoni.

After thirty years service in Kenya he returned toIreland where, in 1980, he took up a hospitalchaplaincy at St Mary’s, Drumcar. Thefollowing year he served as hospital chaplain inDaly City, California. He then returned toParish Ministry in Ireland. Appointed in 1983to Tallanstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth, heconstantly visited the sick in their homes and inthe hospitals of Drogheda and Dundalk. Heestablished a good rapport with the people ofthe parish. He was to serve there for seventeenyears. He himself was brought by ill health to thehospital in Drogheda in 2000 and then to MarianHouse at the beginning of 2001 where he diedon 6 March 2 0 0 1 aged 79 years. Manypeople from the parish came to assist at hisfuneral Mass celebrated by the Primate,Archbishop Seán Brady. Fr Michael was buriedin the cemetery at Tallanstown, Dundalk.

MARCH

28

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 28

Page 37: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

March 6th

GALVIN, Fr Patrick J.1943-2003

Fr Patrick Galvin (Paddy) wasborn in Castlefrench, BallinanoreBridge, Ballinasloe, Co Galway,on 17 March 1943. After his secondary schooleducation at St Mary’s, Ballygar, and BlackrockJuniorate he entered the Novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1962. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected in FatimaCollege, Trinidad for two years; 1964-6. Paddythen studied theology at Kimmage and wasordained to the priesthood on 6 July 1969.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Sierra Leonewhere he was assigned to the parish of Koidu inthe diocese of Kenema where he becameengaged in pastoral work and schooladministration. On his appointment it wasremarked ‘he would be excellent in a difficultmission’. In 1980 Paddy returned to Ireland fora sabbatical year at the Carlow Liturgy Centre.In 1982 he was appointed to the Long IslandRegional Community and took up parishministry in St Boniface Church in Florida. Inconjunction with this Paddy studied for amaster’s degree in psychology at St ThomasUniversity, Miami.

He returned to Ireland in 1988 and took up anappointment in the Justice and Peace Ministry atArdbraccan. He was particularly involved ingroup dynamic work involving counselling andspiritual direction. In 1991 Paddy becamedirector of An Tobar and later joined thecommunity at Libermann House, KimmageRoad West. There he worked as a counsellor infamily life and therapy. During his tenure therehe became involved in fieldwork for theNewlands Counselling Centre. In 1995 Paddywas appointed superior of the Spritan HouseCommunity, North Circular Road. During 1998Paddy became spiritual director at the House ofStudies, Kimmage, and in 1999 he was appointedassistant priest of Kimmage Manor Parish.People in the parish often remarked on his abilityto empathise with the suffering of an individual.

He was also known for his great enthusiasm forLectio Divina.

Due to the deterioration of his heath Paddy couldno longer stay on in the parish and was admittedto Marian House in the latter part of 2002 wherehe died on 6 March 2003. Fr Paddy was buriedat Caltra Cemetery, Co Galway.

March 6th

HORKIN, Fr Leo1918-2009

Fr Leo Horkin was born in Erie,Pennsylvania, U.S.A. on 9September 1918. Aftercompleting his secondary education in BlackrockCollege, he entered the Novitiate in 1936 andwas professed on 8 September 1937. Heprefected for five years in Trinidad; 1938 to1943. He was awarded a B.A. from U.C.D in1944 and then studied theology in KimmageManor. He was ordained to the priesthood on 13July 1947 and made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1948.

Leo’s mission appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1948. He taught at theCollege of the Immaculate Conception, Enugufrom 1949 to 1950 and in St Anthony’s CollegeAgulu from 1951 to 1954. He was assigned to theCatholic Mission, Amichi in 1955 and he wasappointed to the Catholic Mission, Enugu, 1961-7. In 1970 Leo returned to Trinidad where he didpastoral work until 1974. He then moved to NewJersey and ministered there as assistant pastoruntil 1977. Following a course in hospitalchaplaincy in Washington D.C., he worked as achaplain in Newark, New Jersey, from 1978 until1981 before being appointed pastor in Monroe,Louisiana, a position he held until 1993.

Leo was appointed to the Kimmage Communityin 1993. His years of retirement in Kimmagewere marked by the careful preparation of hishomilies, availability for the sacrament ofreconciliation, his interest in updating histheology, and his commitment to prayer and theEucharist. He died peacefully on Friday 6 March

MARCH

29

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 29

March 6th

GALVIN, Fr Patrick J.1943-2003

Fr Patrick Galvin (Paddy) wasborn in Castlefrench, BallinanoreBridge, Ballinasloe, Co Galway,on 17 March 1943. After his secondary schooleducation at St Mary’s, Ballygar, and BlackrockJuniorate he entered the Novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1962. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected in FatimaCollege, Trinidad for two years; 1964-6. Paddythen studied theology at Kimmage and wasordained to the priesthood on 6 July 1969.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Sierra Leonewhere he was assigned to the parish of Koidu inthe diocese of Kenema where he becameengaged in pastoral work and schooladministration. On his appointment it wasremarked ‘he would be excellent in a difficultmission’. In 1980 Paddy returned to Ireland fora sabbatical year at the Carlow Liturgy Centre.In 1982 he was appointed to the Long IslandRegional Community and took up parishministry in St Boniface Church in Florida. Inconjunction with this Paddy studied for amaster’s degree in psychology at St ThomasUniversity, Miami.

He returned to Ireland in 1988 and took up anappointment in the Justice and Peace Ministry atArdbraccan. He was particularly involved ingroup dynamic work involving counselling andspiritual direction. In 1991 Paddy becamedirector of An Tobar and later joined thecommunity at Libermann House, KimmageRoad West. There he worked as a counsellor infamily life and therapy. During his tenure therehe became involved in fieldwork for theNewlands Counselling Centre. In 1995 Paddywas appointed superior of the Spritan HouseCommunity, North Circular Road. During 1998Paddy became spiritual director at the House ofStudies, Kimmage, and in 1999 he was appointedassistant priest of Kimmage Manor Parish.People in the parish often remarked on his abilityto empathise with the suffering of an individual.

He was also known for his great enthusiasm forLectio Divina.

Due to the deterioration of his heath Paddy couldno longer stay on in the parish and was admittedto Marian House in the latter part of 2002 wherehe died on 6 March 2003. Fr Paddy was buriedat Caltra Cemetery, Co Galway.

March 6th

HORKIN, Fr Leo1918-2009

Fr Leo Horkin was born in Erie,Pennsylvania, U.S.A. on 9September 1918. Aftercompleting his secondary education in BlackrockCollege, he entered the Novitiate in 1936 andwas professed on 8 September 1937. Heprefected for five years in Trinidad; 1938 to1943. He was awarded a B.A. from U.C.D in1944 and then studied theology in KimmageManor. He was ordained to the priesthood on 13July 1947 and made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1948.

Leo’s mission appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1948. He taught at theCollege of the Immaculate Conception, Enugufrom 1949 to 1950 and in St Anthony’s CollegeAgulu from 1951 to 1954. He was assigned to theCatholic Mission, Amichi in 1955 and he wasappointed to the Catholic Mission, Enugu, 1961-7. In 1970 Leo returned to Trinidad where he didpastoral work until 1974. He then moved to NewJersey and ministered there as assistant pastoruntil 1977. Following a course in hospitalchaplaincy in Washington D.C., he worked as achaplain in Newark, New Jersey, from 1978 until1981 before being appointed pastor in Monroe,Louisiana, a position he held until 1993.

Leo was appointed to the Kimmage Communityin 1993. His years of retirement in Kimmagewere marked by the careful preparation of hishomilies, availability for the sacrament ofreconciliation, his interest in updating histheology, and his commitment to prayer and theEucharist. He died peacefully on Friday 6 March

MARCH

29

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 29

Page 38: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

2009, in Marian House, Kimmage and wasburied at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 7th

MONTES DE OCA, Fr Vincent1915-2009

Fr Vincent Montes De Oca wasborn in Le Morne, St Lucia, onthe 2 May 1915. He entered the novitiate in Orly,France in 1934 and was professed on 8September 1935. He was awarded a B.Sc. (hons)degree and a H. Dip. Ed. by the NationalUniversity of Ireland in 1938 and 1941respectively. He prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1938 to 1939. He studied philosophy andtheology at Kimmage Manor, 1939-45. Vincentwas ordained to the priesthood on the 16 July1944 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 3 August 1945.

Vincent’s first appointment was to Trinidad in1945 where he worked as a secondary schoolteacher in Fatima College, 1946-50. His nextappointment was to Ireland and he returned toBlackrock College where he taught from 1950until 1966. He then went back to Trinidad andtaught at St Mary’s College for the followingthree years, 1966–9. He was again reassigned toIreland where he taught and held other duties atTempleogue College from 1969 until 1983.Following this he was appointed to the KimmageCommunity where he became actively engagedin pastoral ministry and spiritual writing. FrVincent wrote: ‘Tu Spes Mundi’ (1945); ‘A letterto children’ (1954); You can bring peace to yourcountry (1982) with a foreward by CardinalO’Fiaich; ‘Mary stands by the cross’, KnockShrine Annual (1983); Rejoice always (2000) andAve Maria or a letter from Fr Vincent (2004)’.

Fr Vincent celebrated the golden jubilee of hisordination on 5 June 2004. He died after a longillness in Marian House, Kimmage on 7 March2009. He was buried in Dardistown Cemetary,Co Dublin.

March 7th

ROCHE, Fr Hubert Joseph1919-2001

Fr Hubert Roche (Hugh) wasborn on 31 May 1919 in Togher,Clonown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon andfollowing in the footsteps of his brother Fr John,entered the Juniorate at Blackrock in 1933.Having entered the novitiate in Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1938 and did his studies atKimmage Manor and UCD. Having qualifiedfor the BA in Philosophy in 1942 heprefected in Rockwell for two years beforereturning to Kimmage to do Theology. Ordainedin 1947 he was appointed the following year toOnitsha, Nigeria.

He served first at Enugu as an assistant, andlater at Onitsha - Waterside. From 1961 he wasin charge of Abytete. Obliged to leave Nigeriaafter the Biafra war he felt broken heartedbecause he had to leave the people he had lovedso much and for whom he had labouredtirelessly. He returned to Ireland and workedfor a year in catechetics in Meath Diocese. In1971 Hugh was appointed to Canada where heworked in parishes at Woodstock and inAlberta. In 1980 he returned to Ireland and tookup an appointment as chaplain at Mullaghmore,Co. Sligo. His brother, Fr John, came to visithim there in July 1979. After they hadconcelebrated Mass together Fr John knelt downto say his thanksgiving and having suffered aheart attack he died immediately.

Fr Hugh was appointed to the Diocese of Meathin 1984 and worked in Rochfordbridge. In allthese areas Hugh was loved and respected forhis dedication to his ministry, especially to thesick. It was said of him at the funeral Mass:“Hugh had a wonderful sense of humour, a loveof music, would always be at the heart of a party,and to crown it all he was a great story teller, andhad a céad míle fáilte for visitors. He lovedtradition, including the Latin tradition of theChurch, but also embraced the best of the newchanges. He had a great devotion to Our Ladyand to Père Brottier whose cause he quietly

MARCH

30

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 30

2009, in Marian House, Kimmage and wasburied at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 7th

MONTES DE OCA, Fr Vincent1915-2009

Fr Vincent Montes De Oca wasborn in Le Morne, St Lucia, onthe 2 May 1915. He entered the novitiate in Orly,France in 1934 and was professed on 8September 1935. He was awarded a B.Sc. (hons)degree and a H. Dip. Ed. by the NationalUniversity of Ireland in 1938 and 1941respectively. He prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1938 to 1939. He studied philosophy andtheology at Kimmage Manor, 1939-45. Vincentwas ordained to the priesthood on the 16 July1944 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 3 August 1945.

Vincent’s first appointment was to Trinidad in1945 where he worked as a secondary schoolteacher in Fatima College, 1946-50. His nextappointment was to Ireland and he returned toBlackrock College where he taught from 1950until 1966. He then went back to Trinidad andtaught at St Mary’s College for the followingthree years, 1966–9. He was again reassigned toIreland where he taught and held other duties atTempleogue College from 1969 until 1983.Following this he was appointed to the KimmageCommunity where he became actively engagedin pastoral ministry and spiritual writing. FrVincent wrote: ‘Tu Spes Mundi’ (1945); ‘A letterto children’ (1954); You can bring peace to yourcountry (1982) with a foreward by CardinalO’Fiaich; ‘Mary stands by the cross’, KnockShrine Annual (1983); Rejoice always (2000) andAve Maria or a letter from Fr Vincent (2004)’.

Fr Vincent celebrated the golden jubilee of hisordination on 5 June 2004. He died after a longillness in Marian House, Kimmage on 7 March2009. He was buried in Dardistown Cemetary,Co Dublin.

March 7th

ROCHE, Fr Hubert Joseph1919-2001

Fr Hubert Roche (Hugh) wasborn on 31 May 1919 in Togher,Clonown, Athlone, Co. Roscommon andfollowing in the footsteps of his brother Fr John,entered the Juniorate at Blackrock in 1933.Having entered the novitiate in Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1938 and did his studies atKimmage Manor and UCD. Having qualifiedfor the BA in Philosophy in 1942 heprefected in Rockwell for two years beforereturning to Kimmage to do Theology. Ordainedin 1947 he was appointed the following year toOnitsha, Nigeria.

He served first at Enugu as an assistant, andlater at Onitsha - Waterside. From 1961 he wasin charge of Abytete. Obliged to leave Nigeriaafter the Biafra war he felt broken heartedbecause he had to leave the people he had lovedso much and for whom he had labouredtirelessly. He returned to Ireland and workedfor a year in catechetics in Meath Diocese. In1971 Hugh was appointed to Canada where heworked in parishes at Woodstock and inAlberta. In 1980 he returned to Ireland and tookup an appointment as chaplain at Mullaghmore,Co. Sligo. His brother, Fr John, came to visithim there in July 1979. After they hadconcelebrated Mass together Fr John knelt downto say his thanksgiving and having suffered aheart attack he died immediately.

Fr Hugh was appointed to the Diocese of Meathin 1984 and worked in Rochfordbridge. In allthese areas Hugh was loved and respected forhis dedication to his ministry, especially to thesick. It was said of him at the funeral Mass:“Hugh had a wonderful sense of humour, a loveof music, would always be at the heart of a party,and to crown it all he was a great story teller, andhad a céad míle fáilte for visitors. He lovedtradition, including the Latin tradition of theChurch, but also embraced the best of the newchanges. He had a great devotion to Our Ladyand to Père Brottier whose cause he quietly

MARCH

30

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 30

Page 39: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

promoted. He lived a simple life and enjoyedlife. In his last years he had a big share in thecross of suffering...”. After retiring fromRochfordbridge he continued to do part-timeministry in the Diocese. In failing health FrHugh retired to Marian House early in 2000where he died on 7 March 2001 aged 81 years.

March 8th

MURPHY, Fr William1927-2013

Fr William Murphy (Liam) wasborn in Tarbert, Co Kerry on the7 March 1927. On completion ofsecondary school he entered Kilshane and madehis first profession on 8 September 1946. He wasawarded a BA in Philosophy by U.C.D. in 1949.Following on from this he prefected in RockwellCollege, 1949-50. He then studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1953. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1954.

Liam’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1954. He was assigned to the Owerri districtwhere he taught for twelve years, first in Owerriand then from 1956 in the Kabba Prefecture. In1960 he became principal of the new StColumba’s College at Amaima while alsodevoting pastoral care to the local congregationof 5,000. However, his time in Nigeria endedprematurely in 1968 due to the escalation of theBiafran War. He then relocated to New Yorkwhere he ministered in St Kevin’s Parish,Flushing and attended St John’s University fromwhich he graduated in 1972 with an M.A. inScripture. This enriched his ministry greatly andwas to prove a turning point in his life. Hereturned to Ireland that same year and taught inTempleogue College, Rockwell College andKilshane respectively. He was awarded a H. Dip.Ed. by U.C.C. in 1974. He then served for a shortperiod as provincial secretary before he was re-assigned to Florida where he worked in parishministry and studied psychology and counsellingat Florida Atlantic University. He returned toRockwell in 1991 and became known in the

Munster area as a spiritual director and anorganiser of retreats. Liam celebrated the jubileeof his religious profession in September 1996and the jubilee of his ordination at KimmageManor in July 2003.

Fr Liam suffered from poor health in his lateryears and spent some time in Marian Housebefore being transferred to Tallaght Hospitalwhere he died on the 8 March 2013. He wasburied in the Community Cemetery at RockwellCollege, Co Tipperary.

March 9th

CLEARY, Fr Patrick1934-2015

Fr Patrick Cleary (Paddy) wasborn in Borrisokane, CoTipperary, on 20 May 1934. Hebecame a student at Rockwell College at the ageof twelve but moved to Blackrock College for hisfinal year. He then entered the Spiritan Novitiatein Kilshane and was professed in 1954. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andprefected in St Michael’s College. Followng thishe spent four years studying theology atKimmage and was ordained to the priesthood in1961.

Paddy was appointed to Owerri Diocese, Nigeria,where he spent four years in Ekwerazu Parish. Athome on leave from Nigeria, and unable to returnthere because of the outbreak of civil war, he wasappointed to the promotions team at KimmageManor in 1967. He also became associate editorof the Missionary Annals.

Paddy returned to West Africa in 1973. He wasappointed to Sierra Leone and ministeredinitially in Moyamba Parish and subsequently inSt Martin’s and Sacred Heart Parish, Freetown.

He returned to Ireland in 1980 and spent asabbatical year in Kilmihil Parish in Co Clare,following which he was appointed director ofpromotions at Kimmage Manor.

Paddy was transferred to Greenhills Parish in1985, and became its parish priest in 1993. He

MARCH

31

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 31

promoted. He lived a simple life and enjoyedlife. In his last years he had a big share in thecross of suffering...”. After retiring fromRochfordbridge he continued to do part-timeministry in the Diocese. In failing health FrHugh retired to Marian House early in 2000where he died on 7 March 2001 aged 81 years.

March 8th

MURPHY, Fr William1927-2013

Fr William Murphy (Liam) wasborn in Tarbert, Co Kerry on the7 March 1927. On completion ofsecondary school he entered Kilshane and madehis first profession on 8 September 1946. He wasawarded a BA in Philosophy by U.C.D. in 1949.Following on from this he prefected in RockwellCollege, 1949-50. He then studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1953. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1954.

Liam’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1954. He was assigned to the Owerri districtwhere he taught for twelve years, first in Owerriand then from 1956 in the Kabba Prefecture. In1960 he became principal of the new StColumba’s College at Amaima while alsodevoting pastoral care to the local congregationof 5,000. However, his time in Nigeria endedprematurely in 1968 due to the escalation of theBiafran War. He then relocated to New Yorkwhere he ministered in St Kevin’s Parish,Flushing and attended St John’s University fromwhich he graduated in 1972 with an M.A. inScripture. This enriched his ministry greatly andwas to prove a turning point in his life. Hereturned to Ireland that same year and taught inTempleogue College, Rockwell College andKilshane respectively. He was awarded a H. Dip.Ed. by U.C.C. in 1974. He then served for a shortperiod as provincial secretary before he was re-assigned to Florida where he worked in parishministry and studied psychology and counsellingat Florida Atlantic University. He returned toRockwell in 1991 and became known in the

Munster area as a spiritual director and anorganiser of retreats. Liam celebrated the jubileeof his religious profession in September 1996and the jubilee of his ordination at KimmageManor in July 2003.

Fr Liam suffered from poor health in his lateryears and spent some time in Marian Housebefore being transferred to Tallaght Hospitalwhere he died on the 8 March 2013. He wasburied in the Community Cemetery at RockwellCollege, Co Tipperary.

March 9th

CLEARY, Fr Patrick1934-2015

Fr Patrick Cleary (Paddy) wasborn in Borrisokane, CoTipperary, on 20 May 1934. Hebecame a student at Rockwell College at the ageof twelve but moved to Blackrock College for hisfinal year. He then entered the Spiritan Novitiatein Kilshane and was professed in 1954. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andprefected in St Michael’s College. Followng thishe spent four years studying theology atKimmage and was ordained to the priesthood in1961.

Paddy was appointed to Owerri Diocese, Nigeria,where he spent four years in Ekwerazu Parish. Athome on leave from Nigeria, and unable to returnthere because of the outbreak of civil war, he wasappointed to the promotions team at KimmageManor in 1967. He also became associate editorof the Missionary Annals.

Paddy returned to West Africa in 1973. He wasappointed to Sierra Leone and ministeredinitially in Moyamba Parish and subsequently inSt Martin’s and Sacred Heart Parish, Freetown.

He returned to Ireland in 1980 and spent asabbatical year in Kilmihil Parish in Co Clare,following which he was appointed director ofpromotions at Kimmage Manor.

Paddy was transferred to Greenhills Parish in1985, and became its parish priest in 1993. He

MARCH

31

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 31

Page 40: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

moved to St Mary’s College in 1996 and servedas superior of the community in Rathmines fortwelve years. He was appointed to Kimmage in2011 where he died on 9 March 2015. He wasburied in the community cemetery, RockwellCollege.

March 10th

O’DONOGHUE, Fr Séan1926-2012

Fr Séan O’Donoghue was born inBandon, Co Cork, on 4 July1926. He completed hissecondary school education at St Finian’sMullingar, after which he entered the novitiate in1944. He was professed on 8 September 1945.He studied philosophy at Kimmage and U.C.D.between 1945 and 1948 and was awarded a B.A.degree in 1949, followed by a H. Dip. ineducation in 1950. Séan prefected in RockwellCollege between 1950 and 1952, after which hestudied theology in Kimmage. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 3 July 1955 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate the followingyear.

Séan’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1956 where he taught at All Hallows JuniorSeminary in Onitsha until 1959. He then returnedto Ireland and taught in Rockwell College for thenext nine years. Following this he moved fromthe lush pastures of south Tipperary toAnchorage, Alaska, where he was employeddoing pastoral work from 1968 until 1971. In1971 he was appointed parish priest to KodiakIsland. Séan was the only priest on this remoteisland and remained there for over six years. Hewas also appointed by the archbishop as the firstdirector of a diaconate programme. This wasconsidered a very important assignment as theEskimo deacons were ordained exclusively fromcandidates in their own village. Even thoughKodiak was a remote island he flew toAnchorage once a month to meet with otherpriests and religious of the archdiocese. He wasthen appointed to Palmer, Alaska, as pastor,1977-9.

Séan returned to Ireland in 1979 and served as amember of staff teaching at Rockwell Collegeuntil 1983. He visited Anchorage in 1984 for twomonths and spoke of returning to the place wherehe had spent the happiest years of his life. Heremained in Rockwell until he finally retired tothe Kimmage Community. He died on 10 March2012 in Marian House nursing home and wasburied in the community cemetery at Rockwell.

March 11th

KELLY, Fr Martin J.1937-2010

Fr Martin Kelly was born inKillasolan, Mountbellew, CoGalway on the 19 April 1937. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College. He then entered the novitiatein Kilshane and was professed on the 8September 1956. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and was awarded a B.A.(Hons) degree by U.C.D. in 1959. Following thishe prefected in St Mary’s College, Rathmines,1959-60. He then studied theology in Kimmageand was ordained to the priesthood on the 14 July1963. Martin made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 4 July 1964.

Martin’s first mission appointment was to thearchdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya in 1964. Hestudied Kikuyu at Kagwe Mission and was thenappointed to the staff of Ng’arariga High Schoolin 1965. He became headmaster of KanungaHigh School in 1966 and following this wasappointed as headmaster of the newly foundedNg’enia High School in 1969. In 1975 Martinbecame Rector of Queen of Apostles JuniorSeminary Nairobi. He held this position until1978 when he took up pastoral ministry atKaringa Mission, Gatundu. He also served in theparishes of Kilimambogo and Kamirithu for briefperiods before returning again to KaringaMission. Martin had a passion for thedevelopment of local agriculture and instilled inhis students the virtue of self-reliance. In factthey were often seen together doggedly cajolingthe stubborn soil at the seminary in Ruaraka.

MARCH

32

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 32

moved to St Mary’s College in 1996 and servedas superior of the community in Rathmines fortwelve years. He was appointed to Kimmage in2011 where he died on 9 March 2015. He wasburied in the community cemetery, RockwellCollege.

March 10th

O’DONOGHUE, Fr Séan1926-2012

Fr Séan O’Donoghue was born inBandon, Co Cork, on 4 July1926. He completed hissecondary school education at St Finian’sMullingar, after which he entered the novitiate in1944. He was professed on 8 September 1945.He studied philosophy at Kimmage and U.C.D.between 1945 and 1948 and was awarded a B.A.degree in 1949, followed by a H. Dip. ineducation in 1950. Séan prefected in RockwellCollege between 1950 and 1952, after which hestudied theology in Kimmage. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 3 July 1955 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate the followingyear.

Séan’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1956 where he taught at All Hallows JuniorSeminary in Onitsha until 1959. He then returnedto Ireland and taught in Rockwell College for thenext nine years. Following this he moved fromthe lush pastures of south Tipperary toAnchorage, Alaska, where he was employeddoing pastoral work from 1968 until 1971. In1971 he was appointed parish priest to KodiakIsland. Séan was the only priest on this remoteisland and remained there for over six years. Hewas also appointed by the archbishop as the firstdirector of a diaconate programme. This wasconsidered a very important assignment as theEskimo deacons were ordained exclusively fromcandidates in their own village. Even thoughKodiak was a remote island he flew toAnchorage once a month to meet with otherpriests and religious of the archdiocese. He wasthen appointed to Palmer, Alaska, as pastor,1977-9.

Séan returned to Ireland in 1979 and served as amember of staff teaching at Rockwell Collegeuntil 1983. He visited Anchorage in 1984 for twomonths and spoke of returning to the place wherehe had spent the happiest years of his life. Heremained in Rockwell until he finally retired tothe Kimmage Community. He died on 10 March2012 in Marian House nursing home and wasburied in the community cemetery at Rockwell.

March 11th

KELLY, Fr Martin J.1937-2010

Fr Martin Kelly was born inKillasolan, Mountbellew, CoGalway on the 19 April 1937. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College. He then entered the novitiatein Kilshane and was professed on the 8September 1956. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and was awarded a B.A.(Hons) degree by U.C.D. in 1959. Following thishe prefected in St Mary’s College, Rathmines,1959-60. He then studied theology in Kimmageand was ordained to the priesthood on the 14 July1963. Martin made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 4 July 1964.

Martin’s first mission appointment was to thearchdiocese of Nairobi, Kenya in 1964. Hestudied Kikuyu at Kagwe Mission and was thenappointed to the staff of Ng’arariga High Schoolin 1965. He became headmaster of KanungaHigh School in 1966 and following this wasappointed as headmaster of the newly foundedNg’enia High School in 1969. In 1975 Martinbecame Rector of Queen of Apostles JuniorSeminary Nairobi. He held this position until1978 when he took up pastoral ministry atKaringa Mission, Gatundu. He also served in theparishes of Kilimambogo and Kamirithu for briefperiods before returning again to KaringaMission. Martin had a passion for thedevelopment of local agriculture and instilled inhis students the virtue of self-reliance. In factthey were often seen together doggedly cajolingthe stubborn soil at the seminary in Ruaraka.

MARCH

32

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 32

Page 41: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

However, the yielding terrain of the fertileKikuyu ridges was later to prove morerewarding. Martin was most at home in thecompany of a small gathering of friends, as hefondly thumbed out traditional Irish tunes on histreasured button accordion.

Fr Martin had suffered poor health for some timebefore he died in Marian House, Kimmage on the11 March 2010. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 13th

WATTERS, Fr Enda1923-2014

Fr Enda Watters was born inSalthill, Co Galway on 23January 1923. He attendedsecondary school at Summerhill College, Sligoand later Blackrock College, Dublin. He thenentered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane wherehe made his first profession in 1942. He wasawarded a B.A. (Irish and English) by UCD. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 3August 1951.

Enda, was appointed to the Promotions Team in1951 serving as a retreat preacher for two yearsbefore accepting the position of editor of theMissionary Annals in 1953, a position he held forthe next ten years. In 1961 he was awarded adiploma in Layout and Design by Bolton StreetCollege of Technology, Dublin. Enda helpedestablish the Spiritan mission in Brazil between1963 and 1972. He then went to Jerusalem toenrol on a diploma course at the EcumenicalInstitute For Advanced Theological Studies,1972-3. Following on from this he returned toIreland and became vice-provincial, 1973-6 andprovincial, 1976-82. He moved to Rome in early1982 serving on the General Council until June1986. He then studied Missiology at CTU,Chicago. The following year he becameexecutive secretary of the Irish MissionaryUnion. In 1991-2, he embarked on a course ofstudy in counselling and therapy. Following on

from this he served as chaplain at Our Lady’sManor Nursing Home, Bulloch Harbour 1992-5.He was then appointed to the BlackrockCommunity and served as chaplain at the RoyalHospital, Donnybrook. He celebrated the goldenjubilee of his ordination in 2000.

Enda suffered a fall during the exceptional winterof 2009-2010 and was subsequently, appointedto the Kimmage Community in 2011. In a longecclesiastical career, he wrote many articles fornewspapers, journals, periodicals etc on mission,ecumenism, martyrdom etc. He wrote‘Missionary Memoirs’ which was published in2013 to coincide with the 150th anniversary ofthe Province. Fr Enda died aged ninety-one yearsin Marian House, Kimmage on the 13 March2014 and was buried, at Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

March 15th

McNULTY, Fr John James 1928-2016

Fr John McNulty (Jim) was bornin Proughlish, Keshcarrigan, CoLeitrim, on 12 September 1928. He was educatedin Keshcarrigan National School and BlackrockCollege, 1942-7. Having entered Kilshane in1947, he was professed the following year,before moving to Kimmage to study philosophy.After being awarded a B.A. in philosophy andFrench, he prefected in St Mary’s, Trinidad,1951-4, before returning to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained in 1957 byArchbishop Charles McQuaid.

In 1958 Jim was appointed to Nigeria and taughtat All Hallows Junior Seminary, Onitsha and laterat the Spiritan Junior Seminary in Ihiala. Duringthe civil war he had an active and substantial rolein the work of feeding programmes in Ihiala.Having had to leave Nigeria with most Irishconfrères after the war ended in 1970, heundertook pastoral ministry in the Bronx, NewYork from 1970 to 1972 and got a masters inreligious education from Fordham University. Hethen returned to Ireland and taught in Blackrock

MARCH

33

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 33

However, the yielding terrain of the fertileKikuyu ridges was later to prove morerewarding. Martin was most at home in thecompany of a small gathering of friends, as hefondly thumbed out traditional Irish tunes on histreasured button accordion.

Fr Martin had suffered poor health for some timebefore he died in Marian House, Kimmage on the11 March 2010. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 13th

WATTERS, Fr Enda1923-2014

Fr Enda Watters was born inSalthill, Co Galway on 23January 1923. He attendedsecondary school at Summerhill College, Sligoand later Blackrock College, Dublin. He thenentered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane wherehe made his first profession in 1942. He wasawarded a B.A. (Irish and English) by UCD. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 3August 1951.

Enda, was appointed to the Promotions Team in1951 serving as a retreat preacher for two yearsbefore accepting the position of editor of theMissionary Annals in 1953, a position he held forthe next ten years. In 1961 he was awarded adiploma in Layout and Design by Bolton StreetCollege of Technology, Dublin. Enda helpedestablish the Spiritan mission in Brazil between1963 and 1972. He then went to Jerusalem toenrol on a diploma course at the EcumenicalInstitute For Advanced Theological Studies,1972-3. Following on from this he returned toIreland and became vice-provincial, 1973-6 andprovincial, 1976-82. He moved to Rome in early1982 serving on the General Council until June1986. He then studied Missiology at CTU,Chicago. The following year he becameexecutive secretary of the Irish MissionaryUnion. In 1991-2, he embarked on a course ofstudy in counselling and therapy. Following on

from this he served as chaplain at Our Lady’sManor Nursing Home, Bulloch Harbour 1992-5.He was then appointed to the BlackrockCommunity and served as chaplain at the RoyalHospital, Donnybrook. He celebrated the goldenjubilee of his ordination in 2000.

Enda suffered a fall during the exceptional winterof 2009-2010 and was subsequently, appointedto the Kimmage Community in 2011. In a longecclesiastical career, he wrote many articles fornewspapers, journals, periodicals etc on mission,ecumenism, martyrdom etc. He wrote‘Missionary Memoirs’ which was published in2013 to coincide with the 150th anniversary ofthe Province. Fr Enda died aged ninety-one yearsin Marian House, Kimmage on the 13 March2014 and was buried, at Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

March 15th

McNULTY, Fr John James 1928-2016

Fr John McNulty (Jim) was bornin Proughlish, Keshcarrigan, CoLeitrim, on 12 September 1928. He was educatedin Keshcarrigan National School and BlackrockCollege, 1942-7. Having entered Kilshane in1947, he was professed the following year,before moving to Kimmage to study philosophy.After being awarded a B.A. in philosophy andFrench, he prefected in St Mary’s, Trinidad,1951-4, before returning to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained in 1957 byArchbishop Charles McQuaid.

In 1958 Jim was appointed to Nigeria and taughtat All Hallows Junior Seminary, Onitsha and laterat the Spiritan Junior Seminary in Ihiala. Duringthe civil war he had an active and substantial rolein the work of feeding programmes in Ihiala.Having had to leave Nigeria with most Irishconfrères after the war ended in 1970, heundertook pastoral ministry in the Bronx, NewYork from 1970 to 1972 and got a masters inreligious education from Fordham University. Hethen returned to Ireland and taught in Blackrock

MARCH

33

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 33

Page 42: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

College until 1974 and also got his H. Dip. ineducation during this period.

Jim moved to Zambia in 1974 where he taughtin the Jesuit-run Chomba Junior Seminary in thediocese of Monze for two years, before returningto Blackrock College, initially as dean of secondyear and later as dean of house boarders. In 1983he became principal of Willow Park. In 1990 hewas appointed superior of St Mary’s College,Rathmines Community, and also president/manager of the college, serving in these rolesuntil 1996. During this time, he was responsiblefor a major building programme in the seniorschool. Other than for a brief time in California,he continued to serve in St Mary’s as chaplain inthe senior school and also did some teaching.Education for him was not just about impartingknowledge or about his beloved rugby. Nor wasit about being a competent manager or thebuilding of extensions rather he believed that itwas mainly about people – the students, the staffand his Spiritan confrères.

He remained keenly involved in school games,fund-raising for charitable and mission projects,parent-ministry, alumni involvement etc. for therest of his life. He retired to Kimmage Manor in2014 where he died in Marian House on 15March 2016 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 15th

RAFTERY, Fr Peter1950-2013

Fr Peter Raftery was born inDundrum, Dublin on 20 October1950. He attended secondaryschool at Blackrock College, Dublin, 1962-8. Hethen entered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1969. He was awarded a diploma bythe College of Music in 1971. The following yearhe was, awarded a B.A. (Hons) by U.C.D. Hethen prefected in Blackrock College from 1972to 1974 and also at a junior seminary in Nairobifrom 1974 to 1975. He then returned toKimmage to study theology. He was awarded a

Higher Diploma in Education (Hons) by U.C.D.in 1976. He was ordained to the priesthood byBishop Patrick Dunne at Blackrock College on 4June 1978 and was conferred with a B.D. byMaynooth College the same year. Following onfrom this he enrolled on a Master of Science inEducation (counselling) course at FordhamUniversity in New York City.

His first appointment was to the Church of StFrancis de Sales, New York where he worked incounselling and pastoral ministry from 1978 to1979. He returned to Ireland to take up a positionat St Mary’s College, Rathmines, where hetaught from 1979 until 1996. He fulfilled asimilar role at Rockwell College from 1997 to2009. As well as teaching in both schools, hewas editor of school annuals and centrallyinvolved in the schools’ choral and musical life.He also played a key part in church liturgies andstudent Masses. Following his time there, heworked in parish ministry at St Eugene’sCathedral in Derry, 2009-11. He was then,appointed to the Templeogue Community andprovincial archivist in June 2011. Peter wasmeticulous in his note-taking and became theofficial recorder and secretary at successiveSpiritan Chapters, up to and including theProvincial Chapter of 2012. He also took on extraministries during holiday periods. For examplehe spent a month each summer as chaplain atLough Derg and he served in a similar capacityat Kylemore Abbey in Co Galway. In addition tothis he also ministered to the pastoral needs ofthe Sisters of Notre Dame in Churchtown and theSisters of Cluny in Chapelizod during his all toobrief stay at Templeogue.

Fr Peter died peacefully in the Beacon Hospital,Dublin on 15 March 2013. He was cremated atMount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin.

MARCH

34

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 34

College until 1974 and also got his H. Dip. ineducation during this period.

Jim moved to Zambia in 1974 where he taughtin the Jesuit-run Chomba Junior Seminary in thediocese of Monze for two years, before returningto Blackrock College, initially as dean of secondyear and later as dean of house boarders. In 1983he became principal of Willow Park. In 1990 hewas appointed superior of St Mary’s College,Rathmines Community, and also president/manager of the college, serving in these rolesuntil 1996. During this time, he was responsiblefor a major building programme in the seniorschool. Other than for a brief time in California,he continued to serve in St Mary’s as chaplain inthe senior school and also did some teaching.Education for him was not just about impartingknowledge or about his beloved rugby. Nor wasit about being a competent manager or thebuilding of extensions rather he believed that itwas mainly about people – the students, the staffand his Spiritan confrères.

He remained keenly involved in school games,fund-raising for charitable and mission projects,parent-ministry, alumni involvement etc. for therest of his life. He retired to Kimmage Manor in2014 where he died in Marian House on 15March 2016 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 15th

RAFTERY, Fr Peter1950-2013

Fr Peter Raftery was born inDundrum, Dublin on 20 October1950. He attended secondaryschool at Blackrock College, Dublin, 1962-8. Hethen entered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1969. He was awarded a diploma bythe College of Music in 1971. The following yearhe was, awarded a B.A. (Hons) by U.C.D. Hethen prefected in Blackrock College from 1972to 1974 and also at a junior seminary in Nairobifrom 1974 to 1975. He then returned toKimmage to study theology. He was awarded a

Higher Diploma in Education (Hons) by U.C.D.in 1976. He was ordained to the priesthood byBishop Patrick Dunne at Blackrock College on 4June 1978 and was conferred with a B.D. byMaynooth College the same year. Following onfrom this he enrolled on a Master of Science inEducation (counselling) course at FordhamUniversity in New York City.

His first appointment was to the Church of StFrancis de Sales, New York where he worked incounselling and pastoral ministry from 1978 to1979. He returned to Ireland to take up a positionat St Mary’s College, Rathmines, where hetaught from 1979 until 1996. He fulfilled asimilar role at Rockwell College from 1997 to2009. As well as teaching in both schools, hewas editor of school annuals and centrallyinvolved in the schools’ choral and musical life.He also played a key part in church liturgies andstudent Masses. Following his time there, heworked in parish ministry at St Eugene’sCathedral in Derry, 2009-11. He was then,appointed to the Templeogue Community andprovincial archivist in June 2011. Peter wasmeticulous in his note-taking and became theofficial recorder and secretary at successiveSpiritan Chapters, up to and including theProvincial Chapter of 2012. He also took on extraministries during holiday periods. For examplehe spent a month each summer as chaplain atLough Derg and he served in a similar capacityat Kylemore Abbey in Co Galway. In addition tothis he also ministered to the pastoral needs ofthe Sisters of Notre Dame in Churchtown and theSisters of Cluny in Chapelizod during his all toobrief stay at Templeogue.

Fr Peter died peacefully in the Beacon Hospital,Dublin on 15 March 2013. He was cremated atMount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin.

MARCH

34

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 34

Page 43: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

March 16th

HENEHAN, Fr Patrick1926-2010

Fr Patrick Henehan (Paddy Joe)was born in Ballykeeran,Athlone, Co Westmeath on the 26November 1926. He completed his secondaryschool education at Blackrock College. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on the 8 September 1946. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and wasawarded a B.A. (Hons.) degree by U.C.D. in1949. Following on from this he prefected inBlackrock College for one year. He then studiedtheology in Rome and was ordained to thepriesthood on the 28 June 1953. He was awardedan S.T.L. by the Gregorian University and madehis Consecration to the Apostolate the same yearon the 27 June 1954.

Paddy Joe’s first mission appointment was toGerihun, Sierra Leone in 1954. He ministered inFreetown as a teacher and army chaplain from1956 to 1960. He then served as dean of theboarding school in Bo, 1960-5. He then returnedto Freetown where he again worked as a teacherand chaplain. In 1974 he returned to Ireland toundertake a full time course and he was awardeda Higher Diploma in Education by NUIMaynooth in 1975. In 1976, Paddy Joe accepteda teaching postion at Templeogue College. Healso worked doing week-end ministry inDunboyne, Co Meath at this time. Between 1981and 1983 he worked in parish ministry in Killoeand during the same period he worked as asecondary school chaplain in Granard, CoLongford. For the following two years he taughtand administered pastoral care in St Michael’sCollege, Dublin. He then went to San Franciscoand served as a hospital chaplain, 1985-8. Afterthis he returned to Ireland and became a chaplainat the Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin.

He celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordinationin 2003. He left active ministry as a hospitalchaplain in 2005 and retired to Kimmage Manor.Fr Patrick died aged eighty-three years in MarianHouse nursing unit on 16 March 2010. He wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 17th

CREMINS, Fr Patrick Joseph1915-2003

Fr Patrick Cremins (Pat) wasborn in Sandymount, Dublin, on14 January 1915. After the complet ion ofhis secondary school education at the junioratein Blackrock College he entered the Novitiatewhere he made his first profession on 12September 1934. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. and then prefected on theBurse, 1937-8, St Mary’s College, 1938-9 andBlackrock College from1939 to 1940. During1939 Pat completed a H.Dip. in education. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1943. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 2August 1944.

In 1944 Pat’s first appointment was to Kenyabut due to the exigencies of the SecondWorld War there were no places on board shipstravelling there so he spent the year in Kimmageworking on the Liturgical Calendar. Heeventually sailed in 1945 to the vicariate ofZanzibar. Over the next twenty-two years heserved in Kenya, teaching in Mangu, HolyFamily Parish, St Mary’s School, Kilimambogoand Eastleigh. Pat studied in Rome and receiveda licentiate in Canon Law, 1955-8. On his returnto Ireland from Kenya in 1967 he studied foranother two years and earned a Diploma inCatechetics. In 1983 he spent a semester at theGregorian University Rome, completing areview of the entire new code of canon law.

Pat taught for a number of years at TempleogueCollege and Ballymun Comprehensive Schooland in 1972 was appointed to the staff atRockwell College. Later, when he retired fromthe school, he served as community sacristanand librarian. It was remarked at the time that hewas a man of strong faith and yet very humanwith a good sense of humour.

Pat’s competence as a canon lawyer was availedof both by provincial and general councils. Hemade a valuable contribution to the formulation

MARCH

35

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 35

March 16th

HENEHAN, Fr Patrick1926-2010

Fr Patrick Henehan (Paddy Joe)was born in Ballykeeran,Athlone, Co Westmeath on the 26November 1926. He completed his secondaryschool education at Blackrock College. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on the 8 September 1946. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and wasawarded a B.A. (Hons.) degree by U.C.D. in1949. Following on from this he prefected inBlackrock College for one year. He then studiedtheology in Rome and was ordained to thepriesthood on the 28 June 1953. He was awardedan S.T.L. by the Gregorian University and madehis Consecration to the Apostolate the same yearon the 27 June 1954.

Paddy Joe’s first mission appointment was toGerihun, Sierra Leone in 1954. He ministered inFreetown as a teacher and army chaplain from1956 to 1960. He then served as dean of theboarding school in Bo, 1960-5. He then returnedto Freetown where he again worked as a teacherand chaplain. In 1974 he returned to Ireland toundertake a full time course and he was awardeda Higher Diploma in Education by NUIMaynooth in 1975. In 1976, Paddy Joe accepteda teaching postion at Templeogue College. Healso worked doing week-end ministry inDunboyne, Co Meath at this time. Between 1981and 1983 he worked in parish ministry in Killoeand during the same period he worked as asecondary school chaplain in Granard, CoLongford. For the following two years he taughtand administered pastoral care in St Michael’sCollege, Dublin. He then went to San Franciscoand served as a hospital chaplain, 1985-8. Afterthis he returned to Ireland and became a chaplainat the Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin.

He celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordinationin 2003. He left active ministry as a hospitalchaplain in 2005 and retired to Kimmage Manor.Fr Patrick died aged eighty-three years in MarianHouse nursing unit on 16 March 2010. He wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 17th

CREMINS, Fr Patrick Joseph1915-2003

Fr Patrick Cremins (Pat) wasborn in Sandymount, Dublin, on14 January 1915. After the complet ion ofhis secondary school education at the junioratein Blackrock College he entered the Novitiatewhere he made his first profession on 12September 1934. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. and then prefected on theBurse, 1937-8, St Mary’s College, 1938-9 andBlackrock College from1939 to 1940. During1939 Pat completed a H.Dip. in education. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1943. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 2August 1944.

In 1944 Pat’s first appointment was to Kenyabut due to the exigencies of the SecondWorld War there were no places on board shipstravelling there so he spent the year in Kimmageworking on the Liturgical Calendar. Heeventually sailed in 1945 to the vicariate ofZanzibar. Over the next twenty-two years heserved in Kenya, teaching in Mangu, HolyFamily Parish, St Mary’s School, Kilimambogoand Eastleigh. Pat studied in Rome and receiveda licentiate in Canon Law, 1955-8. On his returnto Ireland from Kenya in 1967 he studied foranother two years and earned a Diploma inCatechetics. In 1983 he spent a semester at theGregorian University Rome, completing areview of the entire new code of canon law.

Pat taught for a number of years at TempleogueCollege and Ballymun Comprehensive Schooland in 1972 was appointed to the staff atRockwell College. Later, when he retired fromthe school, he served as community sacristanand librarian. It was remarked at the time that hewas a man of strong faith and yet very humanwith a good sense of humour.

Pat’s competence as a canon lawyer was availedof both by provincial and general councils. Hemade a valuable contribution to the formulation

MARCH

35

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 35

Page 44: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

of chapter four, on religious life, in SpiritanRule of Life. He was tireless in promoting thecause of the Venerable Francis Libermann andwas appointed notary for the cause ofbeatification and canonisation. Due to failinghealth Pat was admitted to Marian House,Kimmage in early 2000, where he died 17March 2003. He was buried in the communityplot in the cemetery at Dardistown, CoDublin.

March 17th

POWER, Fr Thomas Wm.1926-2000

Fr Thomas Power (Kevin) wasborn on 2 June 1926 in Mallow,Co. Cork and completed his secondary studiesin Mallow and Blackrock College, 1939-45.Having entered the Congregation at Kilshanehe made his profession in 1946. Afterqualifying for a BA he prefected at Blackrock,1949-51. In Kimmage he sang in the first tenorsin the schola and played the cornet in theorchestra. Ordained in 1949 he was appointed thefollowing year to Trinidad.

Assigned to St Mary’s College he taught therefor a number of years before transferring toFatima College where he became Dean,Manager and Games Master. His expertise indeveloping the college and its educationalpolicy bore all the hallmarks of a capable teacherand an astute financier. During this period of hislife he extended his apostolate to becoming aChaplain to the Cadet Corps and the TrinidadCoast Guards Service. During the attemptedcoup in 1970, he assisted in negotiationsbetween the Government and the rebel officers.

On retiring from school life he decided onparish work as his future career. In order toprepare himself for this new ministry he tooktime off to study in the USA becauseArchbishop Pantin was keen that he wouldtake on parish work in his archdiocese. Kevinwanted to be fully inculturated into Trinidadiansociety, so to make his commitment total; hebecame a Trinidadian citizen on the 25th

anniversary of his ordination. Suffering froma throat ailment, which seriously affected hisvoice, he returned to Ireland for surgery.Shortly after the operation Kevin diedunexpectedly of a heart attack on 17 March 2000.He was aged 71. Fr Kevin was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 19th

SHEEHY, Fr John D.1917-2004

Fr John Sheehy was born inSkibereen, Co Cork on 13 July1917. He attended secondaryschool at Rockwell College, Co Tipperary andthen entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 2 October 1938. Heprefected in Willow Park, Blackrock Co Dublinfrom 1940 to 1942. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 15 July 1945 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1946.

John’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1946 where he then served for over twentyyears in parish ministry in Udi, Nsukka, Ihiala,Iwollo, Amichi and Nnewi. Following theoutbreak of the Biafran War he returned toIreland in 1968 and accepted a teaching positionin St Mary’s College, Rathmines. In 1970 Johnwas re-assigned to St Thomas Parish, OldBridge, New Jersey where he administeredpastoral care. He retained close links with thisparish and with St Jude’s Parish, New Jersey forthe rest of his life. The Trans Canada Provinceinvited him to Ontario in 1971 and he dulyserved in St Josephs Parish, Port Elgin asassociate pastor, 1971-4 and as pastor 1977-8.Following on from this he served as chaplain inSt Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario from1978 until his retirement to St Joseph’s Parish,Port Elgin in 1994. He visited Ireland in June1995 to celebrate the golden jubilee of hisordination in the Provincial House, Temple Park.

Fr John was forced through ill health to move toLaval House, Toronto and then to the House ofProvidence in 2001. John’s health and eyesightcontinued to decline but he continued to display

MARCH

36

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 36

of chapter four, on religious life, in SpiritanRule of Life. He was tireless in promoting thecause of the Venerable Francis Libermann andwas appointed notary for the cause ofbeatification and canonisation. Due to failinghealth Pat was admitted to Marian House,Kimmage in early 2000, where he died 17March 2003. He was buried in the communityplot in the cemetery at Dardistown, CoDublin.

March 17th

POWER, Fr Thomas Wm.1926-2000

Fr Thomas Power (Kevin) wasborn on 2 June 1926 in Mallow,Co. Cork and completed his secondary studiesin Mallow and Blackrock College, 1939-45.Having entered the Congregation at Kilshanehe made his profession in 1946. Afterqualifying for a BA he prefected at Blackrock,1949-51. In Kimmage he sang in the first tenorsin the schola and played the cornet in theorchestra. Ordained in 1949 he was appointed thefollowing year to Trinidad.

Assigned to St Mary’s College he taught therefor a number of years before transferring toFatima College where he became Dean,Manager and Games Master. His expertise indeveloping the college and its educationalpolicy bore all the hallmarks of a capable teacherand an astute financier. During this period of hislife he extended his apostolate to becoming aChaplain to the Cadet Corps and the TrinidadCoast Guards Service. During the attemptedcoup in 1970, he assisted in negotiationsbetween the Government and the rebel officers.

On retiring from school life he decided onparish work as his future career. In order toprepare himself for this new ministry he tooktime off to study in the USA becauseArchbishop Pantin was keen that he wouldtake on parish work in his archdiocese. Kevinwanted to be fully inculturated into Trinidadiansociety, so to make his commitment total; hebecame a Trinidadian citizen on the 25th

anniversary of his ordination. Suffering froma throat ailment, which seriously affected hisvoice, he returned to Ireland for surgery.Shortly after the operation Kevin diedunexpectedly of a heart attack on 17 March 2000.He was aged 71. Fr Kevin was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 19th

SHEEHY, Fr John D.1917-2004

Fr John Sheehy was born inSkibereen, Co Cork on 13 July1917. He attended secondaryschool at Rockwell College, Co Tipperary andthen entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 2 October 1938. Heprefected in Willow Park, Blackrock Co Dublinfrom 1940 to 1942. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 15 July 1945 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1946.

John’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1946 where he then served for over twentyyears in parish ministry in Udi, Nsukka, Ihiala,Iwollo, Amichi and Nnewi. Following theoutbreak of the Biafran War he returned toIreland in 1968 and accepted a teaching positionin St Mary’s College, Rathmines. In 1970 Johnwas re-assigned to St Thomas Parish, OldBridge, New Jersey where he administeredpastoral care. He retained close links with thisparish and with St Jude’s Parish, New Jersey forthe rest of his life. The Trans Canada Provinceinvited him to Ontario in 1971 and he dulyserved in St Josephs Parish, Port Elgin asassociate pastor, 1971-4 and as pastor 1977-8.Following on from this he served as chaplain inSt Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario from1978 until his retirement to St Joseph’s Parish,Port Elgin in 1994. He visited Ireland in June1995 to celebrate the golden jubilee of hisordination in the Provincial House, Temple Park.

Fr John was forced through ill health to move toLaval House, Toronto and then to the House ofProvidence in 2001. John’s health and eyesightcontinued to decline but he continued to display

MARCH

36

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 36

Page 45: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

a kindness and gentle spirit until the very end. Hedied on Friday 19 March 2004.

March 19th

TROY, Fr Michael1917-2010

Fr Michael Troy was born inDublin on 1 October 1917. Heentered the Spiritan novitiate in1936 and made his first profession in 1937. Hewas awarded a B.A, M.A. and H.Dip. by U.C.D.in 1940, 1942 and 1944 respectively. He thenmoved to Fribourg, Switzerland to studytheology and was ordained to the priesthoodthere in 1947. He was conferred with a B.D. inmoral theology by Fribourg University in 1948.

Michael’s first appointments were as professorof theology and director of philosophy atKimmage Missionary College from 1948-1957.In September 1957 he became superior andprincipal of Neil McNeil High School in TorontoCanada and is considered to be the foundingfather of that school. He was awarded a PhD byU.C.D. in 1960. In 1964 he left Toronto forEdmonton, Alberta where he became assistantprincipal of Archbishop McDonald High Schooland where he also opened the Spiritan Residenceat McQueen Road. He transferred to St Joseph’sHigh School in 1970 to work as a teacher, coachand chaplain. Michael served as director ofSpiritan Communications and editor of SpiritanMissionary News. In addition to this he foundedthe first Edmonton Archdiocesan NativeMinistry. He served for more than sixteen yearsas state chaplain of Alberta and the North WestTerritories. He also served as chaplain both to StLukes College and the Canadian Armed ForcesReserves. He acted as director of the EdmontonArchdiocesan Holy Childhood Association andPropagation of the Faith Society and also of theLegion of Mary. He was a founder member ofvarious academic and sports organisations.Remarkably, given his commitment to sporting,educational and pastoral ministries he found timeto write and publish two books: Riches to ragsand From Tiny Acorn to Mighty Oak which

concerned the history of the founders of the Spiritan Congregation; Claude Poullart desPlaces and Francis Libermann.

Fr Michael moved to Holy Spirit Parish,Edmonton in 2002. In 2003 the Michael TroyJunior High School in Edmonton, Canada wasnamed in his honour. However his health andeyesight began to decline so he accepted aposition as chaplain at St Andrews Centre in2008. He died on the 19 March 2010 in RoyalAlexandra Hospital and was buried at Holy CrossCemetery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

March 19th

EGAN, Fr Bartholomew 1932-2015

Fr Bartholomew Egan (Bertie)was born in Pearse Street, Dublinon 2 September 1932. Hecompleted his secondary school education inBlackrock College from 1946 to 1951. He thenentered the Novitiate which at the time was in CoTipperary and was professed in 1952. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and prefected fora year as a bursar’s assistant in Kimmage and fora second year in St Michael’s College. Duringthis period he also undertook a course in theNational College of Art in Dublin. He wasordained to the priesthood in July 1959.

Bertie’s first appointment was to the diocese ofZanzibar where he served in pastoral roles until1966. He then ministered briefly in England,moving to the U.S. in 1967 where he served inpastoral roles firstly in the diocese of Anchoragein Alaska and, later, in New Orleans. A two-yearperiod followed in Australia where he served asadministrator of St Bartholomew’s Church inMaitland, Adelaide.

Returning to the US in 1972, he completedpastoral studies in Iona College from where hegraduated in 1977 with an M.Sc. in education.Bertie subsequently ministered in the diocese ofBrooklyn before moving in 1981 to CornwellHeights, P.A. where he taught in Bethel ParkPreparatory School. He then served as a chaplain

MARCH

37

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 37

a kindness and gentle spirit until the very end. Hedied on Friday 19 March 2004.

March 19th

TROY, Fr Michael1917-2010

Fr Michael Troy was born inDublin on 1 October 1917. Heentered the Spiritan novitiate in1936 and made his first profession in 1937. Hewas awarded a B.A, M.A. and H.Dip. by U.C.D.in 1940, 1942 and 1944 respectively. He thenmoved to Fribourg, Switzerland to studytheology and was ordained to the priesthoodthere in 1947. He was conferred with a B.D. inmoral theology by Fribourg University in 1948.

Michael’s first appointments were as professorof theology and director of philosophy atKimmage Missionary College from 1948-1957.In September 1957 he became superior andprincipal of Neil McNeil High School in TorontoCanada and is considered to be the foundingfather of that school. He was awarded a PhD byU.C.D. in 1960. In 1964 he left Toronto forEdmonton, Alberta where he became assistantprincipal of Archbishop McDonald High Schooland where he also opened the Spiritan Residenceat McQueen Road. He transferred to St Joseph’sHigh School in 1970 to work as a teacher, coachand chaplain. Michael served as director ofSpiritan Communications and editor of SpiritanMissionary News. In addition to this he foundedthe first Edmonton Archdiocesan NativeMinistry. He served for more than sixteen yearsas state chaplain of Alberta and the North WestTerritories. He also served as chaplain both to StLukes College and the Canadian Armed ForcesReserves. He acted as director of the EdmontonArchdiocesan Holy Childhood Association andPropagation of the Faith Society and also of theLegion of Mary. He was a founder member ofvarious academic and sports organisations.Remarkably, given his commitment to sporting,educational and pastoral ministries he found timeto write and publish two books: Riches to ragsand From Tiny Acorn to Mighty Oak which

concerned the history of the founders of the Spiritan Congregation; Claude Poullart desPlaces and Francis Libermann.

Fr Michael moved to Holy Spirit Parish,Edmonton in 2002. In 2003 the Michael TroyJunior High School in Edmonton, Canada wasnamed in his honour. However his health andeyesight began to decline so he accepted aposition as chaplain at St Andrews Centre in2008. He died on the 19 March 2010 in RoyalAlexandra Hospital and was buried at Holy CrossCemetery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

March 19th

EGAN, Fr Bartholomew 1932-2015

Fr Bartholomew Egan (Bertie)was born in Pearse Street, Dublinon 2 September 1932. Hecompleted his secondary school education inBlackrock College from 1946 to 1951. He thenentered the Novitiate which at the time was in CoTipperary and was professed in 1952. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and prefected fora year as a bursar’s assistant in Kimmage and fora second year in St Michael’s College. Duringthis period he also undertook a course in theNational College of Art in Dublin. He wasordained to the priesthood in July 1959.

Bertie’s first appointment was to the diocese ofZanzibar where he served in pastoral roles until1966. He then ministered briefly in England,moving to the U.S. in 1967 where he served inpastoral roles firstly in the diocese of Anchoragein Alaska and, later, in New Orleans. A two-yearperiod followed in Australia where he served asadministrator of St Bartholomew’s Church inMaitland, Adelaide.

Returning to the US in 1972, he completedpastoral studies in Iona College from where hegraduated in 1977 with an M.Sc. in education.Bertie subsequently ministered in the diocese ofBrooklyn before moving in 1981 to CornwellHeights, P.A. where he taught in Bethel ParkPreparatory School. He then served as a chaplain

MARCH

37

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 37

Page 46: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

in De Paul Hospital, Virginia, before movingback to the diocese of Brooklyn where he servedfor many years in Flushing Meadows. Hereturned to Ireland in 2002. Bertie died on 19March 2015 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 20th

CURTIN, Fr Daniel Francis1920-2003

Fr Daniel Curtin was born inBallycommane House, Tournafulla,Newcastle West, Co Limerick, on 17 July 1920.After his secondary school studies atBlackrock College he entered the Novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1940. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy from U.C.D. and then prefected inBlackrock College from 1943 to 1945. During1945 Dan completed the H.Dip. in education. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1948. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 31July 1949. Dan was a brother of Fr Maurice andMonsignor Jerome Curtin.

Hi first appointment in 1949 was to Nigeria andhe was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri. Hewas a teacher in Stella Maris College in PortHarcourt. Later, from 1955 until 1966, he wasprincipal at Mbaise Secondary School inOwerri. From correspondence of Bishop JosephWhelan at that time he said ‘when Father Curtinwas teaching on the staff of Stella Maris, PortHarcourt, a British Inspector of Schools saidthat he was the best teacher in the Diocese’. Hebuilt up Mbaise Secondary School, supervisingthe actual construction and at the same timeorganising the school. ‘I release him with greatreluctance on my part, since it means losing avery valuable educationalist’.

In 1966 Dan returned to Ireland and wasappointed to the teaching staff at BlackrockCollege. For a year, 1966-7, he had theadditional post as director of the juniorscholasticate. In 1980 he retired from teaching

and was appointed to parish ministry. He servedfirst in Schull, Co Cork, and then at St Andrew’sin Westland Row, Dublin.

In 1986 Dan retired from full-time parishministry and joined the community at St Mary’s,Rathmines. He served as community librarianuntil 1998 and was chaplain to the St LouisConvent until illness forced him todiscontinue. He died in Beaumont Hospital on20March 2003 and was buried in the communityplot at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 21st

GOUGH, Fr John1944-2017

Fr John Gough (Joe) was born inGowran, Co Kilkenny, on 31March 1944. Following hisschool education in Kilkenny C.B.S. andRockwell College, he entered the Spiritannovitiate in Kilshane where he was professed in1963. He then moved to Kimmage Manor. Hewas awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. and he prefectedin Willow Park from 1966 to 1968. Oncompletion of his theological studies he wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegein 1971 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid.

Joe then completed a H.DipEd and wasappointed to the Gambia in 1972. Initially heworked in the role of director of vocations andlater became assistant director and then directorof St Michael’s Junior Seminary. In 1978 he wasappointed principal of St Augustine’s HighSchool in Banjul. His ministry in the Gambiawas also marked by an active commitment toChristian/Muslim dialogue. Long after he leftthe region, he remained active with others inraising funds which inter alia offeredscholarships and supported the education ofGambian priests. In appreciation of hissignificant contribution to sports and education,he was appointed Officer of the National Orderof the Gambia.

In the early 1980s, he moved to the U.S. toundertake further studies in Fordham University

MARCH

38

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 38

in De Paul Hospital, Virginia, before movingback to the diocese of Brooklyn where he servedfor many years in Flushing Meadows. Hereturned to Ireland in 2002. Bertie died on 19March 2015 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 20th

CURTIN, Fr Daniel Francis1920-2003

Fr Daniel Curtin was born inBallycommane House, Tournafulla,Newcastle West, Co Limerick, on 17 July 1920.After his secondary school studies atBlackrock College he entered the Novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1940. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy from U.C.D. and then prefected inBlackrock College from 1943 to 1945. During1945 Dan completed the H.Dip. in education. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1948. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 31July 1949. Dan was a brother of Fr Maurice andMonsignor Jerome Curtin.

Hi first appointment in 1949 was to Nigeria andhe was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri. Hewas a teacher in Stella Maris College in PortHarcourt. Later, from 1955 until 1966, he wasprincipal at Mbaise Secondary School inOwerri. From correspondence of Bishop JosephWhelan at that time he said ‘when Father Curtinwas teaching on the staff of Stella Maris, PortHarcourt, a British Inspector of Schools saidthat he was the best teacher in the Diocese’. Hebuilt up Mbaise Secondary School, supervisingthe actual construction and at the same timeorganising the school. ‘I release him with greatreluctance on my part, since it means losing avery valuable educationalist’.

In 1966 Dan returned to Ireland and wasappointed to the teaching staff at BlackrockCollege. For a year, 1966-7, he had theadditional post as director of the juniorscholasticate. In 1980 he retired from teaching

and was appointed to parish ministry. He servedfirst in Schull, Co Cork, and then at St Andrew’sin Westland Row, Dublin.

In 1986 Dan retired from full-time parishministry and joined the community at St Mary’s,Rathmines. He served as community librarianuntil 1998 and was chaplain to the St LouisConvent until illness forced him todiscontinue. He died in Beaumont Hospital on20March 2003 and was buried in the communityplot at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 21st

GOUGH, Fr John1944-2017

Fr John Gough (Joe) was born inGowran, Co Kilkenny, on 31March 1944. Following hisschool education in Kilkenny C.B.S. andRockwell College, he entered the Spiritannovitiate in Kilshane where he was professed in1963. He then moved to Kimmage Manor. Hewas awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. and he prefectedin Willow Park from 1966 to 1968. Oncompletion of his theological studies he wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegein 1971 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid.

Joe then completed a H.DipEd and wasappointed to the Gambia in 1972. Initially heworked in the role of director of vocations andlater became assistant director and then directorof St Michael’s Junior Seminary. In 1978 he wasappointed principal of St Augustine’s HighSchool in Banjul. His ministry in the Gambiawas also marked by an active commitment toChristian/Muslim dialogue. Long after he leftthe region, he remained active with others inraising funds which inter alia offeredscholarships and supported the education ofGambian priests. In appreciation of hissignificant contribution to sports and education,he was appointed Officer of the National Orderof the Gambia.

In the early 1980s, he moved to the U.S. toundertake further studies in Fordham University

MARCH

38

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 38

Page 47: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

from which he graduated with an M.A. inreligious education. While in Fordham andduring subsequent summer holidays, he servedin St Mary’s Parish, Glens Falls, New York State.

Returning to Ireland in 1985, Joe became part ofthe Blackrock Community, and taught Englishand religion in Blackrock College. He was a keenmarathon-runner and was also a games-masterwho represented the college on committees atboth Leinster and national levels. He died on 21March 2017 in Ferndene Nursing Home and wasburied in Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 21st

MARTIN, Fr Francis1919-2008

Fr Francis Martin (Frank) wasborn in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo on 9October 1919. He entered theNovitiate in Kilshane in 1938 and was professedon 8 September 1939. He was awarded a B.A., aH.Dip. in education and an M.A. by U.C.D.Frank prefected in Rockwell College, 1944 - 5.He studied theology in Rome from 1945 until1951 where he was awarded an STL by theGregorian University in 1949 and an L.C.L. in1951. He was ordained to the priesthood in Romeon 4 July 1948 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 26 June 1949.

Frank’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1951 and he worked in pastoral ministry at Boand Blama before being posted to Freetown. Hewas appointed as teacher/principal of StEdward’s Secondary School, and also acted assecretary to the bishop. In 1971 he was appointedto the staff of Templeogue College and from1973 until 1974 he served as provincial secretary.Frank continued to be a member of staff atTempleogue College until 1985.

In 1985 Frank was appointed to the vocationsteam, Kimmage, a position he held until hisretirement in 1996. He was described as a loyal,loving, sincere and dedicated priest who wasmeticulous in replying to correspondence andloved writing poetry. He died in Marian House

nursing home, Kimmage Manor on 21 March2008 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

March 21st

O’BRIEN, Fr Denis Mary1914-2002

Fr Denis O’Br i en was born inDonabate, Co Dublin, on 8December 1914. He made hisfirst profession on 16 September 1934 inKilshane. He studied for a B.A. in classics andan M.A. in philosophy from the Castle inBlackrock. In 1939 he went to Rome to studytheology. Denis was ordained to the priesthoodin Rome on 12 July 1942. He continued hisstudies after ordination and in 1944 wasawarded a doctorate in divinity ‘magna cumlaude’. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 1 November 1944.

His first appointment was to the Scholasticatein Kimmage Manor. For four years he taughtphilosophy and for one year moral theology. In1950 he joined the teaching staff in RockwellCollege and was appointed dean of discipline in1953. In 1956 he took on the job of collegebursar and continued at this for the next tenyears. He was so successful in this role that bythe time the college’s centenary year camearound, in 1964, the boarding school was full andthe finances were so improved that a notablebuilding and restoration programme waslaunched. In 1967, while farm bursar, he laid thefoundations for the agricultural school. He alsopioneered the development of the new cateringschool and was its first director where it wasnoted that he was hugely supportive of the laypersonnel. In 1974 Denis was appointedsuperior of Rockwell and this mandate wasrenewed in 1977. He then served a three yearterm as bursar at Ardbraccan. After a well-deserved sabbatical he joined the provincialcouncil as provincial bursar. During this timehe was a member of the ArdbraccanCommunity.

In 1988 he joined the Blackrock Community and

MARCH

39

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 39

from which he graduated with an M.A. inreligious education. While in Fordham andduring subsequent summer holidays, he servedin St Mary’s Parish, Glens Falls, New York State.

Returning to Ireland in 1985, Joe became part ofthe Blackrock Community, and taught Englishand religion in Blackrock College. He was a keenmarathon-runner and was also a games-masterwho represented the college on committees atboth Leinster and national levels. He died on 21March 2017 in Ferndene Nursing Home and wasburied in Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 21st

MARTIN, Fr Francis1919-2008

Fr Francis Martin (Frank) wasborn in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo on 9October 1919. He entered theNovitiate in Kilshane in 1938 and was professedon 8 September 1939. He was awarded a B.A., aH.Dip. in education and an M.A. by U.C.D.Frank prefected in Rockwell College, 1944 - 5.He studied theology in Rome from 1945 until1951 where he was awarded an STL by theGregorian University in 1949 and an L.C.L. in1951. He was ordained to the priesthood in Romeon 4 July 1948 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 26 June 1949.

Frank’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1951 and he worked in pastoral ministry at Boand Blama before being posted to Freetown. Hewas appointed as teacher/principal of StEdward’s Secondary School, and also acted assecretary to the bishop. In 1971 he was appointedto the staff of Templeogue College and from1973 until 1974 he served as provincial secretary.Frank continued to be a member of staff atTempleogue College until 1985.

In 1985 Frank was appointed to the vocationsteam, Kimmage, a position he held until hisretirement in 1996. He was described as a loyal,loving, sincere and dedicated priest who wasmeticulous in replying to correspondence andloved writing poetry. He died in Marian House

nursing home, Kimmage Manor on 21 March2008 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

March 21st

O’BRIEN, Fr Denis Mary1914-2002

Fr Denis O’Br i en was born inDonabate, Co Dublin, on 8December 1914. He made hisfirst profession on 16 September 1934 inKilshane. He studied for a B.A. in classics andan M.A. in philosophy from the Castle inBlackrock. In 1939 he went to Rome to studytheology. Denis was ordained to the priesthoodin Rome on 12 July 1942. He continued hisstudies after ordination and in 1944 wasawarded a doctorate in divinity ‘magna cumlaude’. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 1 November 1944.

His first appointment was to the Scholasticatein Kimmage Manor. For four years he taughtphilosophy and for one year moral theology. In1950 he joined the teaching staff in RockwellCollege and was appointed dean of discipline in1953. In 1956 he took on the job of collegebursar and continued at this for the next tenyears. He was so successful in this role that bythe time the college’s centenary year camearound, in 1964, the boarding school was full andthe finances were so improved that a notablebuilding and restoration programme waslaunched. In 1967, while farm bursar, he laid thefoundations for the agricultural school. He alsopioneered the development of the new cateringschool and was its first director where it wasnoted that he was hugely supportive of the laypersonnel. In 1974 Denis was appointedsuperior of Rockwell and this mandate wasrenewed in 1977. He then served a three yearterm as bursar at Ardbraccan. After a well-deserved sabbatical he joined the provincialcouncil as provincial bursar. During this timehe was a member of the ArdbraccanCommunity.

In 1988 he joined the Blackrock Community and

MARCH

39

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 39

Page 48: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

was in residence in Willow Park. Due todeclining health Denis was admitted to MarianHouse on 15 November 2001. He died 21 March2002 and was buried in the community plot inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 22nd

DOWLING, Fr Jarlath1932-2007

Fr Jarlath Dowling was born inDublin on 5 May 1932. Hecompleted his secondary schooleducation in Blackrock College. He entered theNovitiate in 1950 and was professed on 8September 1951. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy, English and French by U.C.D in1954 and a H.Dip. in 1956. He was also awardedthe Licentiate of Trinity College London (Music)as well as the A.R.I.A.M (Irish Academy ofMusic). Jarlath prefected in Willow Park between1954 and 1956. After studying theology inKimmage Manor he was ordained to thepriesthood on 12 July 1959 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1960.

Jarlath’s first appointment was to Mauritius in1960, where he taught in the Collège du StEsprit, Quatre Bornes. Then in 1967 he wasappointed to the staff of Willow Park where hetaught until his retirement. His great passion inlife was music and one of his former pupils wrotehow, when he played a record in class, he wouldconduct the imaginary orchestra with histoothbrush and mime trumpets or tubas. He oftenstated that “there’s no sadder person in the worldthan the person who never loved music. Music iswhat makes life sweet”.

He was actively involved, even in retirement, inWillow Park and Blackrock College. He workedas chaplain in St Mary’s Hospital for the visuallyimpaired. His latter years were spent in theBlackrock College Community. He diedsuddenly on 22 March 2007 and was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 25th

KELLY, Bro Finbar (Daniel)1937-2000

Bro Finbar Kelly (Daniel) wasborn 10 May 1937 inDunmanway, Co Cork. He was the only boy in afamily of four and took over the management ofthe family farm on the death of his father. Aftera number of years he signed it over to his sisterand entered the congregation at Ardbraccan. Hewas first professed in 1969, taking the nameof the Cork patron, St Finbar.

After his final profession in 1975 he wasappointed to Rockwell where he worked on thecollege farm. He later took over the managementof the college stores. This position involvedordering, checking and distributing the goodsthat came in to Rockwell. It was a job ofconsiderable responsibility which was verydemanding with over one thousand meals a daybeing served at the college. Nothing wentastray when Finbar was around. Dependable,efficient, always at hand, were words used todescribe him in this role. His great interest inlife was Irish music. No session or fleadh formiles around was complete without Finbar beingin attendance. He was a man of few words; yethad a sense of fun which belied his rather seriousdemeanour.

He walked every day and was well known to thepeople of the surrounding area. This wasevidenced by the huge attendance at hisfuneral of the people of the neighbourhood. BroFinbar died suddenly on 25 March 2000 and wasburied in the Rockwell Cemetery.

MARCH

40

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 10/07/2018 10:39 Page 40

was in residence in Willow Park. Due todeclining health Denis was admitted to MarianHouse on 15 November 2001. He died 21 March2002 and was buried in the community plot inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 22nd

DOWLING, Fr Jarlath1932-2007

Fr Jarlath Dowling was born inDublin on 5 May 1932. Hecompleted his secondary schooleducation in Blackrock College. He entered theNovitiate in 1950 and was professed on 8September 1951. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy, English and French by U.C.D in1954 and a H.Dip. in 1956. He was also awardedthe Licentiate of Trinity College London (Music)as well as the A.R.I.A.M (Irish Academy ofMusic). Jarlath prefected in Willow Park between1954 and 1956. After studying theology inKimmage Manor he was ordained to thepriesthood on 12 July 1959 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1960.

Jarlath’s first appointment was to Mauritius in1960, where he taught in the Collège du StEsprit, Quatre Bornes. Then in 1967 he wasappointed to the staff of Willow Park where hetaught until his retirement. His great passion inlife was music and one of his former pupils wrotehow, when he played a record in class, he wouldconduct the imaginary orchestra with histoothbrush and mime trumpets or tubas. He oftenstated that “there’s no sadder person in the worldthan the person who never loved music. Music iswhat makes life sweet”.

He was actively involved, even in retirement, inWillow Park and Blackrock College. He workedas chaplain in St Mary’s Hospital for the visuallyimpaired. His latter years were spent in theBlackrock College Community. He diedsuddenly on 22 March 2007 and was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 25th

KELLY, Bro Finbar (Daniel)1937-2000

Bro Finbar Kelly (Daniel) wasborn 10 May 1937 inDunmanway, Co Cork. He was the only boy in afamily of four and took over the management ofthe family farm on the death of his father. Aftera number of years he signed it over to his sisterand entered the congregation at Ardbraccan. Hewas first professed in 1969, taking the nameof the Cork patron, St Finbar.

After his final profession in 1975 he wasappointed to Rockwell where he worked on thecollege farm. He later took over the managementof the college stores. This position involvedordering, checking and distributing the goodsthat came in to Rockwell. It was a job ofconsiderable responsibility which was verydemanding with over one thousand meals a daybeing served at the college. Nothing wentastray when Finbar was around. Dependable,efficient, always at hand, were words used todescribe him in this role. His great interest inlife was Irish music. No session or fleadh formiles around was complete without Finbar beingin attendance. He was a man of few words; yethad a sense of fun which belied his rather seriousdemeanour.

He walked every day and was well known to thepeople of the surrounding area. This wasevidenced by the huge attendance at hisfuneral of the people of the neighbourhood. BroFinbar died suddenly on 25 March 2000 and wasburied in the Rockwell Cemetery.

MARCH

40

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 10/07/2018 10:39 Page 40

Page 49: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

March 26th

McARDLE, Fr Kevin B.1922-2006

Fr Kevin McArdle was born inNorth Street, Crossmaglen, CoDown, on 11 January 1922. Afterhe completed his secondary school education heentered the Novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 22 September 1941. Afterstudying philosophy at Kimmage Manor, heprefected for three years in Trinidad. Kevin thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 10 July 1949 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 4August 1950.

In 1950 Kevin was appointed to Nigeria to thevicariate of Onitsha and proceeded to becomeengaged in the evangelisation and pastoralministry at Aguleri. In 1961 he became parishpriest of Igbo-Ukwu. This was a big parish withsixteen primary schools. Here, with the help ofNewry architect, Gerard Fay, he built a churchwith the people and installed the bell from hisnative parish of Crossmaglen.

He left Nigeria in 1967 via the Cameroon andwent to the U.S.A. to take up parish ministry, firstin Minnesota and then in 1971 in San Francisco,California. On the occasion of his leaving theparish its parishioners wrote that he had been ‘acontinuously loving man, he has provided acertain sparkle to our parish life’.

Kevin returned to Ireland in 1979 and took upparish duties in Kileeshil, Co Tyrone, and then inTenure, Dunleer, Co Louth. He retired from thisministry and joined the Ardbraccan Communityin 2001. Sport, and particularly football, was asecond religion for him. He played college andclub football and was a committed Armaghsupporter who rarely missed a match either atcounty or club level if Crossmaglen Rangerswere playing. Kevin moved to Kimmage Manorand due to failing health was admitted to MarianHouse on 14 February 2002. He died there on 26March 2006 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 28th

DOYLE, Fr Laurence1917-2010

Fr Laurence Doyle was born at28 William St, Waterford City onthe 27 May 1917. He completedhis secondary school education at WaterparkC.B.S., Waterford and then studied philosophyand theology at St John’s Diocesan Seminary,Waterford, 1935-40. He then entered thenovitiate at Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 11 November 1941. In addition tothis he studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained on 4 June 1942 by Bishop JeremiahKinnane in Waterford Cathedral. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1943.

Laurence’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1943. However due to variousdifficulties caused by World War Two heexperienced a delay in finding a suitable ship onwhich to travel. He was instead, reappointed toteach moral philosophy and theology inKimmage from 1943 to 1945. Following this heundertook a further course of study in canon lawat Maynooth College and he was subsequentlyawarded a B.C.L. and an L.C.L. in 1947. Finallyin December of that year he was reassigned toNigeria where he taught for one year at BishopShanahan, Teacher Training College, Orlu andfor a further year at the Senior Seminary forOnitsha and Owerri at Okpala. He was involvedin a serious motorcycle accident in 1950 in whichhe suffered a fractured skull, which necessitatedan eight-week stay in hospital. Nonetheless hemade a good recovery and went on to serve inparish ministry in Urualla, Mbieri, Umuahia andPort Harcourt. He was expelled from Nigeria inMarch 1970 two months after the end of theBiafran War. He was appointed to Brazil wherehe worked in parish ministry in Florida Paulista,1971-4, in Valapariso, Guaracai, Muratinqa doSul and Andradina in the diocese of Lins, 1974-86, in Suzano and Cesar de Souza in the dioceseof Mogi das Cruzes, 1986-2001 and in theAmazon diocese of Humaitá, 2001-2.

Fr Laurence remained active even in old age buthe eventually moved to live in-community with

MARCH

41

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 41

March 26th

McARDLE, Fr Kevin B.1922-2006

Fr Kevin McArdle was born inNorth Street, Crossmaglen, CoDown, on 11 January 1922. Afterhe completed his secondary school education heentered the Novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 22 September 1941. Afterstudying philosophy at Kimmage Manor, heprefected for three years in Trinidad. Kevin thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 10 July 1949 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 4August 1950.

In 1950 Kevin was appointed to Nigeria to thevicariate of Onitsha and proceeded to becomeengaged in the evangelisation and pastoralministry at Aguleri. In 1961 he became parishpriest of Igbo-Ukwu. This was a big parish withsixteen primary schools. Here, with the help ofNewry architect, Gerard Fay, he built a churchwith the people and installed the bell from hisnative parish of Crossmaglen.

He left Nigeria in 1967 via the Cameroon andwent to the U.S.A. to take up parish ministry, firstin Minnesota and then in 1971 in San Francisco,California. On the occasion of his leaving theparish its parishioners wrote that he had been ‘acontinuously loving man, he has provided acertain sparkle to our parish life’.

Kevin returned to Ireland in 1979 and took upparish duties in Kileeshil, Co Tyrone, and then inTenure, Dunleer, Co Louth. He retired from thisministry and joined the Ardbraccan Communityin 2001. Sport, and particularly football, was asecond religion for him. He played college andclub football and was a committed Armaghsupporter who rarely missed a match either atcounty or club level if Crossmaglen Rangerswere playing. Kevin moved to Kimmage Manorand due to failing health was admitted to MarianHouse on 14 February 2002. He died there on 26March 2006 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

March 28th

DOYLE, Fr Laurence1917-2010

Fr Laurence Doyle was born at28 William St, Waterford City onthe 27 May 1917. He completedhis secondary school education at WaterparkC.B.S., Waterford and then studied philosophyand theology at St John’s Diocesan Seminary,Waterford, 1935-40. He then entered thenovitiate at Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on 11 November 1941. In addition tothis he studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained on 4 June 1942 by Bishop JeremiahKinnane in Waterford Cathedral. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1943.

Laurence’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1943. However due to variousdifficulties caused by World War Two heexperienced a delay in finding a suitable ship onwhich to travel. He was instead, reappointed toteach moral philosophy and theology inKimmage from 1943 to 1945. Following this heundertook a further course of study in canon lawat Maynooth College and he was subsequentlyawarded a B.C.L. and an L.C.L. in 1947. Finallyin December of that year he was reassigned toNigeria where he taught for one year at BishopShanahan, Teacher Training College, Orlu andfor a further year at the Senior Seminary forOnitsha and Owerri at Okpala. He was involvedin a serious motorcycle accident in 1950 in whichhe suffered a fractured skull, which necessitatedan eight-week stay in hospital. Nonetheless hemade a good recovery and went on to serve inparish ministry in Urualla, Mbieri, Umuahia andPort Harcourt. He was expelled from Nigeria inMarch 1970 two months after the end of theBiafran War. He was appointed to Brazil wherehe worked in parish ministry in Florida Paulista,1971-4, in Valapariso, Guaracai, Muratinqa doSul and Andradina in the diocese of Lins, 1974-86, in Suzano and Cesar de Souza in the dioceseof Mogi das Cruzes, 1986-2001 and in theAmazon diocese of Humaitá, 2001-2.

Fr Laurence remained active even in old age buthe eventually moved to live in-community with

MARCH

41

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 41

Page 50: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Eugene Moran in the coastal parish of Muriquiin the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2007. Three yearslater he had an accident and was confined tohospital for what would be the last two monthsof his life. He died in Lorenco Jorge, MunicipalHospital, RJ on Palm Sunday, 28 March 2010,aged 92. He was buried after a funeral Mass inGethsemane Cemetery, Sao Paolo, Brazil.

March 27th

MULLIN, Fr Henry 1932-2016

Fr Henry Mullin (Harry) wasborn in Kilrush, Co Clare on 4December, 1932. After hissecondary school education at CBS Kilrush heentered Kilshane in 1950. He was professed thefollowing year before moving to Kimmage tostudy philosophy and theology. After Harry wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy he prefected inRockwell from 1954 to 1956 and was ordainedin 1959 by Archbishop McQuaid.

Harry’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1960where he was involved in pastoral andeducational roles. He taught at the Spiritan JuniorSeminary at lhiala until 1965 before being postedto the Port Harcourt Diocese. Returning toIreland he taught at Rockwell Juniorate and wasdirector there from 1968 to 1969.

He returned to Nigeria in 1969 serving as pastorof St Theresa’s, Uli. Planes bringing reliefmaterials would land at the airport close to hisparish and Harry went to the airport almost everynight to bring food items to feed starving peoplewho filled the compound. He knew he was takinggreat risks and one night, while he was inside aplane, the airport was attacked and he had tojump out and crawl to safety. He survived butsuffered the after-effects for the rest of his life.

Having to leave Nigeria with most Irish confrèresafter the war, he spent a short time in the U.S.A.and was then re- assigned to Ethiopia as groupleader in 1972. He returned to Ireland in 1975and after completing a course in developmenteducation in the Kimmage Development Studies

Centre, he was assigned to Botswana in 1976 andministered in St Theresa’s, Kanye.

Between 1980 and 1982 he worked with thepromotions office in Kimmage. He then went tothe U.S.A. in 1982 where he joined the LongIsland Irish Spiritans and became engaged inparish ministry in Florida. He ministered in StIgnatius Loyola Parish, Palm Beach, St Andrew’sParish, Coral Springs and finally St ClementsParish, archdiocese of Miami, where he spentmany years. His relief work during the Nigeriancivil war earned him a medal from Pope Paul VIfor his courage and bravery and he returned toIgboland in 1991 for an official recognition of hissacrificial work during the war and was madeChief Ozondu I of Igboland. The word ozondumeans life-saver. A tireless talker, Harry was apolyglot who had a knowledge of severallanguages including Irish, Igbo, Amharic andChinese. A compassionate priest with a generousheart and an energetic personality he died onEaster Sunday, 27 March 2016 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 30th

DUGGAN, Fr Michael1926-2016

Fr Michael Duggan was born inWhitestown, Kilmacthomas, CoWaterford, on 16 November1926. He attended Newtown National Schooland completed his secondary school education inRockwell College from 1939 to 1944. In 1945,having decided to join the congregation, he setoff by train to the Novitiate in Kilshane butarrived so late, due to the Emergency, that he hadto overnight in Bansha Garda Station. After hisprofession in 1945 he prefected in the bursarsoffice from 1946 to 1947 and in St Mary’sRathmines the following year. He was awardeda B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1951. He wasordained in the final year of his theology studiesat Kimmage on 8 July 1953.

Michael’s first appointment was to Kenya in1954 where he was employed in educational andpastoral roles in Nairobi and Ngarariga.

MARCH

42

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 42

Eugene Moran in the coastal parish of Muriquiin the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2007. Three yearslater he had an accident and was confined tohospital for what would be the last two monthsof his life. He died in Lorenco Jorge, MunicipalHospital, RJ on Palm Sunday, 28 March 2010,aged 92. He was buried after a funeral Mass inGethsemane Cemetery, Sao Paolo, Brazil.

March 27th

MULLIN, Fr Henry 1932-2016

Fr Henry Mullin (Harry) wasborn in Kilrush, Co Clare on 4December, 1932. After hissecondary school education at CBS Kilrush heentered Kilshane in 1950. He was professed thefollowing year before moving to Kimmage tostudy philosophy and theology. After Harry wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy he prefected inRockwell from 1954 to 1956 and was ordainedin 1959 by Archbishop McQuaid.

Harry’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1960where he was involved in pastoral andeducational roles. He taught at the Spiritan JuniorSeminary at lhiala until 1965 before being postedto the Port Harcourt Diocese. Returning toIreland he taught at Rockwell Juniorate and wasdirector there from 1968 to 1969.

He returned to Nigeria in 1969 serving as pastorof St Theresa’s, Uli. Planes bringing reliefmaterials would land at the airport close to hisparish and Harry went to the airport almost everynight to bring food items to feed starving peoplewho filled the compound. He knew he was takinggreat risks and one night, while he was inside aplane, the airport was attacked and he had tojump out and crawl to safety. He survived butsuffered the after-effects for the rest of his life.

Having to leave Nigeria with most Irish confrèresafter the war, he spent a short time in the U.S.A.and was then re- assigned to Ethiopia as groupleader in 1972. He returned to Ireland in 1975and after completing a course in developmenteducation in the Kimmage Development Studies

Centre, he was assigned to Botswana in 1976 andministered in St Theresa’s, Kanye.

Between 1980 and 1982 he worked with thepromotions office in Kimmage. He then went tothe U.S.A. in 1982 where he joined the LongIsland Irish Spiritans and became engaged inparish ministry in Florida. He ministered in StIgnatius Loyola Parish, Palm Beach, St Andrew’sParish, Coral Springs and finally St ClementsParish, archdiocese of Miami, where he spentmany years. His relief work during the Nigeriancivil war earned him a medal from Pope Paul VIfor his courage and bravery and he returned toIgboland in 1991 for an official recognition of hissacrificial work during the war and was madeChief Ozondu I of Igboland. The word ozondumeans life-saver. A tireless talker, Harry was apolyglot who had a knowledge of severallanguages including Irish, Igbo, Amharic andChinese. A compassionate priest with a generousheart and an energetic personality he died onEaster Sunday, 27 March 2016 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

March 30th

DUGGAN, Fr Michael1926-2016

Fr Michael Duggan was born inWhitestown, Kilmacthomas, CoWaterford, on 16 November1926. He attended Newtown National Schooland completed his secondary school education inRockwell College from 1939 to 1944. In 1945,having decided to join the congregation, he setoff by train to the Novitiate in Kilshane butarrived so late, due to the Emergency, that he hadto overnight in Bansha Garda Station. After hisprofession in 1945 he prefected in the bursarsoffice from 1946 to 1947 and in St Mary’sRathmines the following year. He was awardeda B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1951. He wasordained in the final year of his theology studiesat Kimmage on 8 July 1953.

Michael’s first appointment was to Kenya in1954 where he was employed in educational andpastoral roles in Nairobi and Ngarariga.

MARCH

42

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 42

Page 51: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Returning to Ireland in 1963, he became assistantnovice master at Kilshane. He taught in WillowPark from 1968 to 1969 and then began a periodof fund-raising with the bursars office whichlasted for several years. In 1985 he becamesuperior of the Kimmage Community and alsofounding superior of Marian House. Followingon from this he became chaplain in ClonskeaghHospital between 1992 and 1995.

Michael then moved to St Michael’s CollegeCommunity in 1995. He was superior of theCommunity from 1995 to 2005 and during thistime he also became bursar for a period. He wasalso chaplain to the Poor Clare Sisters. Michaelwas a great promoter of Padre Pio andconcelebrated mass with Pope John Paul II, at hiscanonisation Mass in Rome in June 2002. In2004 Michael became director of the Padre Pioprayer group in Ireland. He led more than eightypilgrimages to San Giovanni and many toLourdes over thirty years. He was one of theprime fundraisers for Marian House and was alsorenowned for pastoral ministry in St Michael’sCollege, St Mary’s College, Muckross Collegeand Drimnagh Parish. Known to be ever helpful,interested, fair, a great listener he was slow tocondemn and quick to support.

He was appointed to St Mary’s CollegeCommunity in 2011 and moved to Kimmage in2016 where he died in Marian House on 30March 2016. He was buried in Kill Cemetery,Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, CoWaterford.

March 31st

DOOLIN, Fr William 1910-2008

Fr William Doolin (Bill) wasborn in Dublin on the 11 October1910. He attended secondaryschool in Rockwell and Blackrock Colleges. Hethen entered the novitiate at Kimmage ManorDublin in 1929 and was professed on the 3 September 1930. He studied philosophy atKimmage between 1930 and 1932. He thenprefected in St Mary’s, Rathmines from 1932 to1933 and following this in Rockwell Collegefrom 1933 to 1934. He returned to Kimmage tostudy theology in 1934 and was ordained to thepriesthood on the 20 June 1937. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 2 July1938.

Bill’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1938.Whilst there, he published an Igbo hymnal in1951. He also worked in parish ministry inOwerri, Benue and Onitsha until 1967. Inaddition to this he built a clinic and a church inOzubulu. However most of the time he spentthere he was actively involved in themanagement of schools. This proved to be thekey to the success of the mission.

From 1968 until 1970 he worked as chaplain inArtane Parish, Dublin and from 1971 to 1974 hebecame a member of the ArdbraccanCommunity. In 1976 Bill was appointed to theSan Francisco Regional Community, U.S.A.West, where he ministered until his retirement.Bill returned to Kimmage in 2000. On his returnhe was once asked: ‘What was the secret to hislong life’? but he declined to answer. Howeverhis discipline of two meals a day, his joy at beinga priest and his life-long love for classical musicmay well account for it. Bill’s last years werefilled with hope even when his hearing becameimpaired and his sight weakened. Fr Bill died atthe age of ninety-seven on the 31 March 2008 inMarian House Nursing Home. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

MARCH

43

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 43

Returning to Ireland in 1963, he became assistantnovice master at Kilshane. He taught in WillowPark from 1968 to 1969 and then began a periodof fund-raising with the bursars office whichlasted for several years. In 1985 he becamesuperior of the Kimmage Community and alsofounding superior of Marian House. Followingon from this he became chaplain in ClonskeaghHospital between 1992 and 1995.

Michael then moved to St Michael’s CollegeCommunity in 1995. He was superior of theCommunity from 1995 to 2005 and during thistime he also became bursar for a period. He wasalso chaplain to the Poor Clare Sisters. Michaelwas a great promoter of Padre Pio andconcelebrated mass with Pope John Paul II, at hiscanonisation Mass in Rome in June 2002. In2004 Michael became director of the Padre Pioprayer group in Ireland. He led more than eightypilgrimages to San Giovanni and many toLourdes over thirty years. He was one of theprime fundraisers for Marian House and was alsorenowned for pastoral ministry in St Michael’sCollege, St Mary’s College, Muckross Collegeand Drimnagh Parish. Known to be ever helpful,interested, fair, a great listener he was slow tocondemn and quick to support.

He was appointed to St Mary’s CollegeCommunity in 2011 and moved to Kimmage in2016 where he died in Marian House on 30March 2016. He was buried in Kill Cemetery,Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, CoWaterford.

March 31st

DOOLIN, Fr William 1910-2008

Fr William Doolin (Bill) wasborn in Dublin on the 11 October1910. He attended secondaryschool in Rockwell and Blackrock Colleges. Hethen entered the novitiate at Kimmage ManorDublin in 1929 and was professed on the 3 September 1930. He studied philosophy atKimmage between 1930 and 1932. He thenprefected in St Mary’s, Rathmines from 1932 to1933 and following this in Rockwell Collegefrom 1933 to 1934. He returned to Kimmage tostudy theology in 1934 and was ordained to thepriesthood on the 20 June 1937. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 2 July1938.

Bill’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1938.Whilst there, he published an Igbo hymnal in1951. He also worked in parish ministry inOwerri, Benue and Onitsha until 1967. Inaddition to this he built a clinic and a church inOzubulu. However most of the time he spentthere he was actively involved in themanagement of schools. This proved to be thekey to the success of the mission.

From 1968 until 1970 he worked as chaplain inArtane Parish, Dublin and from 1971 to 1974 hebecame a member of the ArdbraccanCommunity. In 1976 Bill was appointed to theSan Francisco Regional Community, U.S.A.West, where he ministered until his retirement.Bill returned to Kimmage in 2000. On his returnhe was once asked: ‘What was the secret to hislong life’? but he declined to answer. Howeverhis discipline of two meals a day, his joy at beinga priest and his life-long love for classical musicmay well account for it. Bill’s last years werefilled with hope even when his hearing becameimpaired and his sight weakened. Fr Bill died atthe age of ninety-seven on the 31 March 2008 inMarian House Nursing Home. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

MARCH

43

March Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:07 Page 43

Page 52: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

April 1st

MOHAN, Fr James1918-2007

Fr James Mohan (Jim) was bornin Tatterea, Doohamlet,Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, on9 May 1918. After completing his secondaryschool education he entered the novitiate in 1937and was professed on 10 September, 1938. Heworked on the burse from 1939 to 1941,prefected in Rockwell College between 1941 and1942 and was awarded a B.A. (Hons) inphilosophy by UCD in 1944. After studyingtheology in Kimmage Manor, Jim was ordainedto the priesthood on 13 July 1947 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 June 1948.

Jim’s first appointment was to Owerri, Nigeria,in 1948. He taught at the seminary in Okpalauntil 1953 and then became principal of StellaMaris College in Port Harcourt. In 1958 havingcompleted a course in spirituality at theAngelicum in Rome, he returned to Nigeria asmaster of novices; a post he held until 1970.Following a year’s pastoral work inDonnycarney, Dublin, Jim returned to Africa in1972; this time to east Africa. There he becameengaged in pastoral and formation work inKenya, in the Nairobi archdiocese, at Kirikuwhere he added the first outstation to thatmission. He then went to Tanzania to teach at theSpiritan pre-novitiate school in Usa Riverremaining there until 1977. In 1980 he returnedto Kenya and taught at the Apostles of JesusSeminary in Langata.

In 1989 Jim was seconded to South Africa wherehe was appointed novice master at the SpiritanHouse of Formation in Vrede and assisted in itsinitial organisation and setting up. He returned toKenya in 1992 to take up a pastoral position atGicharane in the archdiocese of Nairobi. In FrHenry Koren’s Memorial Nigeria it is written‘what stands out in his life is that most of hisendeavours were dedicated to the developmentof African religious or missionary societies.Some of these were African born new societies,such as the Apostles of Jesus, other autonomousprovinces of worldwide organisations, such as

the Spiritan provinces of Nigeria and east Africaand the nascent province of South Africa’.

In 1998 Fr Jim retired to Kimmage where he diedin Marian House on 1 April 2007. He was buriedin the cemetery of the Church of All Saints,Doohamlet, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan.

April 2nd

HARRISON, Fr James Patrick1915-2001

Fr James Harrison (Jim) was bornon 17 May 1915 in Abbeytown,Ballisodare, Co Sligo. After completing hissecondary school education in BlackrockCollege, 1930-4, he entered the congregation andwas professed in 1935. Following studies toobtain a B.A. in philosophy Jim prefected inRockwell for one year. A lover of plainchantantiphons, he was remembered for his frequentsinging of the Cibavit and that was to be a wordby which his contemporaries were to know himover the years. He was ordained to the priesthoodin 1942.

Jim was appointed to Nigeria in 1943 whichproved somewhat problematic as the circuitousvoyage to Nigeria was fraught with danger fromGerman submarines. His first appointment wasto a teaching position in Enugu. He then becameengaged in parish work in Onitsha, 1946-9. Latein 1949 he was transferred to Trinidad where heserved in St Mary’s College, Port of Spain, fortwo years. Following this he returned to Nigeriawhere he served at Owerri, 1952-7, and at PortHarcourt, 1958-67. During the Biafra war Jimreturned to Europe and took up parish ministryin England at Brixton and Somerset. In 1969 hemoved to the USA and worked there for the nexttwenty-three years. For many years he workedin Louisiana and later in Flushing, Manhattanand Brooklyn, New York.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 and retired tothe Blackrock community. Due to increasing illhealth he moved to Marian House, KimmageManor, in February 1997. He had a great sense

APRIL

44

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 44

April 1st

MOHAN, Fr James1918-2007

Fr James Mohan (Jim) was bornin Tatterea, Doohamlet,Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, on9 May 1918. After completing his secondaryschool education he entered the novitiate in 1937and was professed on 10 September, 1938. Heworked on the burse from 1939 to 1941,prefected in Rockwell College between 1941 and1942 and was awarded a B.A. (Hons) inphilosophy by UCD in 1944. After studyingtheology in Kimmage Manor, Jim was ordainedto the priesthood on 13 July 1947 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 June 1948.

Jim’s first appointment was to Owerri, Nigeria,in 1948. He taught at the seminary in Okpalauntil 1953 and then became principal of StellaMaris College in Port Harcourt. In 1958 havingcompleted a course in spirituality at theAngelicum in Rome, he returned to Nigeria asmaster of novices; a post he held until 1970.Following a year’s pastoral work inDonnycarney, Dublin, Jim returned to Africa in1972; this time to east Africa. There he becameengaged in pastoral and formation work inKenya, in the Nairobi archdiocese, at Kirikuwhere he added the first outstation to thatmission. He then went to Tanzania to teach at theSpiritan pre-novitiate school in Usa Riverremaining there until 1977. In 1980 he returnedto Kenya and taught at the Apostles of JesusSeminary in Langata.

In 1989 Jim was seconded to South Africa wherehe was appointed novice master at the SpiritanHouse of Formation in Vrede and assisted in itsinitial organisation and setting up. He returned toKenya in 1992 to take up a pastoral position atGicharane in the archdiocese of Nairobi. In FrHenry Koren’s Memorial Nigeria it is written‘what stands out in his life is that most of hisendeavours were dedicated to the developmentof African religious or missionary societies.Some of these were African born new societies,such as the Apostles of Jesus, other autonomousprovinces of worldwide organisations, such as

the Spiritan provinces of Nigeria and east Africaand the nascent province of South Africa’.

In 1998 Fr Jim retired to Kimmage where he diedin Marian House on 1 April 2007. He was buriedin the cemetery of the Church of All Saints,Doohamlet, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan.

April 2nd

HARRISON, Fr James Patrick1915-2001

Fr James Harrison (Jim) was bornon 17 May 1915 in Abbeytown,Ballisodare, Co Sligo. After completing hissecondary school education in BlackrockCollege, 1930-4, he entered the congregation andwas professed in 1935. Following studies toobtain a B.A. in philosophy Jim prefected inRockwell for one year. A lover of plainchantantiphons, he was remembered for his frequentsinging of the Cibavit and that was to be a wordby which his contemporaries were to know himover the years. He was ordained to the priesthoodin 1942.

Jim was appointed to Nigeria in 1943 whichproved somewhat problematic as the circuitousvoyage to Nigeria was fraught with danger fromGerman submarines. His first appointment wasto a teaching position in Enugu. He then becameengaged in parish work in Onitsha, 1946-9. Latein 1949 he was transferred to Trinidad where heserved in St Mary’s College, Port of Spain, fortwo years. Following this he returned to Nigeriawhere he served at Owerri, 1952-7, and at PortHarcourt, 1958-67. During the Biafra war Jimreturned to Europe and took up parish ministryin England at Brixton and Somerset. In 1969 hemoved to the USA and worked there for the nexttwenty-three years. For many years he workedin Louisiana and later in Flushing, Manhattanand Brooklyn, New York.

He returned to Ireland in 1992 and retired tothe Blackrock community. Due to increasing illhealth he moved to Marian House, KimmageManor, in February 1997. He had a great sense

APRIL

44

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 44

Page 53: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

of humour that endeared him to many people.He was noted as being the gentlest of patients -never complaining. Fr Jim died on 2 April 2001and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Shankill, Co Dublin.

April 5th

MURRAY, Fr Senan1933-2012

Fr Senan Murray was born inKillenaugh, Carrigaholt,Kilrush, Co Clare, on 13 April1933. Following his secondary schooleducation at Rockwell College, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed on 8September 1953. After earning a B.A. in 1956,he prefected in Trinidad for three years. Hestudied theology in Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 8 July 1962.Senan made his Consecration to the Apostolateon 13 July 1963.

Senan’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1963, where he served for six years, first in Ihialaand then as director of St John’s Diocesan JuniorSeminary in the diocese of Enugu. The Biafranwar brought an end to his ministry in Nigeria in1969. The following year Senan was re-assignedto Trinidad where he took a teaching position atSt Mary’s College. In 1977 he returned to Irelandon a year’s study leave to complete aninstructor’s certificate in engineering woodworkand machining with AnCO, the NationalManpower Service and the Youth EmploymentAgency. He then returned to Trinidad and for thenext twenty years he continued to be hugelyinvolved in the sea scouting movement and wasawarded the Golden Pouri Award, which is thehighest scouting award for long and ‘meritoriousservice to the scouting movement in Trinidad andTobago’.

In 2005 Senan took up ministry in the diocese ofLimerick where he worked until he succumbedto illness in 2011. He died on 5 April 2012 atMarian House, Kimmage Manor. He was so wellloved and respected in the parish ofAskeaton/Ballysteen that they wanted to be given

the opportunity to say a final farewell by havinghis funeral mass in their parish. He was loved byyoung and old alike and the turnout at his funeral,including the attendance of a former sea scoutwho flew in from Trinidad, was indicative of this.Senan was buried in Rockwell CollegeCemetery, Tipperary.

April 5th

GROGAN, Fr Matthew1930-2015

Fr Matthew Grogan (Mattie) wasborn 23 July 1930 in Ardane,Bansha, Co Tipperary. Heattended Ardane National School beforecompleting his secondary education in RockwellCollege. He was professed in 1950 and thenreturned to Rockwell to prefect, 1953-4. Mattie,following in the footsteps of his older brother, FrPaddy CSSp, was ordained in July 1957.

Appointed to Nigeria, Mattie taught in HolySpirit Teacher Training College, Umuahia, andlater at a secondary school in Aba. He served inpastoral roles in Obowo (where he also built asecondary school at the Ekenanzizzi outstation)and in Nsu (Ehitte), Okigwi and Ogbo. Whereverhe was stationed he created a garden, loving thechallenge of the unfamiliar plants, soil andclimate. By trial and error his gardens bloomed.He left Nigeria in 1967, and served for a shorttime in various parishes in the U.S. and England.

Arriving in Ontario in 1971, he initially assistedat St Mary’s Parish in Simcoe and at Holy RosaryParish in Guelph. He later ministered as chaplainto St Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. In July 1974he was appointed pastor of St Anthony’s Parishin Kincardine and served there for some fiveyears before being transferred to Alberta, wherehe performed the same role in the towns ofMayerthorpe and Innisfail.

Returning to Ireland in 1993, he served at OurLady’s Shrine in Knock and lived for a short timein Kimmage Manor before going back to Canadathe following year. He ministered at St Michael’sCathedral in Toronto and in Mississauga until hisretirement to Laval House, Ontario, in 1998.

APRIL

45

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 45

of humour that endeared him to many people.He was noted as being the gentlest of patients -never complaining. Fr Jim died on 2 April 2001and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Shankill, Co Dublin.

April 5th

MURRAY, Fr Senan1933-2012

Fr Senan Murray was born inKillenaugh, Carrigaholt,Kilrush, Co Clare, on 13 April1933. Following his secondary schooleducation at Rockwell College, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed on 8September 1953. After earning a B.A. in 1956,he prefected in Trinidad for three years. Hestudied theology in Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 8 July 1962.Senan made his Consecration to the Apostolateon 13 July 1963.

Senan’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1963, where he served for six years, first in Ihialaand then as director of St John’s Diocesan JuniorSeminary in the diocese of Enugu. The Biafranwar brought an end to his ministry in Nigeria in1969. The following year Senan was re-assignedto Trinidad where he took a teaching position atSt Mary’s College. In 1977 he returned to Irelandon a year’s study leave to complete aninstructor’s certificate in engineering woodworkand machining with AnCO, the NationalManpower Service and the Youth EmploymentAgency. He then returned to Trinidad and for thenext twenty years he continued to be hugelyinvolved in the sea scouting movement and wasawarded the Golden Pouri Award, which is thehighest scouting award for long and ‘meritoriousservice to the scouting movement in Trinidad andTobago’.

In 2005 Senan took up ministry in the diocese ofLimerick where he worked until he succumbedto illness in 2011. He died on 5 April 2012 atMarian House, Kimmage Manor. He was so wellloved and respected in the parish ofAskeaton/Ballysteen that they wanted to be given

the opportunity to say a final farewell by havinghis funeral mass in their parish. He was loved byyoung and old alike and the turnout at his funeral,including the attendance of a former sea scoutwho flew in from Trinidad, was indicative of this.Senan was buried in Rockwell CollegeCemetery, Tipperary.

April 5th

GROGAN, Fr Matthew1930-2015

Fr Matthew Grogan (Mattie) wasborn 23 July 1930 in Ardane,Bansha, Co Tipperary. Heattended Ardane National School beforecompleting his secondary education in RockwellCollege. He was professed in 1950 and thenreturned to Rockwell to prefect, 1953-4. Mattie,following in the footsteps of his older brother, FrPaddy CSSp, was ordained in July 1957.

Appointed to Nigeria, Mattie taught in HolySpirit Teacher Training College, Umuahia, andlater at a secondary school in Aba. He served inpastoral roles in Obowo (where he also built asecondary school at the Ekenanzizzi outstation)and in Nsu (Ehitte), Okigwi and Ogbo. Whereverhe was stationed he created a garden, loving thechallenge of the unfamiliar plants, soil andclimate. By trial and error his gardens bloomed.He left Nigeria in 1967, and served for a shorttime in various parishes in the U.S. and England.

Arriving in Ontario in 1971, he initially assistedat St Mary’s Parish in Simcoe and at Holy RosaryParish in Guelph. He later ministered as chaplainto St Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton. In July 1974he was appointed pastor of St Anthony’s Parishin Kincardine and served there for some fiveyears before being transferred to Alberta, wherehe performed the same role in the towns ofMayerthorpe and Innisfail.

Returning to Ireland in 1993, he served at OurLady’s Shrine in Knock and lived for a short timein Kimmage Manor before going back to Canadathe following year. He ministered at St Michael’sCathedral in Toronto and in Mississauga until hisretirement to Laval House, Ontario, in 1998.

APRIL

45

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 45

Page 54: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Fr Mattie died on 5 April 2015 in Canada. Afterfuneral mass on Friday 10 April, he was buriedin Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario.

April 8th

McDONAGH, Fr John Joe 1934-1998

Fr John Joe McDonagh was bornon 5 June 1934 in Cloonkeen,Glenamaddy, Co Galway. The family moved toMilltown, Castleplunkett, Castlerea, CoRoscommon in 1940. John Joe attendedCastleplunkett N.S. as did his brother Fr MartinMcDonagh. He completed his secondary schoolstudies in Blackrock College, 1948-53. Havingentered the novitiate at Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1954 and then went on to studyat Kimmage and UCD where he secured theBA in 1957. He then prefected at Rockwellfor two years. Returned to Kimmage to doTheology he was ordained a priest in 1962.

Appointed the following year to The Gambiahe served in St Edward’s, Bwiam, and otherstations. In 1974 he took a sabbatical year andspent some time caring for his mother. Assignedin 1977 to Kilshane as Assistant Novice Masterhe was appointed Superior two years later andwas in fact to be the last Superior there,serving till 1985 when the house was closed.During those years he filled many roles; awelcoming host and, in particular, caring for theageing Dr Dan Murphy. John Joe coped with allthese challenges with an admirable evenness oftemper and a ready sense of humour. After sixmonths service in the Diocese of Clonfert, heserved as Bursar in Ardbraccan fromNovember 1986 to January 1988.

Called on to work in Australia he served therefor six months before being recalled to act aspastor in Peasley Cross Parish, Liverpool – aparish served by the Congregation since 1912.Due to a rearrangement of parish boundariesin the diocese the Congregation was relievedof its commitment there in 1995. Fr John Joe wasthen appointed Superior of the retirement house

of the Congregation in Bickley, London, and wasalso a member of the English ProvincialCouncil from 1995. Once again he gave of hisbest in the care of the aged. Having served theCongregation well wherever appointed, the Lordcalled him rather unexpectedly in BromleyHospital, Kent, on 8 April 1998. He was aged63 years. He is buried in the family plot inBallintubber cemetery, Co Roscommon.

April 9th

SOFFE, Fr Stanislaus Thomas1928-2002

Fr Stanislaus Soffe (Stan) wasborn at Bengal Terrace, Limerick,on 6 May 1928. He made his first profession on27 September 1947. He graduated from U.C.D.with a B.A. in philosophy in 1950 and completeda H.Dip. education in 1957. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 3 July 1955 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1956.

Stan was appointed to Nigeria and worked inan educational capacity in the diocese of Owerrifrom 1956 to 1967. He was appointed principalof the new secondary college at Umuaka in 1961and also became head of the secondary school inAmuzi, near Ahiara, in 1967.

He took up pastoral ministry in the diocese ofSan Antonio in Texas in 1967. In 1969 hereturned to Ireland and taught for one year inTempleogue College. He then returned to thediocese of San Antonio for a further year. In 1971he returned to Ireland and took up a teachingpost in St Michael’s College teaching English,Irish and Religion. He was widely appreciatedand admired as an inspiring, meticulous andclinically efficient teacher. His classes werethoroughly prepared, material was carefullyexplained and corrections were carried out withrigour. He retired from teaching in 1993.

He was a single minded man who defended withtenacity the very definite views he held abouteducation, theology, gardening, golf and the Irish

APRIL

46

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 46

Fr Mattie died on 5 April 2015 in Canada. Afterfuneral mass on Friday 10 April, he was buriedin Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario.

April 8th

McDONAGH, Fr John Joe 1934-1998

Fr John Joe McDonagh was bornon 5 June 1934 in Cloonkeen,Glenamaddy, Co Galway. The family moved toMilltown, Castleplunkett, Castlerea, CoRoscommon in 1940. John Joe attendedCastleplunkett N.S. as did his brother Fr MartinMcDonagh. He completed his secondary schoolstudies in Blackrock College, 1948-53. Havingentered the novitiate at Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1954 and then went on to studyat Kimmage and UCD where he secured theBA in 1957. He then prefected at Rockwellfor two years. Returned to Kimmage to doTheology he was ordained a priest in 1962.

Appointed the following year to The Gambiahe served in St Edward’s, Bwiam, and otherstations. In 1974 he took a sabbatical year andspent some time caring for his mother. Assignedin 1977 to Kilshane as Assistant Novice Masterhe was appointed Superior two years later andwas in fact to be the last Superior there,serving till 1985 when the house was closed.During those years he filled many roles; awelcoming host and, in particular, caring for theageing Dr Dan Murphy. John Joe coped with allthese challenges with an admirable evenness oftemper and a ready sense of humour. After sixmonths service in the Diocese of Clonfert, heserved as Bursar in Ardbraccan fromNovember 1986 to January 1988.

Called on to work in Australia he served therefor six months before being recalled to act aspastor in Peasley Cross Parish, Liverpool – aparish served by the Congregation since 1912.Due to a rearrangement of parish boundariesin the diocese the Congregation was relievedof its commitment there in 1995. Fr John Joe wasthen appointed Superior of the retirement house

of the Congregation in Bickley, London, and wasalso a member of the English ProvincialCouncil from 1995. Once again he gave of hisbest in the care of the aged. Having served theCongregation well wherever appointed, the Lordcalled him rather unexpectedly in BromleyHospital, Kent, on 8 April 1998. He was aged63 years. He is buried in the family plot inBallintubber cemetery, Co Roscommon.

April 9th

SOFFE, Fr Stanislaus Thomas1928-2002

Fr Stanislaus Soffe (Stan) wasborn at Bengal Terrace, Limerick,on 6 May 1928. He made his first profession on27 September 1947. He graduated from U.C.D.with a B.A. in philosophy in 1950 and completeda H.Dip. education in 1957. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 3 July 1955 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1956.

Stan was appointed to Nigeria and worked inan educational capacity in the diocese of Owerrifrom 1956 to 1967. He was appointed principalof the new secondary college at Umuaka in 1961and also became head of the secondary school inAmuzi, near Ahiara, in 1967.

He took up pastoral ministry in the diocese ofSan Antonio in Texas in 1967. In 1969 hereturned to Ireland and taught for one year inTempleogue College. He then returned to thediocese of San Antonio for a further year. In 1971he returned to Ireland and took up a teachingpost in St Michael’s College teaching English,Irish and Religion. He was widely appreciatedand admired as an inspiring, meticulous andclinically efficient teacher. His classes werethoroughly prepared, material was carefullyexplained and corrections were carried out withrigour. He retired from teaching in 1993.

He was a single minded man who defended withtenacity the very definite views he held abouteducation, theology, gardening, golf and the Irish

APRIL

46

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 46

Page 55: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

language. He had a prodigious memory and wasalways willing to entertain his friends withlengthy renderings of To cheer me up I went fora walk in a cemetery and his party piece aboutthe Child, the Lion and the Zoo. Stan had majorheart surgery in February 2002 but seemed tobe making a good recovery when he suffered astroke and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospitalwhere he died on 9 April 2002. Fr Stan wasburied in the community plot in the cemetery atDardistown, CoDublin.

April 9th

D’ARCY, Fr Stephen1927-2013

Fr Stephen D’Arcy (Steve) wasborn in Rockview, Puckane,Nenagh on 8 November 1927. Oncompletion of his secondary school education inC.B.S. Nenagh, he entered the Spiritan Novitiatein Kilshane in his native Tipperary and wasprofessed in 1947. Following the completion ofa course in philosophy studies in KimmageManor, he prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, from 1949 to 1951 before returningto Kimmage to complete a course in theology. Hewas ordained to the priesthood by ArchbishopJohn Charles McQuaid in Clonliffe College inJuly 1954.

Appointed to Nigeria in 1955, Steve spent somefifteen years there until he was deported in 1970.Having begun in Owerri, he subsequentlybecame secretary to the African bishop who washeading up the newly created diocese of PortHarcourt. In addition to this he became secretaryfor education, had a role in the building ofseveral churches and schools, and was diocesanreligious inspector while attached to St John theApostle Parish in Umukoroshe. During the civilwar he was responsible for airlifts of reliefsupplies and food distritribution to Biafra.

In 1971 Steve ministered in St Petersburg,Florida, for a year before moving to the dioceseof Livingstone in Sesheke, Zambia. As with hisprevious appointments, he undertook parishwork and became heavily involved in improving

the lives of the villagers there. He showedparticular interest in poultry-farming and theprovision of water and played an important partin sourcing funds from CAFOD and elsewherefor community development.

In 1984 he became the superior of the ZambiaInternational Group for a six-year period. Havingcompleted further studies in Weston JesuitSchool of Theology in the U.S.A., he moved tothe English diocese of Arundel and Brighton in1991. On his retirement in 2003, he wasappointed to the Kimmage community. Fr Stevedied there on 9 April 2013 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 10th

RYAN, Fr Edmond1906-1999

Fr Edmond Ryan (Ned) was bornon 7 March 1906 in Knockdonee,Upperchurch, Thurles, Co.Tipperary and did his secondary studies atRockwell, 1921-26. He was a cousin to BishopJoseph Shanahan. Having opted to join thecongregation in 1926 he was professed thefollowing year in Kimmage Manor. After oneyear philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock, he wascalled on to set out for Trinidad as prefectwhere he was to serve for four years. Returningto Ireland he finished his philosophy in the Castleand then moved with the theologians toKimmage. Ordained a priest in 1936 he wasappointed the following year to the PromotionsTeam. This brought him in close contact withBishop Shanahan serving as his driver tomission aid events. He served as burser atKimmage from 1942 until 1944.

He received his obedience for the mission inEast Africa in 1944. He sailed there in a convoyof warships. He was to work mainly on theKenyan coast. He taught in Lioka, 1945-6, andthen moved to Makupa, Mombasa, where in hisparish ministry he had an outreach to Africanmigratory workers in sugar and sisal estates. Hespent a period as Editor of The Catholic Timesof East Africa where his fine literary sense and

APRIL

47

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 47

language. He had a prodigious memory and wasalways willing to entertain his friends withlengthy renderings of To cheer me up I went fora walk in a cemetery and his party piece aboutthe Child, the Lion and the Zoo. Stan had majorheart surgery in February 2002 but seemed tobe making a good recovery when he suffered astroke and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospitalwhere he died on 9 April 2002. Fr Stan wasburied in the community plot in the cemetery atDardistown, CoDublin.

April 9th

D’ARCY, Fr Stephen1927-2013

Fr Stephen D’Arcy (Steve) wasborn in Rockview, Puckane,Nenagh on 8 November 1927. Oncompletion of his secondary school education inC.B.S. Nenagh, he entered the Spiritan Novitiatein Kilshane in his native Tipperary and wasprofessed in 1947. Following the completion ofa course in philosophy studies in KimmageManor, he prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, from 1949 to 1951 before returningto Kimmage to complete a course in theology. Hewas ordained to the priesthood by ArchbishopJohn Charles McQuaid in Clonliffe College inJuly 1954.

Appointed to Nigeria in 1955, Steve spent somefifteen years there until he was deported in 1970.Having begun in Owerri, he subsequentlybecame secretary to the African bishop who washeading up the newly created diocese of PortHarcourt. In addition to this he became secretaryfor education, had a role in the building ofseveral churches and schools, and was diocesanreligious inspector while attached to St John theApostle Parish in Umukoroshe. During the civilwar he was responsible for airlifts of reliefsupplies and food distritribution to Biafra.

In 1971 Steve ministered in St Petersburg,Florida, for a year before moving to the dioceseof Livingstone in Sesheke, Zambia. As with hisprevious appointments, he undertook parishwork and became heavily involved in improving

the lives of the villagers there. He showedparticular interest in poultry-farming and theprovision of water and played an important partin sourcing funds from CAFOD and elsewherefor community development.

In 1984 he became the superior of the ZambiaInternational Group for a six-year period. Havingcompleted further studies in Weston JesuitSchool of Theology in the U.S.A., he moved tothe English diocese of Arundel and Brighton in1991. On his retirement in 2003, he wasappointed to the Kimmage community. Fr Stevedied there on 9 April 2013 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 10th

RYAN, Fr Edmond1906-1999

Fr Edmond Ryan (Ned) was bornon 7 March 1906 in Knockdonee,Upperchurch, Thurles, Co.Tipperary and did his secondary studies atRockwell, 1921-26. He was a cousin to BishopJoseph Shanahan. Having opted to join thecongregation in 1926 he was professed thefollowing year in Kimmage Manor. After oneyear philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock, he wascalled on to set out for Trinidad as prefectwhere he was to serve for four years. Returningto Ireland he finished his philosophy in the Castleand then moved with the theologians toKimmage. Ordained a priest in 1936 he wasappointed the following year to the PromotionsTeam. This brought him in close contact withBishop Shanahan serving as his driver tomission aid events. He served as burser atKimmage from 1942 until 1944.

He received his obedience for the mission inEast Africa in 1944. He sailed there in a convoyof warships. He was to work mainly on theKenyan coast. He taught in Lioka, 1945-6, andthen moved to Makupa, Mombasa, where in hisparish ministry he had an outreach to Africanmigratory workers in sugar and sisal estates. Hespent a period as Editor of The Catholic Timesof East Africa where his fine literary sense and

APRIL

47

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 47

Page 56: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

style was appreciated. In 1953-54 he was inGiriama working as Education Secretarycombined with parish work. The following yearhe did parish work in Mlindi, Tana River,Changamwe and Malindi. The next ten yearswere demanding among the Wapokomo people.He finally returned to Mombasa - Changamwe.He was actively retired in Chami and Shanzuparishes before returning to Ireland in 1991.

He had a great pastoral feel for people; he wasnever harsh with them – always gentle andalways understood their ways - especially thosefor whom coming to the faith demanded muchpatience. People appreciated his gentle happydisposition, his gentle joke and smile; hishospitality and welcome for one and all evenwhen, because of his poor means, he had littleto offer. He retired to Kimmage Manor wherehe continued to live every day to the full andenjoyed excellent health till his death 10 April1999 at the advanced age of 93 years. Fr Ned isburied in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 10th

LYNCH, Rev Philip1909-2009

Rev Philip Lynch (Phil) was bornin Ballyboe, St Johnston, Lifford,Co Donegal on 7 December1909. After completing his secondary schooleducation at the junior scholasticate in Rockwellhe entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 3 September 1930.He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andthen prefected in Rockwell College, 1932-3.Following this he studied theology at Kimmagewhere he received the Tonsure and first andMinor Orders. Due to illness, Phil did notadvance to the Diaconate. After a number ofyears in hospital Phil returned to KimmageManor in 1940. He took perpetual vows in thecongregation on 3 June 1955.

Apart from one year prefecting in RockwellCollege, Phil spent most of his religious life inKimmage Manor. Over the years he had many

different jobs as: farmyard worker, slaughterman,sausage maker, gardener, barber, tailor andreceptionist, to name but a few. However inevery position which he occupied he was notedfor the care and attention to detail that he broughtto the job.

The three passions in Phil’s life were his love forGod, his love for his family in Donegal and hislove of Irish history and geology. He lived a verysimple life. He was a totally dedicated religiousand saintly man who was always courteous andready to help.

He died on 10 April 2009 in Marian House andwas buried in the cemetery adjoining St Baithin’sChapel, St Johnston, Donegal.

April 11th

ELLIS, Fr Liam Oliver1933-2000

Fr Liam Ellis (Ollie) was born on14 November 1933 in Carlowand did his secondary studies inCBS Carlow. Having entered the novitiate atKilshane Ollie was professed in 1952. Hequalified for the BA and the H.Dip. at UCD, andprefected at St Mary’s, Rathmines, for two yearsbefore doing his philosophy course at KimmageManor. Sent to Rome to do his theology he wasordained a priest in 1962 and qualified for theSTL the following year.

His first appointment, 1963, was to Mauritiuswhere he taught for four years at the HolyGhost College. During 1967-68 he worked inOrlando Diocese, USA, before being appointedto Kenya. He taught for eight years at St Mary’sSecondary School, Nairobi, and became itsHeadmaster in 1970 – a post he held withdistinction for six years. In 1976 at the end ofthe Chapter he was elected principal Superiorof the Spiritans working in Kenya. His visitsto missions were always friendly, encouragingand never critical. He also managed to attendevery important function in a school or parishwhich involved the confrères. When his thirdterm of office was over he went to teach at the

APRIL

48

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 48

style was appreciated. In 1953-54 he was inGiriama working as Education Secretarycombined with parish work. The following yearhe did parish work in Mlindi, Tana River,Changamwe and Malindi. The next ten yearswere demanding among the Wapokomo people.He finally returned to Mombasa - Changamwe.He was actively retired in Chami and Shanzuparishes before returning to Ireland in 1991.

He had a great pastoral feel for people; he wasnever harsh with them – always gentle andalways understood their ways - especially thosefor whom coming to the faith demanded muchpatience. People appreciated his gentle happydisposition, his gentle joke and smile; hishospitality and welcome for one and all evenwhen, because of his poor means, he had littleto offer. He retired to Kimmage Manor wherehe continued to live every day to the full andenjoyed excellent health till his death 10 April1999 at the advanced age of 93 years. Fr Ned isburied in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 10th

LYNCH, Rev Philip1909-2009

Rev Philip Lynch (Phil) was bornin Ballyboe, St Johnston, Lifford,Co Donegal on 7 December1909. After completing his secondary schooleducation at the junior scholasticate in Rockwellhe entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 3 September 1930.He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andthen prefected in Rockwell College, 1932-3.Following this he studied theology at Kimmagewhere he received the Tonsure and first andMinor Orders. Due to illness, Phil did notadvance to the Diaconate. After a number ofyears in hospital Phil returned to KimmageManor in 1940. He took perpetual vows in thecongregation on 3 June 1955.

Apart from one year prefecting in RockwellCollege, Phil spent most of his religious life inKimmage Manor. Over the years he had many

different jobs as: farmyard worker, slaughterman,sausage maker, gardener, barber, tailor andreceptionist, to name but a few. However inevery position which he occupied he was notedfor the care and attention to detail that he broughtto the job.

The three passions in Phil’s life were his love forGod, his love for his family in Donegal and hislove of Irish history and geology. He lived a verysimple life. He was a totally dedicated religiousand saintly man who was always courteous andready to help.

He died on 10 April 2009 in Marian House andwas buried in the cemetery adjoining St Baithin’sChapel, St Johnston, Donegal.

April 11th

ELLIS, Fr Liam Oliver1933-2000

Fr Liam Ellis (Ollie) was born on14 November 1933 in Carlowand did his secondary studies inCBS Carlow. Having entered the novitiate atKilshane Ollie was professed in 1952. Hequalified for the BA and the H.Dip. at UCD, andprefected at St Mary’s, Rathmines, for two yearsbefore doing his philosophy course at KimmageManor. Sent to Rome to do his theology he wasordained a priest in 1962 and qualified for theSTL the following year.

His first appointment, 1963, was to Mauritiuswhere he taught for four years at the HolyGhost College. During 1967-68 he worked inOrlando Diocese, USA, before being appointedto Kenya. He taught for eight years at St Mary’sSecondary School, Nairobi, and became itsHeadmaster in 1970 – a post he held withdistinction for six years. In 1976 at the end ofthe Chapter he was elected principal Superiorof the Spiritans working in Kenya. His visitsto missions were always friendly, encouragingand never critical. He also managed to attendevery important function in a school or parishwhich involved the confrères. When his thirdterm of office was over he went to teach at the

APRIL

48

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 48

Page 57: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Queen of Apostles diocesan seminary in Nairobi.

In 1989 he returned to Ireland and after servingfor one year at Blackrock College he wasappointed to Templeogue College where heworked for three years before taking up anappointment in New Barnet, England in 1993.From October 1998 Fr Ollie served in the Parishof Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, where he was to diesuddenly on 11 April 2000. He was 67 years ofage. He was known as a modest man, neverboastful of his considerable talents. He had avery keen sense of duty and a great deal ofself-discipline to do what he knew to be theright thing. Fr Oliver was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 11th

LYONS, Fr Redmond1920-2009

Fr Redmond Lyons was born inAccony, Roonah Point, Westport,Co Mayo on 19 July 1920. Aftercompleting his secondary school education in StJarlath’s, Tuam, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1939 and was professed on 8September 1940. Redmond studied philosophyin U.C.D and was awarded a B.A. Hons. in 1943.He prefected in Blackrock between 1943 and1945, after which he studied theology inKimmage Manor from 1945 until 1949.Redmond was ordained to the priesthood in 1948and made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1949.

Redmond’s first mission appointment was to thedistrict of Zanzibar in 1949. He taught for sevenyears at the intermediary school in Kitui and thenfor four years at Kabaa’s secondary school beforeengaging in evangelization at Mwala, a station inthe diocese of Machakos for the next ten years.

In 1970 he was appointed as teacher-chaplain toa secondary school in Salford, England and in1972 he moved to Arklow, Co Wicklow. Thiswas followed by a similar posting in DunLaoghaire, Co Dublin. In his latter yearsRedmond served in a number of parish ministries

throughout Ireland including a period onInishbofin Island off the coast of Mayo in 1986and the parish of Glenisland on the mainland.While on Inisbofin he was able to sail around theislands of Clew Bay and thus indulge his lifelongpassion of being at one with nature through hislove for the sea. His ministry in Glenisland in the1990s was to be his final active sharing of thefaith with the people to whom he had endearedhimself prior to his retirement to Kimmage in2003. He died on 11 April, 2009 in TallaghtHospital and was buried in Killeen Cemetery,Louisburgh, Co Mayo.

April 11th

McTIERNAN, Fr Michael1922-2011

Fr Michael McTiernan was bornin Dublin on 31 January 1922. Hecompleted his secondary schooleducation at St Vincent’s C.B.S., Glasnevin. Heentered the novitiate at Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1940. Michaelprefected in Blackrock College and received aB.A. in Irish and English in 1943 from UCD. Hewas awarded the Higher Diploma in Educationin 1944. He studied theology in Kimmage andwas ordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1951.

Michael’s mission appointment was to Tanzaniain 1951. He worked there for sixteen years,teaching at St Francis’ College, Pugu. He wasappointed to Mauritius in 1967 and worked as ateacher and administrator at Collège du StEsprit, Quatre Bornes, until he retired fromeducation in 1984. He was considered to be afine teacher who really possessed the art ofcommunicating his passion for reading andlearning, especially English literature andpoetry, to younger people.

In 1984 Michael decided to make it hismissionary vocation to meet Mauritians of everyage and social milieu and thus began his parishministry at the parish of St Jean before going tothe parish of St Paul in 1989. Following on from

APRIL

49

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 49

Queen of Apostles diocesan seminary in Nairobi.

In 1989 he returned to Ireland and after servingfor one year at Blackrock College he wasappointed to Templeogue College where heworked for three years before taking up anappointment in New Barnet, England in 1993.From October 1998 Fr Ollie served in the Parishof Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, where he was to diesuddenly on 11 April 2000. He was 67 years ofage. He was known as a modest man, neverboastful of his considerable talents. He had avery keen sense of duty and a great deal ofself-discipline to do what he knew to be theright thing. Fr Oliver was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 11th

LYONS, Fr Redmond1920-2009

Fr Redmond Lyons was born inAccony, Roonah Point, Westport,Co Mayo on 19 July 1920. Aftercompleting his secondary school education in StJarlath’s, Tuam, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1939 and was professed on 8September 1940. Redmond studied philosophyin U.C.D and was awarded a B.A. Hons. in 1943.He prefected in Blackrock between 1943 and1945, after which he studied theology inKimmage Manor from 1945 until 1949.Redmond was ordained to the priesthood in 1948and made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1949.

Redmond’s first mission appointment was to thedistrict of Zanzibar in 1949. He taught for sevenyears at the intermediary school in Kitui and thenfor four years at Kabaa’s secondary school beforeengaging in evangelization at Mwala, a station inthe diocese of Machakos for the next ten years.

In 1970 he was appointed as teacher-chaplain toa secondary school in Salford, England and in1972 he moved to Arklow, Co Wicklow. Thiswas followed by a similar posting in DunLaoghaire, Co Dublin. In his latter yearsRedmond served in a number of parish ministries

throughout Ireland including a period onInishbofin Island off the coast of Mayo in 1986and the parish of Glenisland on the mainland.While on Inisbofin he was able to sail around theislands of Clew Bay and thus indulge his lifelongpassion of being at one with nature through hislove for the sea. His ministry in Glenisland in the1990s was to be his final active sharing of thefaith with the people to whom he had endearedhimself prior to his retirement to Kimmage in2003. He died on 11 April, 2009 in TallaghtHospital and was buried in Killeen Cemetery,Louisburgh, Co Mayo.

April 11th

McTIERNAN, Fr Michael1922-2011

Fr Michael McTiernan was bornin Dublin on 31 January 1922. Hecompleted his secondary schooleducation at St Vincent’s C.B.S., Glasnevin. Heentered the novitiate at Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1940. Michaelprefected in Blackrock College and received aB.A. in Irish and English in 1943 from UCD. Hewas awarded the Higher Diploma in Educationin 1944. He studied theology in Kimmage andwas ordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1951.

Michael’s mission appointment was to Tanzaniain 1951. He worked there for sixteen years,teaching at St Francis’ College, Pugu. He wasappointed to Mauritius in 1967 and worked as ateacher and administrator at Collège du StEsprit, Quatre Bornes, until he retired fromeducation in 1984. He was considered to be afine teacher who really possessed the art ofcommunicating his passion for reading andlearning, especially English literature andpoetry, to younger people.

In 1984 Michael decided to make it hismissionary vocation to meet Mauritians of everyage and social milieu and thus began his parishministry at the parish of St Jean before going tothe parish of St Paul in 1989. Following on from

APRIL

49

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 49

Page 58: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

that he served as assistant in the parish of StFrancis of Assisi at Pamplemousses, and hefinally ended his missionary pilgrimage back inthe parish of St Jean. Fr Michael died on 11 April2011 and was buried in Mauritius.

April 12th

KAVANAGH, Fr James G.1912-1999

Fr James Kavanagh (Jim) wasborn on 2 February 1912 in Inch,Co. Wexford and completed hissecondary studies at Blackrock College, 1925-31. Professed in Kimmage Manor 1932, he wenton to do philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock, andprefected at St Mary’s, Rathmines, 1934-36.

Ordained a priest in 1939 he was appointed tothe vicariate of Zanzibar. He was in charge of theMachakos station, which had been opened in1943. Transferred to Nairobi he became pastorof St Austin’s Church. In 1952 he wasappointed rector of the Junior seminary recentlyestablished at Kiserian. He also served as Deanof the Kiambu region where he built schoolsand churches. Jim was a very gentle and kindperson, a lovely singer, and liked to entertain. Hehad a great love for the Kamba people. He knewtheir language and proverbs and enjoyed theircompany. Under his guidance the Brothers ofSt Peter Claver were founded. He pioneeredthe work in remote areas of Makuen andKamoni. He built the first house and church inMachakos town and started many schools. Healso worked in St Mary’s, and St PeterClaver’s, Nairobi. In 1967 he became VicarGeneral of the Machakos Diocese.

Suffering from ill health he returned to Ireland in1973 and accepted an appointment to the USA.He worked in St Anne’s Parish, Staten Island,1975-79, and in St James Parish, NorthDakota, 1979-82, followed by a stint in NewYork on replacement work, 1983-91. On a visitback to his beloved Machacos he was delightedto see the great number of young Africanpriests. He retired to Kimmage in 1991 and wasin indifferent health until his death on 12 April

1999. He was then 87 years of age. Fr Jim isburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 12th

BRENNAN, Fr Martin F.1916-1999

Fr Martin Brennan was born on26 January 1916 in Ahascragh,Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, andstarted in Blackrock in 1939 at the age of twenty-three to prepare for entrance to the novitiate.Professed in 1941 he did his senior studies inKimmage Manor. He was ordained a priest on14 July 1946.

Appointed the following year to Nigeria heworked in the Archdiocese of Onitsha atAchina at the new station of Nimo, near Adazi,with its 3000 Catholics and catechumens. Laterhe served at Agbani as pastor caring for 13,000people. In the nine years he spent in that parishhe opened twenty-five new bush stationsbringing the total to fifty-eight. His finalposting was to Enugu Diocese at Owa,1964-67.

Obliged to leave his beloved Nigeria becauseof the Biafra War he served for one year inTrenton, USA, before transferring to Ontario,Canada, in 1969. Martin joined the Province ofTrans-Canada where he worked for thirty yearsserving the people in six different parishes inOntario including St Rita’s, Woodstock and StMichael’s Cathedral. In August 1993 he returnedto be with his sister in Westport, Co Mayo for aperiod. During this time he helped out at theKnock Shrine. He spent h is f ina l years inLava l House in Toron to . He d ied on12 April 1999 in St Michael’s Hospital,Toronto following surgery. Fr Martin was buriedin Holy Cross Cemetery, To r on t o .

APRIL

50

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 50

that he served as assistant in the parish of StFrancis of Assisi at Pamplemousses, and hefinally ended his missionary pilgrimage back inthe parish of St Jean. Fr Michael died on 11 April2011 and was buried in Mauritius.

April 12th

KAVANAGH, Fr James G.1912-1999

Fr James Kavanagh (Jim) wasborn on 2 February 1912 in Inch,Co. Wexford and completed hissecondary studies at Blackrock College, 1925-31. Professed in Kimmage Manor 1932, he wenton to do philosophy in the Castle, Blackrock, andprefected at St Mary’s, Rathmines, 1934-36.

Ordained a priest in 1939 he was appointed tothe vicariate of Zanzibar. He was in charge of theMachakos station, which had been opened in1943. Transferred to Nairobi he became pastorof St Austin’s Church. In 1952 he wasappointed rector of the Junior seminary recentlyestablished at Kiserian. He also served as Deanof the Kiambu region where he built schoolsand churches. Jim was a very gentle and kindperson, a lovely singer, and liked to entertain. Hehad a great love for the Kamba people. He knewtheir language and proverbs and enjoyed theircompany. Under his guidance the Brothers ofSt Peter Claver were founded. He pioneeredthe work in remote areas of Makuen andKamoni. He built the first house and church inMachakos town and started many schools. Healso worked in St Mary’s, and St PeterClaver’s, Nairobi. In 1967 he became VicarGeneral of the Machakos Diocese.

Suffering from ill health he returned to Ireland in1973 and accepted an appointment to the USA.He worked in St Anne’s Parish, Staten Island,1975-79, and in St James Parish, NorthDakota, 1979-82, followed by a stint in NewYork on replacement work, 1983-91. On a visitback to his beloved Machacos he was delightedto see the great number of young Africanpriests. He retired to Kimmage in 1991 and wasin indifferent health until his death on 12 April

1999. He was then 87 years of age. Fr Jim isburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 12th

BRENNAN, Fr Martin F.1916-1999

Fr Martin Brennan was born on26 January 1916 in Ahascragh,Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, andstarted in Blackrock in 1939 at the age of twenty-three to prepare for entrance to the novitiate.Professed in 1941 he did his senior studies inKimmage Manor. He was ordained a priest on14 July 1946.

Appointed the following year to Nigeria heworked in the Archdiocese of Onitsha atAchina at the new station of Nimo, near Adazi,with its 3000 Catholics and catechumens. Laterhe served at Agbani as pastor caring for 13,000people. In the nine years he spent in that parishhe opened twenty-five new bush stationsbringing the total to fifty-eight. His finalposting was to Enugu Diocese at Owa,1964-67.

Obliged to leave his beloved Nigeria becauseof the Biafra War he served for one year inTrenton, USA, before transferring to Ontario,Canada, in 1969. Martin joined the Province ofTrans-Canada where he worked for thirty yearsserving the people in six different parishes inOntario including St Rita’s, Woodstock and StMichael’s Cathedral. In August 1993 he returnedto be with his sister in Westport, Co Mayo for aperiod. During this time he helped out at theKnock Shrine. He spent h is f ina l years inLava l House in Toron to . He d ied on12 April 1999 in St Michael’s Hospital,Toronto following surgery. Fr Martin was buriedin Holy Cross Cemetery, To r on t o .

APRIL

50

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 50

Page 59: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

April 13th

O’ROURKE, Fr Brian1933-2005

Fr Brian O’Rourke was born atRiverside Drive, Castle Park,Rathfarnham, Co Dublin on 24April 1933. Following his secondary schooleducation at St Mary’s College, Rathmines heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession in Kimmage Manor on 8 March1952. He was awarded a B.A. and M.A. byU.C.D. in 1954 and 1957 respectively. He spent1955 in Montana in Switzerland. He thenstudied theology at Fribourg where he receiveda B.D. in 1958 and S.T.L. in 1960. He wasordained to the priesthood on 19 July 1959 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 17July 1960.

In 1960 Brian’s first appointment was toTanzania where he worked as a teacher andchaplain at the secondary school in Moshi. From1964 until 1966 he taught at the teacher trainingcollege, Morogoro. In 1969 he returned to hisformer post at Moshi and remained there until1971. He then spent two years teaching inMonze, Zambia. In 1974 he moved to Tabora,Tanzania where he taught moral theology. In1976 Brian went on sabbatical to the CatholicTheological Union, Chicago after which heworked for three years in vocations ministry withthe French-Canadian Province.

In 1981 Brian returned to Tanzania to teach andact as formator in the Usa River Seminary.Afterwards he served in pastoral ministry inNjiro Hill, Arusha which he combined withteaching catechists and young leaders of both theLuthern and the Catholic Churches. Hisinvolvement with the ministers of the EvanelicalLuthern Church of Tanzania (ELTC) took him onsafari several days a week to various far flungparts of the diocese of Arusha. A great story-teller, with a photographic memory, hiscommunity looked forward to his return fromsafari to hear what he had been up to. During thisperiod he spent each Friday teaching scripture atNjiro Seminary College. In 1994 Brian moved toMbezi, ten kilometres outside Dar-es-Salaam on

the Bagamoyo Road to work as a formator andon ongoing formation work with the religioussuperiors Association of Tanzania. This wasfollowed by a period serving in the EAP SpiritanPostulancy in Kampala Uganda.

Due to failing health Brian returned to Ireland in November 2004. After a short period spent in Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross he diedin St James’ Hospital on 13 April 2005. Fr Brian was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 15th

CAMPBELL, Fr Patrick J.1920-2001

Fr Patrick Campbell (Pat) wasborn on 7 January 1920 inSwinford, Co Mayo. Hecompleted his secondary school education beforeentering the novitiate at Kilshane in 1938. Duringhis years in the senior seminary he demonstrateda keen and enquiring intellect. He was awardeda BA in philosophy by UCD in 1942. Followingthis he prefected for one year at BlackrockCollege, Dublin. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1946 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate at KimmageManor on 1 August 1947.

Pat was then appointed to Tanganika (nowTanzania) and worked in the Kilimanjaro regionwhere he taught at St James’ Junior Seminary,Kilibosho. He also worked at the Moshi Missionbefore returning to Ireland in 1954. On his returnto Ireland he studied for the Higher Diploma inEducation. On the completion of this course hewas appointed to St Mary’s, Rathmines. In 1958he was transferred to Rockwell College where heremained until 1966. He was remembered forsome notable sermons which he gave during histime there. Whilst there he also wrote andproduced plays for the students. In fact somewere so influenced by him that they took upacting as a career in adult life and remained incontact with Pat throughout his life. From 1966to 1973 he worked in various ministeries in

APRIL

51

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 51

April 13th

O’ROURKE, Fr Brian1933-2005

Fr Brian O’Rourke was born atRiverside Drive, Castle Park,Rathfarnham, Co Dublin on 24April 1933. Following his secondary schooleducation at St Mary’s College, Rathmines heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession in Kimmage Manor on 8 March1952. He was awarded a B.A. and M.A. byU.C.D. in 1954 and 1957 respectively. He spent1955 in Montana in Switzerland. He thenstudied theology at Fribourg where he receiveda B.D. in 1958 and S.T.L. in 1960. He wasordained to the priesthood on 19 July 1959 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 17July 1960.

In 1960 Brian’s first appointment was toTanzania where he worked as a teacher andchaplain at the secondary school in Moshi. From1964 until 1966 he taught at the teacher trainingcollege, Morogoro. In 1969 he returned to hisformer post at Moshi and remained there until1971. He then spent two years teaching inMonze, Zambia. In 1974 he moved to Tabora,Tanzania where he taught moral theology. In1976 Brian went on sabbatical to the CatholicTheological Union, Chicago after which heworked for three years in vocations ministry withthe French-Canadian Province.

In 1981 Brian returned to Tanzania to teach andact as formator in the Usa River Seminary.Afterwards he served in pastoral ministry inNjiro Hill, Arusha which he combined withteaching catechists and young leaders of both theLuthern and the Catholic Churches. Hisinvolvement with the ministers of the EvanelicalLuthern Church of Tanzania (ELTC) took him onsafari several days a week to various far flungparts of the diocese of Arusha. A great story-teller, with a photographic memory, hiscommunity looked forward to his return fromsafari to hear what he had been up to. During thisperiod he spent each Friday teaching scripture atNjiro Seminary College. In 1994 Brian moved toMbezi, ten kilometres outside Dar-es-Salaam on

the Bagamoyo Road to work as a formator andon ongoing formation work with the religioussuperiors Association of Tanzania. This wasfollowed by a period serving in the EAP SpiritanPostulancy in Kampala Uganda.

Due to failing health Brian returned to Ireland in November 2004. After a short period spent in Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross he diedin St James’ Hospital on 13 April 2005. Fr Brian was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 15th

CAMPBELL, Fr Patrick J.1920-2001

Fr Patrick Campbell (Pat) wasborn on 7 January 1920 inSwinford, Co Mayo. Hecompleted his secondary school education beforeentering the novitiate at Kilshane in 1938. Duringhis years in the senior seminary he demonstrateda keen and enquiring intellect. He was awardeda BA in philosophy by UCD in 1942. Followingthis he prefected for one year at BlackrockCollege, Dublin. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1946 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate at KimmageManor on 1 August 1947.

Pat was then appointed to Tanganika (nowTanzania) and worked in the Kilimanjaro regionwhere he taught at St James’ Junior Seminary,Kilibosho. He also worked at the Moshi Missionbefore returning to Ireland in 1954. On his returnto Ireland he studied for the Higher Diploma inEducation. On the completion of this course hewas appointed to St Mary’s, Rathmines. In 1958he was transferred to Rockwell College where heremained until 1966. He was remembered forsome notable sermons which he gave during histime there. Whilst there he also wrote andproduced plays for the students. In fact somewere so influenced by him that they took upacting as a career in adult life and remained incontact with Pat throughout his life. From 1966to 1973 he worked in various ministeries in

APRIL

51

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 51

Page 60: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Senegal, Ireland, England and the USA. Pat wasappointed to the Kimmage Manor Community in1974.

Pat had varied interests which included yoga,aikido and tai-chi. However he battled recurringbouts of ill health throughout his later life.Consequently it was due to a sustained period offailing health that he moved to Marian House,Nursing Home in July 1991. Fr Pat died there on15 April 2001 aged eighty-one years. He wasburied in the community plot at the DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 16th

MULLOY, Fr Francis1925-2015

Fr Francis Mulloy (Frank) wasborn in Westport, Co Mayo on 5January 1925. He was educatedin C.B.S. Westport and Blackrock College andentered the novitiate in Kilshane at the age of 17.He was professed in 1943 and then studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor. He prefected inBlackrock College from 1948 to 1950. Frank wasordained to the priesthood in Fribourg on 12 July1953 and was appointed to Blackrock Collegewhere he taught from 1954 to 1956.

In 1957 Frank was appointed to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria where he served in a numberof educational roles at Mbaise Secondary Schooland Holy Spirit College (Enugu), andsubsequently in the Spiritan School of Theologyin Isienu. He returned to Ireland in 1968 and wasappointed to the staff of Templeogue Collegewhere he would spend the next two decadesteaching French, English and Religion and wasappointed vice-principal in 1977. At that time layteachers who had worked overseas could claiman additional extra two increments when theyreturned to Ireland but this was not granted tomissionaries. Frank, legally, challenged this andsubsequently won his case. Frank was a gentle,kind, humorous and dedicated man. He wasregarded as a good priest, educationalist andmissionary who had always been consideredprudent, sensible and reliable.

Frank was appointed to the San FranciscoRegional Community in 1991 and spent morethan a decade in a pastoral role at St Dunstan’s,Millbrae. During this period he also undertookfurther studies in Berkeley, California. He wasappointed superior in 1994 and became theprovincial delegate for a period of three yearscommencing in 1997. He returned to Ireland in2006 and was appointed to Templeogue CollegeCommunity. He remained active; swimmingdaily, saying Mass and writing the history of thecollege. Fr Frank moved to Kimmage Manor inJune 2014 where he died in Marian House on 16April, 2015 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 18th

AHERNE, Fr John Noel1919-2002

Fr John Aherne was born atCollege View, Lee Road in CorkCity on 31 December 1919. Hecompleted his secondary s c h o o l educationat Rockwell College. He made his firstprofession in Kilshane on 8 September 1939 andgraduated from U.C.D. in 1942 with a BA inphilosophy. He prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1942 until 1944. John was ordained to thepriesthood on 13 July 1947 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July1948.

John’s first appointment was to the diocese ofKilimanjaro where he was assigned to thesecondary school at Umbule, Tanzania. He wasrecalled to Ireland in 1953 and was appointedbursar at Kimmage Manor. In 1957 hecompleted a Higher Diploma in Education andhe was then appointed as a teacher at St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines. In 1962 John returned toKimmage Manor and took up the position ofeditor of the Missionary Annals. His nextassignment was as director of the Confraternityof the Holy Spirit. Over the thirty years heserved in th i s pos i t ion he wrote manyarticles, leaflets and booklets on devotion to theHoly Spirit. He continued o n as director until

APRIL

52

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 52

Senegal, Ireland, England and the USA. Pat wasappointed to the Kimmage Manor Community in1974.

Pat had varied interests which included yoga,aikido and tai-chi. However he battled recurringbouts of ill health throughout his later life.Consequently it was due to a sustained period offailing health that he moved to Marian House,Nursing Home in July 1991. Fr Pat died there on15 April 2001 aged eighty-one years. He wasburied in the community plot at the DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 16th

MULLOY, Fr Francis1925-2015

Fr Francis Mulloy (Frank) wasborn in Westport, Co Mayo on 5January 1925. He was educatedin C.B.S. Westport and Blackrock College andentered the novitiate in Kilshane at the age of 17.He was professed in 1943 and then studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor. He prefected inBlackrock College from 1948 to 1950. Frank wasordained to the priesthood in Fribourg on 12 July1953 and was appointed to Blackrock Collegewhere he taught from 1954 to 1956.

In 1957 Frank was appointed to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria where he served in a numberof educational roles at Mbaise Secondary Schooland Holy Spirit College (Enugu), andsubsequently in the Spiritan School of Theologyin Isienu. He returned to Ireland in 1968 and wasappointed to the staff of Templeogue Collegewhere he would spend the next two decadesteaching French, English and Religion and wasappointed vice-principal in 1977. At that time layteachers who had worked overseas could claiman additional extra two increments when theyreturned to Ireland but this was not granted tomissionaries. Frank, legally, challenged this andsubsequently won his case. Frank was a gentle,kind, humorous and dedicated man. He wasregarded as a good priest, educationalist andmissionary who had always been consideredprudent, sensible and reliable.

Frank was appointed to the San FranciscoRegional Community in 1991 and spent morethan a decade in a pastoral role at St Dunstan’s,Millbrae. During this period he also undertookfurther studies in Berkeley, California. He wasappointed superior in 1994 and became theprovincial delegate for a period of three yearscommencing in 1997. He returned to Ireland in2006 and was appointed to Templeogue CollegeCommunity. He remained active; swimmingdaily, saying Mass and writing the history of thecollege. Fr Frank moved to Kimmage Manor inJune 2014 where he died in Marian House on 16April, 2015 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

April 18th

AHERNE, Fr John Noel1919-2002

Fr John Aherne was born atCollege View, Lee Road in CorkCity on 31 December 1919. Hecompleted his secondary s c h o o l educationat Rockwell College. He made his firstprofession in Kilshane on 8 September 1939 andgraduated from U.C.D. in 1942 with a BA inphilosophy. He prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1942 until 1944. John was ordained to thepriesthood on 13 July 1947 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July1948.

John’s first appointment was to the diocese ofKilimanjaro where he was assigned to thesecondary school at Umbule, Tanzania. He wasrecalled to Ireland in 1953 and was appointedbursar at Kimmage Manor. In 1957 hecompleted a Higher Diploma in Education andhe was then appointed as a teacher at St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines. In 1962 John returned toKimmage Manor and took up the position ofeditor of the Missionary Annals. His nextassignment was as director of the Confraternityof the Holy Spirit. Over the thirty years heserved in th i s pos i t ion he wrote manyarticles, leaflets and booklets on devotion to theHoly Spirit. He continued o n as director until

APRIL

52

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 52

Page 61: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

March 1998 travelling all over the countrypropagating devotion to the Holy Spirit, adevotion in which he himself was totallyimmersed.

Whatever he worked at he did so with completededication and thoroughness, quietly andunobtrusively, never speaking about himself orhis achievements. He spent a lot of time givingretreats and counselling. He was an ardent andenthusiastic spiritual director in the Legion ofMary and was also spiritual director of theKnights of St Columbanus. In April 2 0 0 2 Johnhad a fall in his room fracturing his arm. Hewas admitted to Tallaght Hospital but his generalhealth deteriorated. Fr John died on 18 April2002 and he was buried in the communitycemetery in Rockwell College.

April 20th

McMAHON, Fr Desmond F. 1920-2007

Fr Desmond McMahon (Des)was born in Fairview, Dublin on2 June, 1920. He worked as a compositor for apublishing company for two years beforereturning to school to complete his secondaryeducation at Mungret College, Limerick. Heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1943 and wasprofessed on 8 September 1944. Des wasawarded a B.A. (hons.) degree by U.C.D. in 1947and the H.Dip in Ed. by Maynooth. He studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor from 1947 to 1951.He was ordained to the priesthood on 16 July,1950 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August, 1951.

Des’ first appointment was to Onitsha, Nigeria in1951 where he worked as a teacher at theImmaculate Conception College at Enugu. Hethen became principal of the Catholic TeachersTraining College of Ihe, near Owelli-Agwu in1961, a position he held until 1969. He continuedon in various education roles in Kenya from 1970until 1971 and in the Cameroon, from 1972 until1976. He then transferred to Botswana to teachat St Joseph’s College at Kyale for a further three

years. He returned to Ireland in 1981 and held thepost of teacher/chaplain at the College ofTechnology, Bolton Street, Dublin until 1988followed by a year at the Dominican College,Griffith Avenue.

Des retired in 1989 to the Kimmage Community.He continued to take an active interest in thefuture of the congregation at Kimmage. Hisobservations and suggestions were alwayswelcome and often acted upon. Fr Des died on20 of April 2007 at St James’ Hospital, Dublinand was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

April 23rd

KEATING, Fr Michael Gerard1940-2001

Fr Michael Keating was born inCrosshaven, Co Cork, on 25February 1940. He completed his secondaryschool education at the North Monastery C.B.S.in Cork City, 1953-8. He joined the SpiritanCongregation and made his first profession inKilshane on 8 September 1959. He then studiedphilosophy at Kimmage Senior Scholasticatefrom 1959 to 1961. Following on from this heprefected at Blackrock College between 1961and 1962. He then returned to Kimmage Manorto study theology and was ordained to thepriesthood on 18 December 1965. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate at Kimmage on 2July 1966.

Michael’s first appointment was to Kenya wherefrom 1966 until 1984 he worked in St George’sHigh School, the parishes of Giriama, Taveta,Bamba and at Kwale Junior Seminary. He took asabbatical in 1984 and travelled to the U.S.A.where he attended Duquesne University and wasawarded an M.A. in Education. He returned toKenya in 1986 where he attended to his ministrywith the Carmelite Sisters. However he wasmainly occupied with teaching the ‘theology ofknowledge’ to the international Baccalaureatestudents at St Mary’s College, Nairobi whorespected his dedication to their educational

APRIL

53

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 53

March 1998 travelling all over the countrypropagating devotion to the Holy Spirit, adevotion in which he himself was totallyimmersed.

Whatever he worked at he did so with completededication and thoroughness, quietly andunobtrusively, never speaking about himself orhis achievements. He spent a lot of time givingretreats and counselling. He was an ardent andenthusiastic spiritual director in the Legion ofMary and was also spiritual director of theKnights of St Columbanus. In April 2 0 0 2 Johnhad a fall in his room fracturing his arm. Hewas admitted to Tallaght Hospital but his generalhealth deteriorated. Fr John died on 18 April2002 and he was buried in the communitycemetery in Rockwell College.

April 20th

McMAHON, Fr Desmond F. 1920-2007

Fr Desmond McMahon (Des)was born in Fairview, Dublin on2 June, 1920. He worked as a compositor for apublishing company for two years beforereturning to school to complete his secondaryeducation at Mungret College, Limerick. Heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1943 and wasprofessed on 8 September 1944. Des wasawarded a B.A. (hons.) degree by U.C.D. in 1947and the H.Dip in Ed. by Maynooth. He studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor from 1947 to 1951.He was ordained to the priesthood on 16 July,1950 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August, 1951.

Des’ first appointment was to Onitsha, Nigeria in1951 where he worked as a teacher at theImmaculate Conception College at Enugu. Hethen became principal of the Catholic TeachersTraining College of Ihe, near Owelli-Agwu in1961, a position he held until 1969. He continuedon in various education roles in Kenya from 1970until 1971 and in the Cameroon, from 1972 until1976. He then transferred to Botswana to teachat St Joseph’s College at Kyale for a further three

years. He returned to Ireland in 1981 and held thepost of teacher/chaplain at the College ofTechnology, Bolton Street, Dublin until 1988followed by a year at the Dominican College,Griffith Avenue.

Des retired in 1989 to the Kimmage Community.He continued to take an active interest in thefuture of the congregation at Kimmage. Hisobservations and suggestions were alwayswelcome and often acted upon. Fr Des died on20 of April 2007 at St James’ Hospital, Dublinand was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

April 23rd

KEATING, Fr Michael Gerard1940-2001

Fr Michael Keating was born inCrosshaven, Co Cork, on 25February 1940. He completed his secondaryschool education at the North Monastery C.B.S.in Cork City, 1953-8. He joined the SpiritanCongregation and made his first profession inKilshane on 8 September 1959. He then studiedphilosophy at Kimmage Senior Scholasticatefrom 1959 to 1961. Following on from this heprefected at Blackrock College between 1961and 1962. He then returned to Kimmage Manorto study theology and was ordained to thepriesthood on 18 December 1965. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate at Kimmage on 2July 1966.

Michael’s first appointment was to Kenya wherefrom 1966 until 1984 he worked in St George’sHigh School, the parishes of Giriama, Taveta,Bamba and at Kwale Junior Seminary. He took asabbatical in 1984 and travelled to the U.S.A.where he attended Duquesne University and wasawarded an M.A. in Education. He returned toKenya in 1986 where he attended to his ministrywith the Carmelite Sisters. However he wasmainly occupied with teaching the ‘theology ofknowledge’ to the international Baccalaureatestudents at St Mary’s College, Nairobi whorespected his dedication to their educational

APRIL

53

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 53

Page 62: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

needs. In fact his thoroughness and attention todetail in all his endeavours was most evident inhis teaching and meticulous study of Swahili.This was acknowledged and greatly appreciatedby the people. However after fourteen years there(thirty two in total) he was forced to finally leaveKenya due to ill health and returned to Ireland inDecember 2000.

Fr Michael’s health further deteriorated after hisreturn home from Kenya and he was diagnosedwith cancer. He died on 23 April 2001 aged sixty-one years. He was buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 26th

COLLETON, Fr Edward1913-2011

Father Edward Colleton (Ted)was born in Dublin on 20 July,1913. He completed hissecondary school education at Blackrock Collegeand made his first profession at Kimmage Manoron 10 September 1933. He prefected atBlackrock and afterwards studied theology inKimmage Manor. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 23 June 1940.

Ted’s first mission appointment was to Kenya in1941 where he was assigned to the vicariate ofZanzibar. He taught at and became principal ofthe secondary school at Lioki. Two years later hetook charge of the entire Lioki mission whichwas one of the largest in the vicariate at the time.He spent part of 1949 doing promotional work inIreland but then returned to Keyna and tookcharge of the large Kiambu mission. When theMau Mau emergency was declared in 1952 hewas asked to become the education officer at theMau Mau detention camp at Athi River. Twoyears later he became chaplain general for all theMau Mau camps. In 1956 the apostolic delegateselected him to be the liaison offer with theKenya government for the catholic churchregarding all non-educational matters, such ashospitals, orphanages and homes for thehandicapped or homeless. He went on a brieffund raising tour in 1962 to the U.S.A. but

became ill which prevented him from returningto Kenya for a few years. He spent this time atBlackrock College as spiritual director andcounsellor. He returned to Kenya in 1968 andwas appointed to the area of Gatundu, outsideNairobi. Following on from this he joined theSpiritan Province of Transcanada and became afund raiser for VICS (Volunteers InternationalChristian Service). In 1983 he accepted theposition of fund raiser for the province. In 1990he was appointed assistant pastor at St Rita’sParish, Woodstock, Ontario and during thisperiod wrote his memoirs.

Ted will be especially remembered for hisdedication to the pro-life movement and his workwith the Campaign Life Coalition. He gavethousands of homilies that preached the ‘cultureof life’, appeared on television and radio andspoke to pro-life and church groups from coastto coast. He was a powerful witness of solidarity,hope, prayer, devotion to the sacraments and therosary. Ted died peacefully on 26 April 2011 atLa Salle Manor, Scarborough where he hadresided since March 2007. He was buried at HolyCross Cemetery, Toronto, Canada.

April 26th

MURPHY, Fr Matthias F.1933-2015

Fr Matthias Murphy (Mattie) wasborn on 13 January 1933 inBandon Co Cork and later movedto Tralee. After completing his secondary schooleducation at Blackrock College, he attended thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed in 1952.He completed a BA in Philosophy and Irish andthen prefected in St Mary’s College, Trinidad forthree years from 1955 until 1958. He thenreturned to Kimmage Manor to study theology.He was ordained in Dublin in July 1961 byArchbishop John Charles McQuaid.

Mattie’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1952 where he taught English language andliterature at St Pius X Secondary School in Ogoniin the diocese of Port Harcourt until the outbreakof the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. After

APRIL

54

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 54

needs. In fact his thoroughness and attention todetail in all his endeavours was most evident inhis teaching and meticulous study of Swahili.This was acknowledged and greatly appreciatedby the people. However after fourteen years there(thirty two in total) he was forced to finally leaveKenya due to ill health and returned to Ireland inDecember 2000.

Fr Michael’s health further deteriorated after hisreturn home from Kenya and he was diagnosedwith cancer. He died on 23 April 2001 aged sixty-one years. He was buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

April 26th

COLLETON, Fr Edward1913-2011

Father Edward Colleton (Ted)was born in Dublin on 20 July,1913. He completed hissecondary school education at Blackrock Collegeand made his first profession at Kimmage Manoron 10 September 1933. He prefected atBlackrock and afterwards studied theology inKimmage Manor. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 23 June 1940.

Ted’s first mission appointment was to Kenya in1941 where he was assigned to the vicariate ofZanzibar. He taught at and became principal ofthe secondary school at Lioki. Two years later hetook charge of the entire Lioki mission whichwas one of the largest in the vicariate at the time.He spent part of 1949 doing promotional work inIreland but then returned to Keyna and tookcharge of the large Kiambu mission. When theMau Mau emergency was declared in 1952 hewas asked to become the education officer at theMau Mau detention camp at Athi River. Twoyears later he became chaplain general for all theMau Mau camps. In 1956 the apostolic delegateselected him to be the liaison offer with theKenya government for the catholic churchregarding all non-educational matters, such ashospitals, orphanages and homes for thehandicapped or homeless. He went on a brieffund raising tour in 1962 to the U.S.A. but

became ill which prevented him from returningto Kenya for a few years. He spent this time atBlackrock College as spiritual director andcounsellor. He returned to Kenya in 1968 andwas appointed to the area of Gatundu, outsideNairobi. Following on from this he joined theSpiritan Province of Transcanada and became afund raiser for VICS (Volunteers InternationalChristian Service). In 1983 he accepted theposition of fund raiser for the province. In 1990he was appointed assistant pastor at St Rita’sParish, Woodstock, Ontario and during thisperiod wrote his memoirs.

Ted will be especially remembered for hisdedication to the pro-life movement and his workwith the Campaign Life Coalition. He gavethousands of homilies that preached the ‘cultureof life’, appeared on television and radio andspoke to pro-life and church groups from coastto coast. He was a powerful witness of solidarity,hope, prayer, devotion to the sacraments and therosary. Ted died peacefully on 26 April 2011 atLa Salle Manor, Scarborough where he hadresided since March 2007. He was buried at HolyCross Cemetery, Toronto, Canada.

April 26th

MURPHY, Fr Matthias F.1933-2015

Fr Matthias Murphy (Mattie) wasborn on 13 January 1933 inBandon Co Cork and later movedto Tralee. After completing his secondary schooleducation at Blackrock College, he attended thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed in 1952.He completed a BA in Philosophy and Irish andthen prefected in St Mary’s College, Trinidad forthree years from 1955 until 1958. He thenreturned to Kimmage Manor to study theology.He was ordained in Dublin in July 1961 byArchbishop John Charles McQuaid.

Mattie’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1952 where he taught English language andliterature at St Pius X Secondary School in Ogoniin the diocese of Port Harcourt until the outbreakof the Nigerian Civil War in the late 1960s. After

APRIL

54

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 54

Page 63: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

a short period ministering in Arundel / Brightonin England, he returned to Ireland. He was re-assigned to West Africa in January 1971,beginning a relationship of over forty years withthe Gambia. Mattie served in Basse andFullabantang before taking up a teaching post atSt Augustine’s High School in the capital,Banjul. He also took on the role of educationsecretary for the diocese as well as director ofradio programmes and in addition to his otherresponsibilities he fulfilled the role of secretaryto the bishop from 1972 to 1975.

He served as Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church(Banjul) for more than thirty years and wasclosely associated with the highly-respected‘Baati Linguere’ church choir. He retired asparish priest in 2010 and was honoured by thecountry’s president by being admitted to theNational Order of the Republic of theGambia. He retired and moved to Kimmage in2013 where he died in Marian House on 26 April2015 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

April 30th

O’SULLIVAN, Fr John L.1924-2012

Fr John O’Sullivan was born inBallydehob, Skibereen, Co Corkon 29 July 1924. Aftercompleting his secondary schooleducation in Rockwell College, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane in 1948 and was professedon 8 September 1949. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and prefected in RockwellCollege from 1951 to 1952. He then studiedtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood on 3 July 1955. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1956.

John’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1956, where he worked in the diocese ofOwerri for the next thirteen years. He thenministered in the diocese of Umuahia at Nsu inSt Columban’s Parish and was parish priest of theImmaculate Conception Parish in Ehime.

Obliged to leave the country in 1970, he servedfor two years in Sierra Leone and then returnedto Ireland.

Following his return to Ireland John acted asbursar in Kilshane from 1972 to 1974 after whichhe taught in Bandon Vocational School and theCork Regional Technical College. In 1977 hewas appointed to St Michael’s Community forone year and then he move on to RockwellCollege until 1981. After a short period in LongIsland City, New York, John was appointedcurate in Caheragh Parish, Bantry where heserved from 1983 until 1986. From 1987 until1990 he alternated between the Kimmage andArdbraccan communities. In 1991 he wasappointed to St Peter & Paul’s Presbytery in CorkCity where his ministry is fondly remembered byparishioners and clergy alike. John diedpeacefully on 30 April 2012 in Tallaght Hospital,Dublin and was buried in the communitycemetery at Rockwell College.

April 30th

DOYLE, Fr John B1937-2014

Fr John B Doyle (JB) was bornon Sundrive Road, Crumlin,Dublin on 5 August 1937. Heattended primary school in CBSDonore Avenue and completed his secondaryschool education in Blackrock College. Heentered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane wherehe was professed in 1956. After being awarded aB.Sc. by UCD in 1959, JB began his seniorseminary studies in Kimmage Manor and wasthen sent to the University of Fribourg inSwitzerland, where he earned an S.T.L. in 1965.He was ordained to the priesthood in Dublin inJuly 1964.

JB’s first appointment was to Nigeria. He workedin education initially and in 1968 becameprofessor of moral theology in the Holy GhostHouse of Studies in Isienu. During the civil warhe was field liaison officer for French andGerman relief agencies. He was deported at theend of the war and returned to Dublin where he

APRIL

55

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 55

a short period ministering in Arundel / Brightonin England, he returned to Ireland. He was re-assigned to West Africa in January 1971,beginning a relationship of over forty years withthe Gambia. Mattie served in Basse andFullabantang before taking up a teaching post atSt Augustine’s High School in the capital,Banjul. He also took on the role of educationsecretary for the diocese as well as director ofradio programmes and in addition to his otherresponsibilities he fulfilled the role of secretaryto the bishop from 1972 to 1975.

He served as Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church(Banjul) for more than thirty years and wasclosely associated with the highly-respected‘Baati Linguere’ church choir. He retired asparish priest in 2010 and was honoured by thecountry’s president by being admitted to theNational Order of the Republic of theGambia. He retired and moved to Kimmage in2013 where he died in Marian House on 26 April2015 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

April 30th

O’SULLIVAN, Fr John L.1924-2012

Fr John O’Sullivan was born inBallydehob, Skibereen, Co Corkon 29 July 1924. Aftercompleting his secondary schooleducation in Rockwell College, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane in 1948 and was professedon 8 September 1949. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and prefected in RockwellCollege from 1951 to 1952. He then studiedtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood on 3 July 1955. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1956.

John’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1956, where he worked in the diocese ofOwerri for the next thirteen years. He thenministered in the diocese of Umuahia at Nsu inSt Columban’s Parish and was parish priest of theImmaculate Conception Parish in Ehime.

Obliged to leave the country in 1970, he servedfor two years in Sierra Leone and then returnedto Ireland.

Following his return to Ireland John acted asbursar in Kilshane from 1972 to 1974 after whichhe taught in Bandon Vocational School and theCork Regional Technical College. In 1977 hewas appointed to St Michael’s Community forone year and then he move on to RockwellCollege until 1981. After a short period in LongIsland City, New York, John was appointedcurate in Caheragh Parish, Bantry where heserved from 1983 until 1986. From 1987 until1990 he alternated between the Kimmage andArdbraccan communities. In 1991 he wasappointed to St Peter & Paul’s Presbytery in CorkCity where his ministry is fondly remembered byparishioners and clergy alike. John diedpeacefully on 30 April 2012 in Tallaght Hospital,Dublin and was buried in the communitycemetery at Rockwell College.

April 30th

DOYLE, Fr John B1937-2014

Fr John B Doyle (JB) was bornon Sundrive Road, Crumlin,Dublin on 5 August 1937. Heattended primary school in CBSDonore Avenue and completed his secondaryschool education in Blackrock College. Heentered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane wherehe was professed in 1956. After being awarded aB.Sc. by UCD in 1959, JB began his seniorseminary studies in Kimmage Manor and wasthen sent to the University of Fribourg inSwitzerland, where he earned an S.T.L. in 1965.He was ordained to the priesthood in Dublin inJuly 1964.

JB’s first appointment was to Nigeria. He workedin education initially and in 1968 becameprofessor of moral theology in the Holy GhostHouse of Studies in Isienu. During the civil warhe was field liaison officer for French andGerman relief agencies. He was deported at theend of the war and returned to Dublin where he

APRIL

55

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 55

Page 64: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

was appointed director of theology in KimmageManor and also served as a member of theProvincial Council. In 1974 JB was appointed toBrazil as assistant pastor in Paróquia SãoSebastião in Suzano. His ministry there wasmostly pastoral and he was made superior of thedistrict of Brazil South West for six years from1980 until 1986. For the following ten years JBwas pastor, firstly in Paróquia Nossa SenhoraAparecida, Rolim de Moura and then Paroquiada Catedral São João Bosco, Ji-Paraná.

However JB struggled with the tropical climateso much so that he moved to Germany in 1997.There he became chaplain in University Hospital,

Rostock with three subsidiary roles: prisonchaplain, chaplain to the deaf, and chaplain to theCaritas Mother-Child Rehabilitation House.Later he was appointed superior of the SpiritanCommunity in Rostock and became a member ofthe German Provincial Council. Returning toIreland in 2009, JB was appointed to Kimmagebefore becoming community leader in St Mary’sCollege in 2011 and provincial bursar in 2012.He resigned from this post due to ill health in late2014. He moved to Marian House nursing homein early April 2015 where he died on 30 April,2015 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

APRIL

56

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 56

was appointed director of theology in KimmageManor and also served as a member of theProvincial Council. In 1974 JB was appointed toBrazil as assistant pastor in Paróquia SãoSebastião in Suzano. His ministry there wasmostly pastoral and he was made superior of thedistrict of Brazil South West for six years from1980 until 1986. For the following ten years JBwas pastor, firstly in Paróquia Nossa SenhoraAparecida, Rolim de Moura and then Paroquiada Catedral São João Bosco, Ji-Paraná.

However JB struggled with the tropical climateso much so that he moved to Germany in 1997.There he became chaplain in University Hospital,

Rostock with three subsidiary roles: prisonchaplain, chaplain to the deaf, and chaplain to theCaritas Mother-Child Rehabilitation House.Later he was appointed superior of the SpiritanCommunity in Rostock and became a member ofthe German Provincial Council. Returning toIreland in 2009, JB was appointed to Kimmagebefore becoming community leader in St Mary’sCollege in 2011 and provincial bursar in 2012.He resigned from this post due to ill health in late2014. He moved to Marian House nursing homein early April 2015 where he died on 30 April,2015 and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

APRIL

56

April Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:09 Page 56

Page 65: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

May 1st

McCARTHY, Fr Charles Aloysius1923-2017

Fr Charles McCarthy was bornon 9 December 1923 inReendesert, Bantry, Co Cork. He completed hissecondary school education at Rockwell College.In 1942 he entered the Spiritan novitiate atKilshane and made his first profession on 8September 1943. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D in 1948. Following on from this heprefected at Rockwell College from 1944 to1946. He returned to Kimmage Manor to studytheology. He was ordained to the priesthood on15 July 1951.

Charles’ first mission appointment was to theIndian Ocean island of Mauritius in 1952. Hetaught English and literature, Religion and Artthere in the Collège du St Saint Esprit for sixyears. The future Bishop Denis Wiehe andCardinal Maurice Piat were among his students.He transferred to Kenya in 1959 and wasappointed to the teaching staff of St Mary’sSchool, Nairobi where he taught English andFrench in the senior school. During his time therehe was also involved in working with the boyschoir and the debating society and did weekendministry at Mount Carmel Convent. He wrote ofhaving made wonderful lifelong friends both inKenya and Mauritius and made visits back toboth countries later in life. In 1968 he returnedto Ireland to complete a H. Dip. Ed. and he taughtat St Mary’s College, Rathmines and StMichael’s College. Charles went to the USA in1974 beginning an association, of just under fortyyears, with the Spiritans’ Long IslandCommunity. He was appointed pastor to theparish of St Joseph’s, Pekin followed by SacredHeart, Rock Island both of which are in thediocese of Peoria, Illinois. In 1980 he wasappointed administrator of St Mary’s Parish inLoretto and Sacred Heart Parish in Campus. Hisfinal appointment was to Leonore and EagleTownship in 1988.

Fr Charles returned to Ireland in 2014 and wasappointed to the Kimmage Community some

seventy years after he had first been a studentthere. He died on 1 May, 2017 aged ninety-threeyears and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

May 2nd

O’DWYER, Fr Timothy1917-2007

Fr Timothy O’Dwyer (Tadgh)was born in Rathkea, CoTipperary, on 12 December 1917.After working in the civil service for a numberof years he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1948 and was professed the following year on 8September. Tadgh was awarded a B.A. degree byU.C.D. in 1947, the H.Dip in education in 1951and he studied theology in Kimmage Manorfrom 1951 until 1955. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 3 July 1955 and Consecrated to theApostolate on 31 July 1955.

Tadgh’s first appointment was to Onitsha,Nigeria in 1955 where he worked as a teacher inthe teacher training colleges in Achina andEmene until 1959. In 1960 he switched fromeducation to pastoral ministry and after a shorttime at the Onitsha Cathedral he served at Aku,near Nsukka for five years and then two years atAffa, near Enugu. He left in October 1967,during the civil war to work for a year in a parishin New Orleans, USA. He returned to Nigeria in1969 and worked as a pastor at Aji, near Nsukka.The following year Tadgh was appointed to thediocese of Makurdi where he taught first atOgbokolo College and then at St Thomas for fouryears. In late 1974 he was assigned to Abwawhere he worked as pastor for sixteen years.After a brief illness he returned and wasappointed to Agagbe and then worked as pastorat St Peter & Paul, Aliade.

In 1996 Tadgh moved to the Rural TrainingCentre, Abwa, as an assistant and co-pastor in theparish. He remained in this position in activeretirement. Every year when Tadgh was home onleave he was offered a place in mission house,Dublin, to retire where he would have thecomforts of modern life, but each time he

MAY

57

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 57

May 1st

McCARTHY, Fr Charles Aloysius1923-2017

Fr Charles McCarthy was bornon 9 December 1923 inReendesert, Bantry, Co Cork. He completed hissecondary school education at Rockwell College.In 1942 he entered the Spiritan novitiate atKilshane and made his first profession on 8September 1943. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D in 1948. Following on from this heprefected at Rockwell College from 1944 to1946. He returned to Kimmage Manor to studytheology. He was ordained to the priesthood on15 July 1951.

Charles’ first mission appointment was to theIndian Ocean island of Mauritius in 1952. Hetaught English and literature, Religion and Artthere in the Collège du St Saint Esprit for sixyears. The future Bishop Denis Wiehe andCardinal Maurice Piat were among his students.He transferred to Kenya in 1959 and wasappointed to the teaching staff of St Mary’sSchool, Nairobi where he taught English andFrench in the senior school. During his time therehe was also involved in working with the boyschoir and the debating society and did weekendministry at Mount Carmel Convent. He wrote ofhaving made wonderful lifelong friends both inKenya and Mauritius and made visits back toboth countries later in life. In 1968 he returnedto Ireland to complete a H. Dip. Ed. and he taughtat St Mary’s College, Rathmines and StMichael’s College. Charles went to the USA in1974 beginning an association, of just under fortyyears, with the Spiritans’ Long IslandCommunity. He was appointed pastor to theparish of St Joseph’s, Pekin followed by SacredHeart, Rock Island both of which are in thediocese of Peoria, Illinois. In 1980 he wasappointed administrator of St Mary’s Parish inLoretto and Sacred Heart Parish in Campus. Hisfinal appointment was to Leonore and EagleTownship in 1988.

Fr Charles returned to Ireland in 2014 and wasappointed to the Kimmage Community some

seventy years after he had first been a studentthere. He died on 1 May, 2017 aged ninety-threeyears and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

May 2nd

O’DWYER, Fr Timothy1917-2007

Fr Timothy O’Dwyer (Tadgh)was born in Rathkea, CoTipperary, on 12 December 1917.After working in the civil service for a numberof years he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1948 and was professed the following year on 8September. Tadgh was awarded a B.A. degree byU.C.D. in 1947, the H.Dip in education in 1951and he studied theology in Kimmage Manorfrom 1951 until 1955. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 3 July 1955 and Consecrated to theApostolate on 31 July 1955.

Tadgh’s first appointment was to Onitsha,Nigeria in 1955 where he worked as a teacher inthe teacher training colleges in Achina andEmene until 1959. In 1960 he switched fromeducation to pastoral ministry and after a shorttime at the Onitsha Cathedral he served at Aku,near Nsukka for five years and then two years atAffa, near Enugu. He left in October 1967,during the civil war to work for a year in a parishin New Orleans, USA. He returned to Nigeria in1969 and worked as a pastor at Aji, near Nsukka.The following year Tadgh was appointed to thediocese of Makurdi where he taught first atOgbokolo College and then at St Thomas for fouryears. In late 1974 he was assigned to Abwawhere he worked as pastor for sixteen years.After a brief illness he returned and wasappointed to Agagbe and then worked as pastorat St Peter & Paul, Aliade.

In 1996 Tadgh moved to the Rural TrainingCentre, Abwa, as an assistant and co-pastor in theparish. He remained in this position in activeretirement. Every year when Tadgh was home onleave he was offered a place in mission house,Dublin, to retire where he would have thecomforts of modern life, but each time he

MAY

57

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 57

Page 66: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

returned to his beloved Nigeria where hisgentleness touched the hearts of many. Fr Tadghdied on 2 May 2007 at the Bishop MurrayHospital, Makurdi, Nigeria, following a shortillness and was buried in the Spiritan Cemetery,Aliade.

May 3rd

COSTELLOE, Fr William1924-2001

Fr William Costello (Bill) wasborn in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo on17 April 1924. He attended StJarlath’s College, Tuam, Co Galway. It was therethat a visiting priest, Fr Bertie Farrell CSSp hadsuch an impact when he spoke on the vocationfor the foreign missions, that seven studentsdecided to enter the novitiate in Kilshane inSeptember 1943. Bill made his first profession in1944. Following this, he attended philosophyclasses in UCD where he was envied in that hehad a wonderful facility for transcribing thelectures word for word when others had difficultyin catching the speaker’s voice, and he was alsonoted for his extraordinary memory. On beingawarded a B.A. he prefected for one year atRockwell College, 1947-8. He was ordained tothe priesthood on 15 July 1951 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1952at Kimmage Manor.

Bill was appointed the following year to theGambia. He taught at St Augustine’s HighSchool, Banjul (formerly Bathust) until 1959 andthen in Basse until 1963. He was then transferredto Kenya where he served at Nairobi, Ngararigaand Kilimambogo until 1969. In 1970 he wasappointed to the USA where he ministered in SanFrancisco and then Rochford, Illinois. Hesubsequently went to the Long IslandCommunity and remained there until 1990.

Due to ill health Fr Bill returned to Ireland wherehe was cared for in Marian House until his deathon 3 May 2001. He was buried in the Spiritanplot in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 3rd

DEVINE, Fr James1936-2009

Fr James Devine (Jimmy) wasborn in Ahascragh, Ballinasloe,Co Galway, on 22 August 1936.After completing his secondary school educationin Blackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1954 and was professed on 8September 1955. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and prefected for one year thereand also in Blackrock College between 1958 and1959. He returned to Kimmage to study theology,1959-63. Jimmy was ordained to the priesthoodon 29 September 1962 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 13 July 1963.

Jimmy’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1963 where he ministered in the Enugu Diocese.He went to the U.S.A. in 1968 and worked inparish ministry in the New York area for threeyears and was then assigned to Malawi in 1971.From 1977 until 1981 he was back in Ireland,working on the promotions team. Following thishe returned to Malawi where he resumed hisministry. In July 1994 Jimmy was appointedprincipal superior of the district of South Africaand at the end of that year he was also appointedmajor superior of the South Central AfricanFoundation (SCAF). In 1998 his mandate asprincipal superior of South African district wasrenewed for a further three years.

Following his return to Ireland during 2001Jimmy continued his work with the promotionsteam while also serving as chaplain toClonskeagh Hospital. He attended his patientsthere with a cheerful redeeming presence andcompassion. He died on 3 May 2009 in MarionHouse, Kimmage Manor. Fr Jimmy was buriedin Ahascragh Cemetery, Ballinasloe, Galway.

MAY

58

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 58

returned to his beloved Nigeria where hisgentleness touched the hearts of many. Fr Tadghdied on 2 May 2007 at the Bishop MurrayHospital, Makurdi, Nigeria, following a shortillness and was buried in the Spiritan Cemetery,Aliade.

May 3rd

COSTELLOE, Fr William1924-2001

Fr William Costello (Bill) wasborn in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo on17 April 1924. He attended StJarlath’s College, Tuam, Co Galway. It was therethat a visiting priest, Fr Bertie Farrell CSSp hadsuch an impact when he spoke on the vocationfor the foreign missions, that seven studentsdecided to enter the novitiate in Kilshane inSeptember 1943. Bill made his first profession in1944. Following this, he attended philosophyclasses in UCD where he was envied in that hehad a wonderful facility for transcribing thelectures word for word when others had difficultyin catching the speaker’s voice, and he was alsonoted for his extraordinary memory. On beingawarded a B.A. he prefected for one year atRockwell College, 1947-8. He was ordained tothe priesthood on 15 July 1951 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1952at Kimmage Manor.

Bill was appointed the following year to theGambia. He taught at St Augustine’s HighSchool, Banjul (formerly Bathust) until 1959 andthen in Basse until 1963. He was then transferredto Kenya where he served at Nairobi, Ngararigaand Kilimambogo until 1969. In 1970 he wasappointed to the USA where he ministered in SanFrancisco and then Rochford, Illinois. Hesubsequently went to the Long IslandCommunity and remained there until 1990.

Due to ill health Fr Bill returned to Ireland wherehe was cared for in Marian House until his deathon 3 May 2001. He was buried in the Spiritanplot in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 3rd

DEVINE, Fr James1936-2009

Fr James Devine (Jimmy) wasborn in Ahascragh, Ballinasloe,Co Galway, on 22 August 1936.After completing his secondary school educationin Blackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1954 and was professed on 8September 1955. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and prefected for one year thereand also in Blackrock College between 1958 and1959. He returned to Kimmage to study theology,1959-63. Jimmy was ordained to the priesthoodon 29 September 1962 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 13 July 1963.

Jimmy’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1963 where he ministered in the Enugu Diocese.He went to the U.S.A. in 1968 and worked inparish ministry in the New York area for threeyears and was then assigned to Malawi in 1971.From 1977 until 1981 he was back in Ireland,working on the promotions team. Following thishe returned to Malawi where he resumed hisministry. In July 1994 Jimmy was appointedprincipal superior of the district of South Africaand at the end of that year he was also appointedmajor superior of the South Central AfricanFoundation (SCAF). In 1998 his mandate asprincipal superior of South African district wasrenewed for a further three years.

Following his return to Ireland during 2001Jimmy continued his work with the promotionsteam while also serving as chaplain toClonskeagh Hospital. He attended his patientsthere with a cheerful redeeming presence andcompassion. He died on 3 May 2009 in MarionHouse, Kimmage Manor. Fr Jimmy was buriedin Ahascragh Cemetery, Ballinasloe, Galway.

MAY

58

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 58

Page 67: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

May 5th

DUNNE, Fr James Patrick 1928-2013

Fr James Dunne (Jimmy) wasborn on 10 August 1928 inRathangan, Co Kildare. He completed hissecondary school education in the juniorscholasticate at Blackrock College. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1949. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and was awardeda B.A. by U.C.D. in 1952. He prefected atRockwell College between 1952 and 1954. Hethen returned to Kimmage to study theology.Jimmy was ordained to the priesthood on 14 July1957 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 1 August 1958.

Jimmy’s first mission appointment was to theOwerri district of Nigeria in 1958. He taught atSt Peter Claver’s junior seminary in Okpala,which at that time had over two hundredstudents. He then taught at the Spiritan JuniorSeminary in Ihiala, which enrolled nearly onehundred and fifty boys. In 1968 he left Nigeriadue to the escalation in the Biafran conflict. Hewas assigned to the U.S.A. where he served inNiagara Falls, New York and Covington,Kentucky. In July 1971 he moved to Canada andwas assigned to the Holy Rosary Parish inGuelph. This was followed by an appointment aspastor of St Joseph’s Parish, Highland Creek. InAugust of 1983 he moved to St Rita’s Parish inWoodstock.

In 1998 Jimmy went into semi-retirement and hebecame priest in residence at St Bernard’s Parishin Waterford, Ontario. Much loved by hisparishioners, and not wanting him to be replaced,they supported him until he finally retired to theLaval Community, Toronto in March 2011. FrJimmy died on 5 May 2013 and was buried inHoly Cross Cemetery, Toronto.

May 5th

FLEMING, Fr Peter 1930-2006

Fr Peter Fleming (Pete) was bornon 20 October 1930 at SouthCircular Road, Kilmainham,Dublin. He completed his secondary schooleducation at C.B.S. Synge Street. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1950. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and was awardeda B.A. by U.C.D. in 1953. An accomplished andtalented musician he was awarded the A.R.I.A.Mby the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 1952and L.T.C.L. by Trinity College, London in 1954.He prefected at Rockwell College between 1953and 1955 before returning to Kimmage to studytheology. Pete was ordained to the priesthood on13 July 1958 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1959.

Pete’s first mission appointment was to Canadain 1959. He was appointed initially to a teachingposition at the Neil McNeil School. He wasappointed vice principal of this school in 1965for a four year period. Conditions at the schoolcould be challenging because in the absence of aresidence, the confrères lived in the school;sharing cubicles in converted classrooms.Nonetheless despite such difficulties hisroommates said Pete’s musical ability togetherwith his willingness to share his talent led tomany a lively get together which lifted theirspirits. Music was an integral part of Pete’s lifeand career and this was evidenced by hisfoundation of the Irish Choral Society ofToronto, an adult choir which he later took toMontreal’s Expo 67 and also to Ireland thefollowing year. He retired from Neil McNeil in1991 yet maintained his educational connectionsas a chaplain with the Toronto Catholic DistrictSchool Board.

In 1994 he began a new career when he acceptedan appointment as associate pastor of St Joseph’sParish, West Hill. He had been a weekend musicdirector there since 1971. He became pastor ofthis church in 2001 and inherited the choir whichhe trained to a professional standard. Although

MAY

59

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 59

May 5th

DUNNE, Fr James Patrick 1928-2013

Fr James Dunne (Jimmy) wasborn on 10 August 1928 inRathangan, Co Kildare. He completed hissecondary school education in the juniorscholasticate at Blackrock College. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1949. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and was awardeda B.A. by U.C.D. in 1952. He prefected atRockwell College between 1952 and 1954. Hethen returned to Kimmage to study theology.Jimmy was ordained to the priesthood on 14 July1957 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 1 August 1958.

Jimmy’s first mission appointment was to theOwerri district of Nigeria in 1958. He taught atSt Peter Claver’s junior seminary in Okpala,which at that time had over two hundredstudents. He then taught at the Spiritan JuniorSeminary in Ihiala, which enrolled nearly onehundred and fifty boys. In 1968 he left Nigeriadue to the escalation in the Biafran conflict. Hewas assigned to the U.S.A. where he served inNiagara Falls, New York and Covington,Kentucky. In July 1971 he moved to Canada andwas assigned to the Holy Rosary Parish inGuelph. This was followed by an appointment aspastor of St Joseph’s Parish, Highland Creek. InAugust of 1983 he moved to St Rita’s Parish inWoodstock.

In 1998 Jimmy went into semi-retirement and hebecame priest in residence at St Bernard’s Parishin Waterford, Ontario. Much loved by hisparishioners, and not wanting him to be replaced,they supported him until he finally retired to theLaval Community, Toronto in March 2011. FrJimmy died on 5 May 2013 and was buried inHoly Cross Cemetery, Toronto.

May 5th

FLEMING, Fr Peter 1930-2006

Fr Peter Fleming (Pete) was bornon 20 October 1930 at SouthCircular Road, Kilmainham,Dublin. He completed his secondary schooleducation at C.B.S. Synge Street. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1950. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and was awardeda B.A. by U.C.D. in 1953. An accomplished andtalented musician he was awarded the A.R.I.A.Mby the Royal Irish Academy of Music in 1952and L.T.C.L. by Trinity College, London in 1954.He prefected at Rockwell College between 1953and 1955 before returning to Kimmage to studytheology. Pete was ordained to the priesthood on13 July 1958 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1959.

Pete’s first mission appointment was to Canadain 1959. He was appointed initially to a teachingposition at the Neil McNeil School. He wasappointed vice principal of this school in 1965for a four year period. Conditions at the schoolcould be challenging because in the absence of aresidence, the confrères lived in the school;sharing cubicles in converted classrooms.Nonetheless despite such difficulties hisroommates said Pete’s musical ability togetherwith his willingness to share his talent led tomany a lively get together which lifted theirspirits. Music was an integral part of Pete’s lifeand career and this was evidenced by hisfoundation of the Irish Choral Society ofToronto, an adult choir which he later took toMontreal’s Expo 67 and also to Ireland thefollowing year. He retired from Neil McNeil in1991 yet maintained his educational connectionsas a chaplain with the Toronto Catholic DistrictSchool Board.

In 1994 he began a new career when he acceptedan appointment as associate pastor of St Joseph’sParish, West Hill. He had been a weekend musicdirector there since 1971. He became pastor ofthis church in 2001 and inherited the choir whichhe trained to a professional standard. Although

MAY

59

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 59

Page 68: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Fr Pete’s health had been in decline for severalmonths he died unexpectedly on 5 May 2006aged seventy-five years. He was buried at HolyCross Cemetery, Toronto following requiemmass at which the choir he had trained sung inhis honour

May 7th

DUNNE, Fr Patrick Joseph1922-2009

Fr Patrick Dunne (Pat) was bornin Sallins, Co Kildare, on 30March 1922. After completing his secondaryeducation in St Kevin’s, Enniskerry, he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane in 1942 and wasprofessed on 4 October 1943. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and thenprefected for one year in Blackrock College,1945-6, after which he returned to Kimmage tostudy theology. Pat was ordained to thepriesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

Pat’s mission appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria, in 1950 but on medical advicehis departure was delayed for one year, which hespent doing pastoral work in England. He wentto Nigeria in 1951 where he worked as a curatein Achina. From there he went to Dunokofiawhere he took charge of the parish as well asseveral schools.

In 1968 Pat returned to Ireland where he servedas chaplain in the Mater Hospital. He wasappointed to Kenya in 1970 where he worked forthe next twenty years. In his own gentle,unassuming way he worked in the parishes ofThinganga and Thigio where he encouragedpeople to start projects in the parish compoundand in their own homes. In addition to this hebuilt a church and a hall for the youth of the area.He was known for his simplicity, his humilityand his deep prayer.

He was appointed to the diocese of Kildare andLeighlin in 1990 where he ministered in Killeigh

and then in Clonbullogue, Co Offaly. Fr Pat diedsuddenly on 7 May 2009 in Tullamore Hospital,Co Offaly. His removal and funeral Mass werein the Sacred Heart Church, Clonbullogue and hewas buried in the Spiritan plot, DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 9th

DEMPSEY, Fr Aloysius P.1914-2006

Fr Aloysius Dempsey (Alo) wasborn in Cadamstown, Birr, CoOffaly, on 7 August 1914. After he completed hissecondary school education at the juniorscholasticate in Rockwell College he entered thenovitiate in Kimmage Manor where he made hisfirst profession on 10 September 1933. Afterstudying philosophy in Kimmage, he prefectedfor two years in Blackrock College, 1935-7. Alothen studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on 23 June 1940and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on17 June 1941.

Later in 1941, Alo was appointed to the novitiatein Kilshane. From 1944 until 1947 he servedwith the British Royal Air Force as chaplain. Hewas assigned to a Polish squadron and served invarious areas including France, Belgium andHolland. In August of 1947, he was appointed toNigeria to the diocese of Owerri where hebecame engaged in evangelisation and pastoralministry for two decades. He worked in theparishes of Urualla, Ahiara, St Paul’s Owerri andOkpala. Early in the Biafran War, in 1967, he leftNigeria and went to the U.S.A. where he joinedthe Irish Spiritans of Long Island City, doingparochial ministry in the New York area andpromotional work all over the United States; ashe himself once wrote “from Portland Oregon toPortland Maine, from Canada to Mexico”. Hecontinued driving, preaching and collecting fortwenty-eight years until he retired back toMission House in Kimmage in 1995 aged 82.

Gifted with a warm, sincere, outgoingpersonality, Alo loved his priesthood and

MAY

60

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 60

Fr Pete’s health had been in decline for severalmonths he died unexpectedly on 5 May 2006aged seventy-five years. He was buried at HolyCross Cemetery, Toronto following requiemmass at which the choir he had trained sung inhis honour

May 7th

DUNNE, Fr Patrick Joseph1922-2009

Fr Patrick Dunne (Pat) was bornin Sallins, Co Kildare, on 30March 1922. After completing his secondaryeducation in St Kevin’s, Enniskerry, he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane in 1942 and wasprofessed on 4 October 1943. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and thenprefected for one year in Blackrock College,1945-6, after which he returned to Kimmage tostudy theology. Pat was ordained to thepriesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

Pat’s mission appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria, in 1950 but on medical advicehis departure was delayed for one year, which hespent doing pastoral work in England. He wentto Nigeria in 1951 where he worked as a curatein Achina. From there he went to Dunokofiawhere he took charge of the parish as well asseveral schools.

In 1968 Pat returned to Ireland where he servedas chaplain in the Mater Hospital. He wasappointed to Kenya in 1970 where he worked forthe next twenty years. In his own gentle,unassuming way he worked in the parishes ofThinganga and Thigio where he encouragedpeople to start projects in the parish compoundand in their own homes. In addition to this hebuilt a church and a hall for the youth of the area.He was known for his simplicity, his humilityand his deep prayer.

He was appointed to the diocese of Kildare andLeighlin in 1990 where he ministered in Killeigh

and then in Clonbullogue, Co Offaly. Fr Pat diedsuddenly on 7 May 2009 in Tullamore Hospital,Co Offaly. His removal and funeral Mass werein the Sacred Heart Church, Clonbullogue and hewas buried in the Spiritan plot, DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 9th

DEMPSEY, Fr Aloysius P.1914-2006

Fr Aloysius Dempsey (Alo) wasborn in Cadamstown, Birr, CoOffaly, on 7 August 1914. After he completed hissecondary school education at the juniorscholasticate in Rockwell College he entered thenovitiate in Kimmage Manor where he made hisfirst profession on 10 September 1933. Afterstudying philosophy in Kimmage, he prefectedfor two years in Blackrock College, 1935-7. Alothen studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on 23 June 1940and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on17 June 1941.

Later in 1941, Alo was appointed to the novitiatein Kilshane. From 1944 until 1947 he servedwith the British Royal Air Force as chaplain. Hewas assigned to a Polish squadron and served invarious areas including France, Belgium andHolland. In August of 1947, he was appointed toNigeria to the diocese of Owerri where hebecame engaged in evangelisation and pastoralministry for two decades. He worked in theparishes of Urualla, Ahiara, St Paul’s Owerri andOkpala. Early in the Biafran War, in 1967, he leftNigeria and went to the U.S.A. where he joinedthe Irish Spiritans of Long Island City, doingparochial ministry in the New York area andpromotional work all over the United States; ashe himself once wrote “from Portland Oregon toPortland Maine, from Canada to Mexico”. Hecontinued driving, preaching and collecting fortwenty-eight years until he retired back toMission House in Kimmage in 1995 aged 82.

Gifted with a warm, sincere, outgoingpersonality, Alo loved his priesthood and

MAY

60

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 60

Page 69: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

cherished his missionary vocation and the life hehad chosen. A larger than life personality he wasknown to use his right fist to a person’s shoulderto emphasis a point to great effect. For the nextten years Alo had a very active retirement andwas kept busy with letter writing to all his manyfriends, relations and benefactors. In the earlypart of 2006 when he needed greater care hemoved to Marian House where he died on 9 May2006. Fr Alo was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 11th

WALKER, Fr Breifne1947-2009

Fr Breifne Walker was born inDublin on 16 May 1947 and grewup in Bray, Co Wicklow. Aftercompleting his secondary education in BlackrockCollege, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1964 and was professed on 8 September 1965.Breifne studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand completed a B.A. (Hons.) degree in U.C.D.in 1969. He was awarded an M.A. in history in1972. He prefected in Rockwell between 1972and 1973, after which he returned to Kimmageto study theology. He was awarded a B.D. fromMaynooth in 1976. Breifne was ordained to thepriesthood in Kimmage by Bishop JosephWhelan on 13 June 1976.

Breifne’s first appointment was to Ghana in 1977and he worked in pastoral ministry there until1979. He then returned to Ireland and wasappointed to the prison chaplaincy team ofMountjoy prison, Dublin, a post he held until1982. It was there he developed a keen awarenessof the needs and rights of prisoners. Breifne thenundertook further studies and was awarded aPh.D. in moral theology by Trinity College in1989. In 1990 he was appointed lecturer andformator at the Spiritan International School ofTheology (SIST) in Attakwu, Enugu, Nigeria.

A deep and innovative thinker, his theology wasinformed by his conviction that the place for theChristian was with those on the margins ofsociety, those who had no voice and those whose

fortunes were compromised by injustice. Asteacher and mentor, Breifne was greatlyrespected and loved by students and staff. Asscholar and outspoken advocate of human rightsat home and abroad, he was quick to championthe cause of the oppressed with courage andconviction. He was actively involved with theIrish campaign for nuclear disarmament,Amnesty International, the Anti-ApartheidMovement, the Irish Commission for PrisonersOverseas and campaigns for the victims ofmiscarriages of justice.

Following his return to Ireland, Breifne pursuedfurther research, while teaching part-time at theKimmage Mission Institute. He was a valuedmember of the formation team and served as theprovincial delegate for mission appointments toIreland. Fr Breifne died, after a short illness, on11 May 2009 in Marian House, Kimmage, andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 12th

DUGGAN, Fr James1930-2016

Fr James Duggan (Jimmy) wasborn on 28 April, 1930 inCasheliskey, Clonakilty, Co Corkand completed his education at St Mary’sCollege, Clonakilty from 1942 to 1947. Heentered Kilshane in 1947 and was professed thefollowing year before moving to KimmageManor to study philosophy. He prefected inRockwell College, 1950-3 before returning toKimmage to study theology.

Ordained on 15 July, 1956 in Clonliffe Collegeby Archbishop John Charles McQuaid, Jimmywas appointed to Kimmage Manor the followingyear where he worked in the promotions office,going on to serve as its director from 1974 to1980.

Jimmy moved to Rockwell College in 1980where he became dean of the Catering Schooluntil 1985 and director of Camp Rockwell. Hethen served for a number of years as curate in theparish of Kilcrohane, Bantry in the diocese of

MAY

61

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 61

cherished his missionary vocation and the life hehad chosen. A larger than life personality he wasknown to use his right fist to a person’s shoulderto emphasis a point to great effect. For the nextten years Alo had a very active retirement andwas kept busy with letter writing to all his manyfriends, relations and benefactors. In the earlypart of 2006 when he needed greater care hemoved to Marian House where he died on 9 May2006. Fr Alo was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 11th

WALKER, Fr Breifne1947-2009

Fr Breifne Walker was born inDublin on 16 May 1947 and grewup in Bray, Co Wicklow. Aftercompleting his secondary education in BlackrockCollege, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1964 and was professed on 8 September 1965.Breifne studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand completed a B.A. (Hons.) degree in U.C.D.in 1969. He was awarded an M.A. in history in1972. He prefected in Rockwell between 1972and 1973, after which he returned to Kimmageto study theology. He was awarded a B.D. fromMaynooth in 1976. Breifne was ordained to thepriesthood in Kimmage by Bishop JosephWhelan on 13 June 1976.

Breifne’s first appointment was to Ghana in 1977and he worked in pastoral ministry there until1979. He then returned to Ireland and wasappointed to the prison chaplaincy team ofMountjoy prison, Dublin, a post he held until1982. It was there he developed a keen awarenessof the needs and rights of prisoners. Breifne thenundertook further studies and was awarded aPh.D. in moral theology by Trinity College in1989. In 1990 he was appointed lecturer andformator at the Spiritan International School ofTheology (SIST) in Attakwu, Enugu, Nigeria.

A deep and innovative thinker, his theology wasinformed by his conviction that the place for theChristian was with those on the margins ofsociety, those who had no voice and those whose

fortunes were compromised by injustice. Asteacher and mentor, Breifne was greatlyrespected and loved by students and staff. Asscholar and outspoken advocate of human rightsat home and abroad, he was quick to championthe cause of the oppressed with courage andconviction. He was actively involved with theIrish campaign for nuclear disarmament,Amnesty International, the Anti-ApartheidMovement, the Irish Commission for PrisonersOverseas and campaigns for the victims ofmiscarriages of justice.

Following his return to Ireland, Breifne pursuedfurther research, while teaching part-time at theKimmage Mission Institute. He was a valuedmember of the formation team and served as theprovincial delegate for mission appointments toIreland. Fr Breifne died, after a short illness, on11 May 2009 in Marian House, Kimmage, andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 12th

DUGGAN, Fr James1930-2016

Fr James Duggan (Jimmy) wasborn on 28 April, 1930 inCasheliskey, Clonakilty, Co Corkand completed his education at St Mary’sCollege, Clonakilty from 1942 to 1947. Heentered Kilshane in 1947 and was professed thefollowing year before moving to KimmageManor to study philosophy. He prefected inRockwell College, 1950-3 before returning toKimmage to study theology.

Ordained on 15 July, 1956 in Clonliffe Collegeby Archbishop John Charles McQuaid, Jimmywas appointed to Kimmage Manor the followingyear where he worked in the promotions office,going on to serve as its director from 1974 to1980.

Jimmy moved to Rockwell College in 1980where he became dean of the Catering Schooluntil 1985 and director of Camp Rockwell. Hethen served for a number of years as curate in theparish of Kilcrohane, Bantry in the diocese of

MAY

61

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 61

Page 70: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Cork and Ross. He was appointed bursar to theprovincialate community in Temple Park from1994 until 2000.

Jimmy loved the outdoor life and was verygenerous with his time. He was often seen in thegrounds of Kimmage Manor on the lawnmowercutting the grass. Fr Jimmy died in MarianHouse, Kimmage on 12 May 2016 and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 14th

O’CONNOR, Fr William Laurence1919-2002

Fr William O’Connor (Liam) wasborn at Ballytore, Co Kildare, on30 January 1919. He completed his secondaryeducation at Rockwell College. He made his firstprofession in Kilshane on 10 September 1938.He graduated from U.C.D. with a B.A. inphilosophy in 1941. Liam prefected in BlackrockCollege from 1941 until 1943 and, while there,he took the H.Dip in education. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 14 July 1946 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 1 August1947.

Liam’s first appointment was to the vicariate ofZanzibar where he was assigned to a teachingpost at Kabaa’s primary school, Kenya. In 1950he was transferred to St Francis College, Pugu,near Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and taught therefor fourteen years, becoming its headmaster. Thisschool was intended to be the first step toward aCatholic university in East Africa. When hereturned to Kenya in 1965 he taught at StJoseph’s Secondary School at Githunguri. In1969 Liam was appointed to mission and parishwork and until 1985 served at Eastleigh, Kagwe,St Austin’s and Kalimoni. During this time from1980 to 1982, he was bursar at St Mary’s,Nairobi.

Liam retired to the Mission House, KimmageManor, in 1985 and moved to Marian House in2000 where he died 14 May 2002. Fr Liam isburied in the community plot in the cemetery atDardistown, Co Dublin.

May 15th

COLEMAN, Fr John J.1920-2011

Fr John Coleman was born inTyone, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, on30 January 1920. Aftercompleting his secondary school education inBlackrock College, he entered the Novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1939. John assisted in the promotions officebetween 1940 and 1942 and prefected inBlackrock, 1942-4. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1946. He studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 10 July 1949. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

John’s mission appointment was to the district ofOnitsha, Nigeria, in 1950. First appointed as anassistant at Agbani, he later became supervisorof schools at Enugu. In 1952 he was appointedprincipal of the teacher’s training college atAwgu, and three years later he temporarily heldthe same position at Ihe. From 1957 on, hebecame pastor of Holy Spirit Parish andeducation secretary in the diocese of Enugu. Thefinal position he held there was as diocesanchancellor. During the Biafran war when largenumbers of people had to flee before theinvading federal troops, he and Fr Oliver Barrettremained behind to take care of those who hadsought refuge in the forests in the Enugu region.Though at first treated with suspicion and fear,he managed to overcome this and served therefugees both spiritually and materially.

In 1969 he returned to Ireland and becameinvolved in pastoral ministry in Cork beforetravelling on to Ghana in 1972. He served thereas secretary to the Bishop of Kumasi until 1976,when he assumed parochial duties. John was agreat influence on a young local priest therewhom he prepared to succeed him and who laterbecame Archbishop Thomas Mensah of Kumasi.In all, John gave a quarter of a century of serviceto the diocese. By then the West AfricanFoundation was growing and the number ofvocations was increasing so John acquired the

MAY

62

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 62

Cork and Ross. He was appointed bursar to theprovincialate community in Temple Park from1994 until 2000.

Jimmy loved the outdoor life and was verygenerous with his time. He was often seen in thegrounds of Kimmage Manor on the lawnmowercutting the grass. Fr Jimmy died in MarianHouse, Kimmage on 12 May 2016 and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 14th

O’CONNOR, Fr William Laurence1919-2002

Fr William O’Connor (Liam) wasborn at Ballytore, Co Kildare, on30 January 1919. He completed his secondaryeducation at Rockwell College. He made his firstprofession in Kilshane on 10 September 1938.He graduated from U.C.D. with a B.A. inphilosophy in 1941. Liam prefected in BlackrockCollege from 1941 until 1943 and, while there,he took the H.Dip in education. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 14 July 1946 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 1 August1947.

Liam’s first appointment was to the vicariate ofZanzibar where he was assigned to a teachingpost at Kabaa’s primary school, Kenya. In 1950he was transferred to St Francis College, Pugu,near Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and taught therefor fourteen years, becoming its headmaster. Thisschool was intended to be the first step toward aCatholic university in East Africa. When hereturned to Kenya in 1965 he taught at StJoseph’s Secondary School at Githunguri. In1969 Liam was appointed to mission and parishwork and until 1985 served at Eastleigh, Kagwe,St Austin’s and Kalimoni. During this time from1980 to 1982, he was bursar at St Mary’s,Nairobi.

Liam retired to the Mission House, KimmageManor, in 1985 and moved to Marian House in2000 where he died 14 May 2002. Fr Liam isburied in the community plot in the cemetery atDardistown, Co Dublin.

May 15th

COLEMAN, Fr John J.1920-2011

Fr John Coleman was born inTyone, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, on30 January 1920. Aftercompleting his secondary school education inBlackrock College, he entered the Novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1939. John assisted in the promotions officebetween 1940 and 1942 and prefected inBlackrock, 1942-4. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1946. He studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 10 July 1949. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

John’s mission appointment was to the district ofOnitsha, Nigeria, in 1950. First appointed as anassistant at Agbani, he later became supervisorof schools at Enugu. In 1952 he was appointedprincipal of the teacher’s training college atAwgu, and three years later he temporarily heldthe same position at Ihe. From 1957 on, hebecame pastor of Holy Spirit Parish andeducation secretary in the diocese of Enugu. Thefinal position he held there was as diocesanchancellor. During the Biafran war when largenumbers of people had to flee before theinvading federal troops, he and Fr Oliver Barrettremained behind to take care of those who hadsought refuge in the forests in the Enugu region.Though at first treated with suspicion and fear,he managed to overcome this and served therefugees both spiritually and materially.

In 1969 he returned to Ireland and becameinvolved in pastoral ministry in Cork beforetravelling on to Ghana in 1972. He served thereas secretary to the Bishop of Kumasi until 1976,when he assumed parochial duties. John was agreat influence on a young local priest therewhom he prepared to succeed him and who laterbecame Archbishop Thomas Mensah of Kumasi.In all, John gave a quarter of a century of serviceto the diocese. By then the West AfricanFoundation was growing and the number ofvocations was increasing so John acquired the

MAY

62

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 62

Page 71: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

land from the Chief of Ejisu on which now standsthe Novitiate, Houses of Philosophy and a largestaff house. In 1997 John was involved in aserious road accident in which his catechist wastragically killed but he managed to escape withonly minor injuries. Fr John returned to Irelandand spent his last year in Marian House,Kimmage Manor, where he died peacefully on15 May 2011. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 15th

FLYNN, Fr Bernard Anthony1929-2003

Fr Bernard Flynn (Barney) wasborn in Ballinahown, Athlone, CoWestmeath, on 19 December 1929. After hissecondary school education at BlackrockJuniorate, 1944-9, he entered the Novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1950. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and then prefected in FatimaCollege, Trinidad, for three years, 1952-5.Barney studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1959.

In 1960 Barney’s first appointment was to SierraLeone, where he was assigned to the diocese ofKenema. Barney worked at Pendembu andYengema, where he became involved in parishwork and school administration. In 1968 Barneywas asked to return to Ireland to work onPropaganda. In 1977 he was appointed as bursarof the Kimmage Scholasticate. In 1980 he joinedthe Promotions Team. In 1983 Barney returned toparish work. He was appointed to St Agnes’ inCrumlin, with responsibility for the KimmageManor Chapel. After seven years of dedicatedwork, a letter to Father Barney from theProvincialate reads: ‘Your work and, above all,your ability to link easily and kindly with theparishoners, has been inestimable in preparing forthe erection of the Kimmage Parish, which is avery important moment in the life of the Province’.

In 1990 he was transferred to the Holy SpiritParish in Greenhills but in 1995, after a coronarybypass operation, Barney was forced to reducehis work load considerably. He subsequentlytook up the post of chaplain at St Loman’sHospital, Palmerstown, and in 1998 transferredto the National Rehabilitation Hospital, DunLaoghaire. Fr Barney died 15 May 2003 in thechaplain’s residence at the NationalRehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, and wasburied at Clonmacnoise Cemetery.

May 19th

DINAN, Fr Peter 1924-2000

Fr Peter Dinan (Peadar) was bornon 13 August 1924 in Maghera,Caragan, Ennis, Co Clare. Peadarcompleted his secondary school education atRockwell College, 1939-43. Having entered thecongregation at Kilshane, he was professed in1944. He prefected in St Mary’s College,Trinidad, 1945-8, and was awarded a B.A. in1950. Ordained a priest in 1953, he wasappointed the following year to Nigeria.

His first assignment was to Aguleri and a yearlater was transferred to Enugu where he isremembered for collecting funds, from door todoor, in order to complete the Cathedral atEnugu. In 1960 he was transferred to StAnthony’s Teacher Training College at Aguluwhere he taught scripture and liturgy. Thefollowing year he was appointed to Aguobu-Owa, and became founder and first principal ofFatima High School in the diocese of Enugu.When the Biafran war broke out he was assignedto parish work in the Brooklyn area of New York.In 1969, while the civil war was still in progress,he returned to Nigeria. First he went to Aji for ayear and then to Awgu area where he lived in thetraining college and ministered in St John’sParish, Owellii, until 1973. He was then assignedto St Michael’s Parish, Asata, Enugu, where hewas to spend the remaining twenty-seven yearsof his life. He built a magnificent church to seatabout 1,500 and designed the windows and the

MAY

63

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 63

land from the Chief of Ejisu on which now standsthe Novitiate, Houses of Philosophy and a largestaff house. In 1997 John was involved in aserious road accident in which his catechist wastragically killed but he managed to escape withonly minor injuries. Fr John returned to Irelandand spent his last year in Marian House,Kimmage Manor, where he died peacefully on15 May 2011. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 15th

FLYNN, Fr Bernard Anthony1929-2003

Fr Bernard Flynn (Barney) wasborn in Ballinahown, Athlone, CoWestmeath, on 19 December 1929. After hissecondary school education at BlackrockJuniorate, 1944-9, he entered the Novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1950. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and then prefected in FatimaCollege, Trinidad, for three years, 1952-5.Barney studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1959.

In 1960 Barney’s first appointment was to SierraLeone, where he was assigned to the diocese ofKenema. Barney worked at Pendembu andYengema, where he became involved in parishwork and school administration. In 1968 Barneywas asked to return to Ireland to work onPropaganda. In 1977 he was appointed as bursarof the Kimmage Scholasticate. In 1980 he joinedthe Promotions Team. In 1983 Barney returned toparish work. He was appointed to St Agnes’ inCrumlin, with responsibility for the KimmageManor Chapel. After seven years of dedicatedwork, a letter to Father Barney from theProvincialate reads: ‘Your work and, above all,your ability to link easily and kindly with theparishoners, has been inestimable in preparing forthe erection of the Kimmage Parish, which is avery important moment in the life of the Province’.

In 1990 he was transferred to the Holy SpiritParish in Greenhills but in 1995, after a coronarybypass operation, Barney was forced to reducehis work load considerably. He subsequentlytook up the post of chaplain at St Loman’sHospital, Palmerstown, and in 1998 transferredto the National Rehabilitation Hospital, DunLaoghaire. Fr Barney died 15 May 2003 in thechaplain’s residence at the NationalRehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, and wasburied at Clonmacnoise Cemetery.

May 19th

DINAN, Fr Peter 1924-2000

Fr Peter Dinan (Peadar) was bornon 13 August 1924 in Maghera,Caragan, Ennis, Co Clare. Peadarcompleted his secondary school education atRockwell College, 1939-43. Having entered thecongregation at Kilshane, he was professed in1944. He prefected in St Mary’s College,Trinidad, 1945-8, and was awarded a B.A. in1950. Ordained a priest in 1953, he wasappointed the following year to Nigeria.

His first assignment was to Aguleri and a yearlater was transferred to Enugu where he isremembered for collecting funds, from door todoor, in order to complete the Cathedral atEnugu. In 1960 he was transferred to StAnthony’s Teacher Training College at Aguluwhere he taught scripture and liturgy. Thefollowing year he was appointed to Aguobu-Owa, and became founder and first principal ofFatima High School in the diocese of Enugu.When the Biafran war broke out he was assignedto parish work in the Brooklyn area of New York.In 1969, while the civil war was still in progress,he returned to Nigeria. First he went to Aji for ayear and then to Awgu area where he lived in thetraining college and ministered in St John’sParish, Owellii, until 1973. He was then assignedto St Michael’s Parish, Asata, Enugu, where hewas to spend the remaining twenty-seven yearsof his life. He built a magnificent church to seatabout 1,500 and designed the windows and the

MAY

63

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 63

Page 72: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Stations of the Cross himself. He then went onto build a parish hall, a guesthouse and acatechist’s house.

He was seen to be a dedicated pastor who builtup an extraordinary rapport with his flock,knowing them all individually. He received thechieftancy title of Ochendo I in 1992 for thework he did for the youth of Enugu. He had aspecial interest in students for the priesthood andwould defend them when problems arose. He hada real gift of being able to see through incidentalflaws to where true quality lay. Fr Peadar retiredin Nigeria but ill health took him back to Irelandon 27 October 1999 where he died on 19 May2000. He was buried in his native Maghera, CoClare.

May 20th

LEONARD, Fr Patrick Joseph 1937-2001

Fr Patrick Leonard (Paddy) wasborn on 11 March 1937 inKillasolan, Mountbellew, Co Galway. Hecompleted his secondary education in BlackrockCollege, 1951-6. Having entered the Novitiate inKilshane he made his first profession in 1957.After studying philosophy in Kimmage Manorhe prefected in Blackrock, 1959-61 and wasordained to the priesthood in 1964.

In 1965 Paddy was appointed to Kenya andworked in the parishes of Makupa, Kereita, Riaraand Kiambu. In 1980 he took a one yearsabbatical to attend a mission studies course. In1987 he was appointed district superior in Kenyaand continued in this post until 1993. He thenreturned to Ireland due to illness but aftermedical treatment he returned to Kenya andcontinued to serve there until 2001.

Paddy was a fluent Swahili speaker and ‘karibusana’ was his favourite expression. It is anexpression of welcome. Paddy was well knownfor his hospitality and when elected superior inKenya, hospitality became his chief concern,with special allowance being made for the sick

and the elderly. This was especially true in StPeter Clavers parish as it’s in the heart of Nairobiwith the railway station on one side and the busterminal on the other side. People are constantlyon the move day and night, but the doors at StPeter Clavers were always open. As a parishpriest he was equally loved and admired in StPeter Clavers as he was in St Austins. No matterwhat the problem was from the poor begger athis door, the child in need of school fees to themore complex cases of church and state; if hecouldn’t solve it himself he usually foundsomeone who could. Among his manyachievements was his organisation of the hugelysuccessful centenary celebrations of St Austin’sparish.

In March 2001 serious illness obliged Fr Paddyto return to Ireland to Marian House, Kimmage,where he was cared for until his death on 20 May2001. He was buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown, Co Dublin.

May 21st

HORRIGAN, Fr John1921-1999

Fr John Horrigan (Seán) wasborn on 29 July 1921 inSkibbereen, Co. Cork, andreceived his Primary education at SkibbereenNational School and Rosscarbery. He did hissecondary studies in Rockwell, 1935-40. Anexcellent hurler, he was a member of the 1936winning Harty Cup Team. A fine singer, he wasregularly called on for his party piece at soirées.

Seán was also a talented musician and dancer.Professed in 1941 he studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and at UCD. He then prefectedon the Burse for two years. Ordained in 1949 hewas appointed the following year to Nigeria.

He worked in Onitsha and Enugu beginning hispastoral ministry as assistant in Eke. He servedat Nsukka, Agwu and Udi. His ministry involvedmainly pastoral work and education. Later hewas in charge of Sacred Heart parish in IwolloOghe, and finally at Ibagwa in the Enugu

MAY

64

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 64

Stations of the Cross himself. He then went onto build a parish hall, a guesthouse and acatechist’s house.

He was seen to be a dedicated pastor who builtup an extraordinary rapport with his flock,knowing them all individually. He received thechieftancy title of Ochendo I in 1992 for thework he did for the youth of Enugu. He had aspecial interest in students for the priesthood andwould defend them when problems arose. He hada real gift of being able to see through incidentalflaws to where true quality lay. Fr Peadar retiredin Nigeria but ill health took him back to Irelandon 27 October 1999 where he died on 19 May2000. He was buried in his native Maghera, CoClare.

May 20th

LEONARD, Fr Patrick Joseph 1937-2001

Fr Patrick Leonard (Paddy) wasborn on 11 March 1937 inKillasolan, Mountbellew, Co Galway. Hecompleted his secondary education in BlackrockCollege, 1951-6. Having entered the Novitiate inKilshane he made his first profession in 1957.After studying philosophy in Kimmage Manorhe prefected in Blackrock, 1959-61 and wasordained to the priesthood in 1964.

In 1965 Paddy was appointed to Kenya andworked in the parishes of Makupa, Kereita, Riaraand Kiambu. In 1980 he took a one yearsabbatical to attend a mission studies course. In1987 he was appointed district superior in Kenyaand continued in this post until 1993. He thenreturned to Ireland due to illness but aftermedical treatment he returned to Kenya andcontinued to serve there until 2001.

Paddy was a fluent Swahili speaker and ‘karibusana’ was his favourite expression. It is anexpression of welcome. Paddy was well knownfor his hospitality and when elected superior inKenya, hospitality became his chief concern,with special allowance being made for the sick

and the elderly. This was especially true in StPeter Clavers parish as it’s in the heart of Nairobiwith the railway station on one side and the busterminal on the other side. People are constantlyon the move day and night, but the doors at StPeter Clavers were always open. As a parishpriest he was equally loved and admired in StPeter Clavers as he was in St Austins. No matterwhat the problem was from the poor begger athis door, the child in need of school fees to themore complex cases of church and state; if hecouldn’t solve it himself he usually foundsomeone who could. Among his manyachievements was his organisation of the hugelysuccessful centenary celebrations of St Austin’sparish.

In March 2001 serious illness obliged Fr Paddyto return to Ireland to Marian House, Kimmage,where he was cared for until his death on 20 May2001. He was buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown, Co Dublin.

May 21st

HORRIGAN, Fr John1921-1999

Fr John Horrigan (Seán) wasborn on 29 July 1921 inSkibbereen, Co. Cork, andreceived his Primary education at SkibbereenNational School and Rosscarbery. He did hissecondary studies in Rockwell, 1935-40. Anexcellent hurler, he was a member of the 1936winning Harty Cup Team. A fine singer, he wasregularly called on for his party piece at soirées.

Seán was also a talented musician and dancer.Professed in 1941 he studied philosophy inKimmage Manor and at UCD. He then prefectedon the Burse for two years. Ordained in 1949 hewas appointed the following year to Nigeria.

He worked in Onitsha and Enugu beginning hispastoral ministry as assistant in Eke. He servedat Nsukka, Agwu and Udi. His ministry involvedmainly pastoral work and education. Later hewas in charge of Sacred Heart parish in IwolloOghe, and finally at Ibagwa in the Enugu

MAY

64

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 64

Page 73: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Diocese. Obliged to leave Nigeria because of theBiafra war he was assigned to pastoral ministryin the USA. He joined the Long Island Spiritancommunity taking up pastoral duties in the NewYork area. He ministered first at Holy TrinityParish, Manhattan and in 1969 he moved to StPhilip Neri Parish at the invitation of MonsignorEdward McGrath. He was moderator of theRosary Altar Society, the Don Bosco Society andthe Bedford Park Shamrock Club. He was alsochaplain of the Catholic Kolping Society of NewYork. He kept in touch with Irish affairs,especially sport, through the newspaperssupplied by a close circle of Irish friends.

Ill for two years he remained on in New Yorkuntil obliged to retire to Ireland in 1999. He wascared for at Marian House where he died on 21May 1999 aged 78 years. Fr Seán was buried inthe Rockwell Cemetery.

May 22nd

RYAN, Fr John 1912-1997

Fr John Ryan was born 8 March1912 in Terenure, Dublin and wasa student at Synge Street with hisbrother Jim; but having decided to enter theCongregation he came to Blackrock in 1928. Heentered the novitiate in Kimmage Manor in 1931and after profession moved to the Castle,Blackrock. Having attended UCD he qualifiedfor the BA, H.Dip.Fd. and MA and served asPrefect or junior master at Blackrock, 1934-36.Ordained a priest in 1939 he acted as editor ofthe Missionary Annals during his final year inTheology.

Appointed to Blackrock in 1940 he served asDirector of the Juniorate, 1940-42, and asPrincipal, 1955-56. To equip himself for teachingsenior English he attended a summer course atOxford, that being one of the two occasions hetravelled outside Ireland. In fact much of thesummer months each year from 1964 wasdevoted to editing the College Annual. To assisthimself in that work as a photographer he joinedthe Photographic Society of Ireland, learned to

do his own developing and printing. Takingcharge of the college records Fr John compiledan alphabetical list of some 18,000 past studentsand produced an index card for all those forwhom there was a record. He wrote ’The FinalYear’ series, the ‘News of the Past’ and theObituaries for over thirty years in the CollegeAnnual. While engaged in this work heundertook intense research in university records,directories etc. and engaged in extensivecorrespondence. He loved meeting pastBlackrock men at the college reunions andcontinually amazed them with his retentivememory and his keen interest in their subsequentcareers. Over the years he had scanned thenewspapers daily recording the deaths ofBlackrock related people, with a view to sendinga note of sympathy to the relatives and to solicitthe prayers of the community. He proved a keyman in the preparations for the CollegeCentenary in editing the special extendedcentennial issues of the College Annuals. Afterthe death of Mr Hugh Holohan he was called onto teach senior Mathematics and to updatehimself in this discipline he availed of thepresence in the college of the notedmathematician Dr Alfred O’Rahilly. Being askedto index the community library he did a specialstudy of what was needed for such an amenity.He served as Vice-president of the College,1970-78.

In failing health Fr John retired to KimmageManor nursing home in 1993 where he died 22May 1997 at aged 85 years. He was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co. Dublin.

May 25th

O’SULLIVAN,Fr Jeremiah Patrick1919-2002

Fr Jeremiah O’Sullivan (Jer) wasborn at Drumroe, Tournafulla, CoLimerick on the 7 January 1919. He completedhis secondary school education at BlackrockJuniorate between 1933 and 1938. He made hisfirst profession in Kilshane on 8 September 1939.

MAY

65

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 65

Diocese. Obliged to leave Nigeria because of theBiafra war he was assigned to pastoral ministryin the USA. He joined the Long Island Spiritancommunity taking up pastoral duties in the NewYork area. He ministered first at Holy TrinityParish, Manhattan and in 1969 he moved to StPhilip Neri Parish at the invitation of MonsignorEdward McGrath. He was moderator of theRosary Altar Society, the Don Bosco Society andthe Bedford Park Shamrock Club. He was alsochaplain of the Catholic Kolping Society of NewYork. He kept in touch with Irish affairs,especially sport, through the newspaperssupplied by a close circle of Irish friends.

Ill for two years he remained on in New Yorkuntil obliged to retire to Ireland in 1999. He wascared for at Marian House where he died on 21May 1999 aged 78 years. Fr Seán was buried inthe Rockwell Cemetery.

May 22nd

RYAN, Fr John 1912-1997

Fr John Ryan was born 8 March1912 in Terenure, Dublin and wasa student at Synge Street with hisbrother Jim; but having decided to enter theCongregation he came to Blackrock in 1928. Heentered the novitiate in Kimmage Manor in 1931and after profession moved to the Castle,Blackrock. Having attended UCD he qualifiedfor the BA, H.Dip.Fd. and MA and served asPrefect or junior master at Blackrock, 1934-36.Ordained a priest in 1939 he acted as editor ofthe Missionary Annals during his final year inTheology.

Appointed to Blackrock in 1940 he served asDirector of the Juniorate, 1940-42, and asPrincipal, 1955-56. To equip himself for teachingsenior English he attended a summer course atOxford, that being one of the two occasions hetravelled outside Ireland. In fact much of thesummer months each year from 1964 wasdevoted to editing the College Annual. To assisthimself in that work as a photographer he joinedthe Photographic Society of Ireland, learned to

do his own developing and printing. Takingcharge of the college records Fr John compiledan alphabetical list of some 18,000 past studentsand produced an index card for all those forwhom there was a record. He wrote ’The FinalYear’ series, the ‘News of the Past’ and theObituaries for over thirty years in the CollegeAnnual. While engaged in this work heundertook intense research in university records,directories etc. and engaged in extensivecorrespondence. He loved meeting pastBlackrock men at the college reunions andcontinually amazed them with his retentivememory and his keen interest in their subsequentcareers. Over the years he had scanned thenewspapers daily recording the deaths ofBlackrock related people, with a view to sendinga note of sympathy to the relatives and to solicitthe prayers of the community. He proved a keyman in the preparations for the CollegeCentenary in editing the special extendedcentennial issues of the College Annuals. Afterthe death of Mr Hugh Holohan he was called onto teach senior Mathematics and to updatehimself in this discipline he availed of thepresence in the college of the notedmathematician Dr Alfred O’Rahilly. Being askedto index the community library he did a specialstudy of what was needed for such an amenity.He served as Vice-president of the College,1970-78.

In failing health Fr John retired to KimmageManor nursing home in 1993 where he died 22May 1997 at aged 85 years. He was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co. Dublin.

May 25th

O’SULLIVAN,Fr Jeremiah Patrick1919-2002

Fr Jeremiah O’Sullivan (Jer) wasborn at Drumroe, Tournafulla, CoLimerick on the 7 January 1919. He completedhis secondary school education at BlackrockJuniorate between 1933 and 1938. He made hisfirst profession in Kilshane on 8 September 1939.

MAY

65

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 65

Page 74: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

He prefected in Blackrock College from 1940until 1943 and he graduated from U.C.D. with aBA in Philosophy in 1946. ‘Jer’ was ordained tothe Priesthood on 11 July 1948 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1949.

Jer’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone andhe was assigned to do pastoral work in Bo. In1955 he was transferred to a teaching post inChrist the King College, Bo. After only one yearhe moved to St Edward’s Secondary School,Freetown. He remained there for the next twentythree years although he took a study break in1961 in order to complete a Higher Diploma inEducation.

Jer returned to Ireland in 1980. The followingyear the Blackrock Community appointed himbursar of Willow Park School. In 1989 hebecame bursar of the Blackrock Community andserved in this office until 1998. Over the nextfour years he continued to be very active in allaspects of college and community life. Howeveron Thursday 23 May 2002, Fr Jer suffered astroke and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital,Dublin where he died two days later. He wasburied in the community plot in ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 26th

McDONNELL, Thomas1922-2005

Fr Thomas McDonnell (Tommie)was born at Upper Main Street,Graiguenamagh, Co Kilkenny on31 October, 1922. He completed his secondaryschool education at the junior scholasticate inRockwell and entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1942. In 1945 he was awarded a B.A.in philosophy by U.C.D. He prefected inRockwell College from 1945 to 1946 and thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor. Tommiewas ordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on3 August 1951.

Tommie’s first appointment was to Kenya in1952. After two months orientation at Kabaa hewas given a teaching post at KilimambogoTechnical Training College (TTC) and in 1956transferred to Kieta TTC. At the end of 1958Tommie developed TB and spent two months inhospital in Nairobi followed by ten months inMontana, Switzerland. Tommie returned toKenya in 1960 and was appointed to the recentlyestablished secondary day school at Githunguri.In 1966 he was appointed to Nairobi JuniorSeminary, which was then at Ngong in Masaicountry. He later became involved in transferringthe seminary to Ruaraka.

Tommie returned to Ireland in 1971 and workedin parish ministry in the Portarlington, Co Laois,area. On his return to Nairobi in 1975 heaccepted a position in the newly formed parishof Mbiuni in Machakos Diocese. Tommie’ssecond return to Ireland was in 1978 when heministered at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel inDublin and also in the parish of Narraghmorenear Athy. In 1982 he was appointed chaplain tothe National Rehabilitation Hospital, DunLaoighaire, where he remained for fourteenyears. On leaving the hospital he was describedas the complete chaplain; blending sincerity,good humour and humanity. In 1996 he acceptedthe position as chaplain in Marian House,Kimmage Manor; a role which he performedwith characteristic zeal until January 2005. FrTommie died in St Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park,Co Dublin on 26 May 2005 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

MAY

66

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 66

He prefected in Blackrock College from 1940until 1943 and he graduated from U.C.D. with aBA in Philosophy in 1946. ‘Jer’ was ordained tothe Priesthood on 11 July 1948 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1949.

Jer’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone andhe was assigned to do pastoral work in Bo. In1955 he was transferred to a teaching post inChrist the King College, Bo. After only one yearhe moved to St Edward’s Secondary School,Freetown. He remained there for the next twentythree years although he took a study break in1961 in order to complete a Higher Diploma inEducation.

Jer returned to Ireland in 1980. The followingyear the Blackrock Community appointed himbursar of Willow Park School. In 1989 hebecame bursar of the Blackrock Community andserved in this office until 1998. Over the nextfour years he continued to be very active in allaspects of college and community life. Howeveron Thursday 23 May 2002, Fr Jer suffered astroke and was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital,Dublin where he died two days later. He wasburied in the community plot in ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

May 26th

McDONNELL, Thomas1922-2005

Fr Thomas McDonnell (Tommie)was born at Upper Main Street,Graiguenamagh, Co Kilkenny on31 October, 1922. He completed his secondaryschool education at the junior scholasticate inRockwell and entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1942. In 1945 he was awarded a B.A.in philosophy by U.C.D. He prefected inRockwell College from 1945 to 1946 and thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor. Tommiewas ordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1950and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on3 August 1951.

Tommie’s first appointment was to Kenya in1952. After two months orientation at Kabaa hewas given a teaching post at KilimambogoTechnical Training College (TTC) and in 1956transferred to Kieta TTC. At the end of 1958Tommie developed TB and spent two months inhospital in Nairobi followed by ten months inMontana, Switzerland. Tommie returned toKenya in 1960 and was appointed to the recentlyestablished secondary day school at Githunguri.In 1966 he was appointed to Nairobi JuniorSeminary, which was then at Ngong in Masaicountry. He later became involved in transferringthe seminary to Ruaraka.

Tommie returned to Ireland in 1971 and workedin parish ministry in the Portarlington, Co Laois,area. On his return to Nairobi in 1975 heaccepted a position in the newly formed parishof Mbiuni in Machakos Diocese. Tommie’ssecond return to Ireland was in 1978 when heministered at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel inDublin and also in the parish of Narraghmorenear Athy. In 1982 he was appointed chaplain tothe National Rehabilitation Hospital, DunLaoighaire, where he remained for fourteenyears. On leaving the hospital he was describedas the complete chaplain; blending sincerity,good humour and humanity. In 1996 he acceptedthe position as chaplain in Marian House,Kimmage Manor; a role which he performedwith characteristic zeal until January 2005. FrTommie died in St Vincent’s Hospital, Elm Park,Co Dublin on 26 May 2005 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

MAY

66

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 66

Page 75: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

May 26th

McKENNA, Fr William A.1918-2005

Fr William McKenna (Willie)was born at Templemore Avenue,Belfast on 26 June 1918. Having moved toInchicore, Dublin, Willie completed hissecondary school education at the juniorscholasticate in Blackrock. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and made his firstprofession on 10 September 1938. He prefectedin Trinidad from 1939 to 1943. In 1945 he wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. He thenstudied theology in Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1948.Willie made his Consecration to the Apostolateon 31 July 1949.

Willie’s first appointment was to Nigeria to thevicariate of Owerri, Nigeria in 1949. He taughtat the newly opened St Mary’s Training Collegeat Ozora Egbelu. He returned to Ireland for aholiday and stayed on to work in administrationat St Mary’s, Rathmines until 1958 and thenKimmage Manor until 1964. He returned toKenya later that year and was given the role ofdistrict bursar for the Spiritans and Chancellor ofthe Archdiocese of Nairobi.

In 1980 Willie was recalled to Ireland to serve asprovincial procurator and in 1983 he wasappointed as chaplain to St Loman’s Hospital,Palmerstown. He continued on in this role for thenext twelve years until he retired to the MissionHouse, Kimmage in 1995. He died on 26 May2005 in St James’ Hospital and was buried atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 31st

MONTGOMERY,Brother Aloysius 1926-2005

Bro Aloysius (Andrew) was bornat Gransha Avenue, Glen Road,Belfast on 23 September 1926. He worked for anumber of years as a shop assistant. He enteredthe Spiritan Congregation in Kilshane as apostulant in 1950. Andrew made his firstprofession on 7 December 1952 and tookAloysius as his religious name. Bro Aloysiusmade his perpetual vows in Kilshane on 7December 1958. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on the same day.

Aloysius’s first appointment was to Kilshanewhere he worked as a poultry keeper, sacristan,refectorian and assistant cook. In 1958 he wasappointed as chef to the novitiate and remainedat this job for the next nine years. Aloysius wasknown for his hospitality to visitors and was veryhelpful to novices as they tried to adjust to theirnew surroundings. In 1967 Aloysius wastransferred to Blackrock College. He thenworked as housekeeper in Willow Park. He latermoved to the college where he became thebursar’s assistant and also supervised thehousehold staff. He subsequently became thesacristan and was caretaker of the chapel andoratories. He was particularly noted for his careof the sick and the infirm. In fact he once riskedhis own life in order to rescue an aged memberof the house staff from a fire.

Aloysius also took an active part in the publicactivities of the ‘Pro Life Movement’, ‘RosaryCrusade’ and the ‘Divine Mercy Movement’. Hewas remembered for his promotion of publicdevotion to Our Lady. Bro Aloysius died on 31May 2005 and it was cited by those who knewhim best that it was most fitting that he passedaway on the feast of ‘Visitation of the BlessedVirgin Mary’. He was buried in the communityplot at Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

MAY

67

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 67

May 26th

McKENNA, Fr William A.1918-2005

Fr William McKenna (Willie)was born at Templemore Avenue,Belfast on 26 June 1918. Having moved toInchicore, Dublin, Willie completed hissecondary school education at the juniorscholasticate in Blackrock. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and made his firstprofession on 10 September 1938. He prefectedin Trinidad from 1939 to 1943. In 1945 he wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. He thenstudied theology in Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1948.Willie made his Consecration to the Apostolateon 31 July 1949.

Willie’s first appointment was to Nigeria to thevicariate of Owerri, Nigeria in 1949. He taughtat the newly opened St Mary’s Training Collegeat Ozora Egbelu. He returned to Ireland for aholiday and stayed on to work in administrationat St Mary’s, Rathmines until 1958 and thenKimmage Manor until 1964. He returned toKenya later that year and was given the role ofdistrict bursar for the Spiritans and Chancellor ofthe Archdiocese of Nairobi.

In 1980 Willie was recalled to Ireland to serve asprovincial procurator and in 1983 he wasappointed as chaplain to St Loman’s Hospital,Palmerstown. He continued on in this role for thenext twelve years until he retired to the MissionHouse, Kimmage in 1995. He died on 26 May2005 in St James’ Hospital and was buried atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

May 31st

MONTGOMERY,Brother Aloysius 1926-2005

Bro Aloysius (Andrew) was bornat Gransha Avenue, Glen Road,Belfast on 23 September 1926. He worked for anumber of years as a shop assistant. He enteredthe Spiritan Congregation in Kilshane as apostulant in 1950. Andrew made his firstprofession on 7 December 1952 and tookAloysius as his religious name. Bro Aloysiusmade his perpetual vows in Kilshane on 7December 1958. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on the same day.

Aloysius’s first appointment was to Kilshanewhere he worked as a poultry keeper, sacristan,refectorian and assistant cook. In 1958 he wasappointed as chef to the novitiate and remainedat this job for the next nine years. Aloysius wasknown for his hospitality to visitors and was veryhelpful to novices as they tried to adjust to theirnew surroundings. In 1967 Aloysius wastransferred to Blackrock College. He thenworked as housekeeper in Willow Park. He latermoved to the college where he became thebursar’s assistant and also supervised thehousehold staff. He subsequently became thesacristan and was caretaker of the chapel andoratories. He was particularly noted for his careof the sick and the infirm. In fact he once riskedhis own life in order to rescue an aged memberof the house staff from a fire.

Aloysius also took an active part in the publicactivities of the ‘Pro Life Movement’, ‘RosaryCrusade’ and the ‘Divine Mercy Movement’. Hewas remembered for his promotion of publicdevotion to Our Lady. Bro Aloysius died on 31May 2005 and it was cited by those who knewhim best that it was most fitting that he passedaway on the feast of ‘Visitation of the BlessedVirgin Mary’. He was buried in the communityplot at Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

MAY

67

May Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:10 Page 67

Page 76: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

June 1st

FLYNN, Fr Patrick Joseph 1924-1998

Fr Patrick Flynn was born on 5April 1924 in Crossanstown,Killucan, Co. Westmeath and completed hissecondary studies in St Mary’s CBC, Mullingar.Having entered the Congregation he wasprofessed in 1944. He prefected at Blackrock,1945-48 and was ordained a priest in 1951.

Appointed the following year to Nigeria heserved in Owerri district at St Mary’s, PortHarcourt, and later in Ikeduru as chaplain to theUzoagba Girls Secondary School. He was incharge of the Ohoada parish in the Diocese ofPort Harcourt when he was obliged to leaveNigeria in 1969 due to the Biafra War. He servedfor one year in the USA before volunteering forservice in Zambia when there was a request fromBishop Corboy for personnel to help out in hismission. Fifteen ex Nigeria missionaries werethen posted to Zambia. The original plan to workin Lusaka was changed and it was decidedinstead to team up with the Capuchins and theJesuits in the Livingstone area. Patrick took uphis new appointment in Sesheke Parish,Livingstone, Zambia, where he ministered from1972 to 1976. Conditions were very demandingas the people they ministered to were extremelypoor.

On suffering a heart attack Patrick returned toIreland where the Bishop of Meath DrMcCormack, warmly welcomed him as a pastorin the diocese. Patrick was appointed to theDiocese of Meath in 1977 where he worked invarious parishes and ministries until he retired toKimmage Manor in 1997. As his healthcontinued to decline he moved to Marian Housein 1997 where he died 1 June 1998 aged 74 years.Fr Patrick is buried in Coralstown, Co.Westmeath.

June 2nd

BRETT, Fr James P.1908-2000

Fr James Brett (Jim) was born on18 November 1908 in Cappa,Cahir, Co Tipperary. Hecompleted his secondary education at RockwellCollege, 1923-6. Having obtained a CountyCouncil Scholarship he studied for his BA fromthe Castle, Blackrock, before entering thenovitiate at Kimmage Manor. He was professedin 1930 and prefected in Rockwell, 1931-3. Hewas awarded the H.Dip. and moved to Kimmagewith the theology students in 1933 when thenovices had moved to the new novitiate atKilshane. He was ordained to the priesthood in1936.

Jim was appointed in 1937 to Trinidad where hejoined the teaching staff at St Mary’s College,Port of Spain. He was district superior andsuperior of St Mary’s, 1950-59. He had a specialresponsibility for the prefects, and they recallhim as being a strict disciplinarian. In 1959 hemoved to Fatima College where he lived until heretired to Ireland in 1985.

Jim was appointed to Rockwell and lived thereuntil illness necessitated his transfer to MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor in March 1999. In1996, while living in Rockwell, ArchbishopAnthony Pantin of Port of Spain, who was astudent of his and had been inspired by him, paidtribute by visiting him. Fr Jim died on 2 June2000 at the age of 92 and was buried in theRockwell Cemetery.

June 2nd

DUGGAN, Fr Patrick1930-2009

Fr Patrick Duggan (Paddy) wasborn in Cappamore, Co Limerickon 28 March 1930. Aftercompleting his secondary education in Rockwell,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1948 andwas professed on 8 September 1949. Followingstudying philosophy in Kimmage Manor, he

JUNE

68

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 68

June 1st

FLYNN, Fr Patrick Joseph 1924-1998

Fr Patrick Flynn was born on 5April 1924 in Crossanstown,Killucan, Co. Westmeath and completed hissecondary studies in St Mary’s CBC, Mullingar.Having entered the Congregation he wasprofessed in 1944. He prefected at Blackrock,1945-48 and was ordained a priest in 1951.

Appointed the following year to Nigeria heserved in Owerri district at St Mary’s, PortHarcourt, and later in Ikeduru as chaplain to theUzoagba Girls Secondary School. He was incharge of the Ohoada parish in the Diocese ofPort Harcourt when he was obliged to leaveNigeria in 1969 due to the Biafra War. He servedfor one year in the USA before volunteering forservice in Zambia when there was a request fromBishop Corboy for personnel to help out in hismission. Fifteen ex Nigeria missionaries werethen posted to Zambia. The original plan to workin Lusaka was changed and it was decidedinstead to team up with the Capuchins and theJesuits in the Livingstone area. Patrick took uphis new appointment in Sesheke Parish,Livingstone, Zambia, where he ministered from1972 to 1976. Conditions were very demandingas the people they ministered to were extremelypoor.

On suffering a heart attack Patrick returned toIreland where the Bishop of Meath DrMcCormack, warmly welcomed him as a pastorin the diocese. Patrick was appointed to theDiocese of Meath in 1977 where he worked invarious parishes and ministries until he retired toKimmage Manor in 1997. As his healthcontinued to decline he moved to Marian Housein 1997 where he died 1 June 1998 aged 74 years.Fr Patrick is buried in Coralstown, Co.Westmeath.

June 2nd

BRETT, Fr James P.1908-2000

Fr James Brett (Jim) was born on18 November 1908 in Cappa,Cahir, Co Tipperary. Hecompleted his secondary education at RockwellCollege, 1923-6. Having obtained a CountyCouncil Scholarship he studied for his BA fromthe Castle, Blackrock, before entering thenovitiate at Kimmage Manor. He was professedin 1930 and prefected in Rockwell, 1931-3. Hewas awarded the H.Dip. and moved to Kimmagewith the theology students in 1933 when thenovices had moved to the new novitiate atKilshane. He was ordained to the priesthood in1936.

Jim was appointed in 1937 to Trinidad where hejoined the teaching staff at St Mary’s College,Port of Spain. He was district superior andsuperior of St Mary’s, 1950-59. He had a specialresponsibility for the prefects, and they recallhim as being a strict disciplinarian. In 1959 hemoved to Fatima College where he lived until heretired to Ireland in 1985.

Jim was appointed to Rockwell and lived thereuntil illness necessitated his transfer to MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor in March 1999. In1996, while living in Rockwell, ArchbishopAnthony Pantin of Port of Spain, who was astudent of his and had been inspired by him, paidtribute by visiting him. Fr Jim died on 2 June2000 at the age of 92 and was buried in theRockwell Cemetery.

June 2nd

DUGGAN, Fr Patrick1930-2009

Fr Patrick Duggan (Paddy) wasborn in Cappamore, Co Limerickon 28 March 1930. Aftercompleting his secondary education in Rockwell,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1948 andwas professed on 8 September 1949. Followingstudying philosophy in Kimmage Manor, he

JUNE

68

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 68

Page 77: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

prefected in Rockwell between 1952 and 1954.He returned to Kimmage where he studiedtheology, 1954 –8. Paddy was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1957 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1958.

Paddy’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1958. He ministered in Owerri Diocese from1958 until 1967, after which he worked inTrenton Diocese, U.S.A from 1968 to 1971. Hewas then appointed to Zambia in 1972 where heundertook pastoral work, teaching and prisonchaplaincy. From 1981 to 1982 Paddy went toPhiladelphia to take a certificate in clinicalpastoral education. This was followed by aperiod of hospital chaplaincy in Philadelphiauntil 1984.

Following his return to Ireland, Paddy wasappointed to Rockwell College where he servedas bursar until 1996. In 1997 he was appointedbursar in Ardbraccan and in 1999 he wastransferred to St Michael’s, again as bursar. Hewas appointed to Rockwell College in 2005 fromLong Island Regional Community where he hadbeen appointed to Hillsborough three yearspreviously. He was held in the highest regard bythe people of St Mary Mother of God Parish. FrPaddy died on 2 June 2009 in Marian House,Kimmage and was buried in the communitycemetery in Rockwell.

June 3rd

KENNY, Fr Desmond Joseph1927-2000

Fr Desmond Kenny (Des) wasborn 26 June 1927 at LeinsterRoad, Dublin. He completed his secondarystudies at Synge Street, CBS. Following in thefootsteps of his uncle Fr Bertie Farrell and hisbrother Milo, Des joined the Congregation in1944. Professed in 1945 he studied at KimmageManor and UCD and was awarded the BA in1948. He prefected in Trinidad for three years,1948-51, and was ordained to the priesthood in1954.

Appointed the following year to Sierra Leone heserved for a year at Gerihun and then wastransferred to St Edward’s secondary school inFreetown. He was editor of Freeman from 1958to 1963 and in 1960 he was named to administerthe cathedral parish of the Sacred Heart inFreetown. The parish was made up of 4,292Catholics and 350 catechumens, a staff of fourpriests, one brother and five sisters of St Josephof Cluny while operating four primary schools inwhich fifty teachers instructed over 1,900students. He served as port chaplain at Freetown,bookshop manager and district procurator. From1961 to 1968 Des was director of catechetics inthe diocese of Freetown and Bo. From then onhe served as parish priest of Freetown for sixyears. From 1974 to 1980 he served as chancellorof the diocese of Freetown and Bo, and from1976 to 1981 he was secretary general of theEpiscopal Conference for Liberia, Sierra Leoneand The Gambia, and also National Director ofPMAS (Pontifical Mission Aid Societies).

In 1982 he returned to Ireland for health reasons.From 1983 to 1985 he was assistant director ofPMAS, and then for two years as director ofpromotions. He then served for three years asassistant superior of Kimmage Manor. The lastof his many appointments came in 1996 when hebecame director of Marian House, KimmageManor. His gentle disposition and non-threatening manner made him ideal for this post.Unfortunately after three years of service therehe was obliged by ill health to retire. Fr Des diedin St Vincent’s Hospital on 3 June 2000. He wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JUNE

69

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 69

prefected in Rockwell between 1952 and 1954.He returned to Kimmage where he studiedtheology, 1954 –8. Paddy was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1957 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1958.

Paddy’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1958. He ministered in Owerri Diocese from1958 until 1967, after which he worked inTrenton Diocese, U.S.A from 1968 to 1971. Hewas then appointed to Zambia in 1972 where heundertook pastoral work, teaching and prisonchaplaincy. From 1981 to 1982 Paddy went toPhiladelphia to take a certificate in clinicalpastoral education. This was followed by aperiod of hospital chaplaincy in Philadelphiauntil 1984.

Following his return to Ireland, Paddy wasappointed to Rockwell College where he servedas bursar until 1996. In 1997 he was appointedbursar in Ardbraccan and in 1999 he wastransferred to St Michael’s, again as bursar. Hewas appointed to Rockwell College in 2005 fromLong Island Regional Community where he hadbeen appointed to Hillsborough three yearspreviously. He was held in the highest regard bythe people of St Mary Mother of God Parish. FrPaddy died on 2 June 2009 in Marian House,Kimmage and was buried in the communitycemetery in Rockwell.

June 3rd

KENNY, Fr Desmond Joseph1927-2000

Fr Desmond Kenny (Des) wasborn 26 June 1927 at LeinsterRoad, Dublin. He completed his secondarystudies at Synge Street, CBS. Following in thefootsteps of his uncle Fr Bertie Farrell and hisbrother Milo, Des joined the Congregation in1944. Professed in 1945 he studied at KimmageManor and UCD and was awarded the BA in1948. He prefected in Trinidad for three years,1948-51, and was ordained to the priesthood in1954.

Appointed the following year to Sierra Leone heserved for a year at Gerihun and then wastransferred to St Edward’s secondary school inFreetown. He was editor of Freeman from 1958to 1963 and in 1960 he was named to administerthe cathedral parish of the Sacred Heart inFreetown. The parish was made up of 4,292Catholics and 350 catechumens, a staff of fourpriests, one brother and five sisters of St Josephof Cluny while operating four primary schools inwhich fifty teachers instructed over 1,900students. He served as port chaplain at Freetown,bookshop manager and district procurator. From1961 to 1968 Des was director of catechetics inthe diocese of Freetown and Bo. From then onhe served as parish priest of Freetown for sixyears. From 1974 to 1980 he served as chancellorof the diocese of Freetown and Bo, and from1976 to 1981 he was secretary general of theEpiscopal Conference for Liberia, Sierra Leoneand The Gambia, and also National Director ofPMAS (Pontifical Mission Aid Societies).

In 1982 he returned to Ireland for health reasons.From 1983 to 1985 he was assistant director ofPMAS, and then for two years as director ofpromotions. He then served for three years asassistant superior of Kimmage Manor. The lastof his many appointments came in 1996 when hebecame director of Marian House, KimmageManor. His gentle disposition and non-threatening manner made him ideal for this post.Unfortunately after three years of service therehe was obliged by ill health to retire. Fr Des diedin St Vincent’s Hospital on 3 June 2000. He wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JUNE

69

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 69

Page 78: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

June 4th

CORCORAN, Fr John C.1925-2000

Fr John Corcoran (Séan) wasborn on 30 June 1925 in NorthStrand, Dublin and completed hissecondary studies at O’Connell CBS, Dublin.After working for two years in an accountingoffice he decided to follow in the footsteps of histwo brothers Thady and Edmund by entering theCongregation. Professed in Kilshane in 1947 heobtained a B.A.at U.C.D. in 1950 and was aprefect in Rockwell, 1950-52.

Ordained in 1955 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria. Assigned to Onitsha district hetaught in the Teachers Training College in Awgu,and then served for one year as the Archbishop’ssecretary in Onitsha. In 1962 he becamePrincipal of St Joseph’s Teacher Training Collegeat Emene, and two years later he taught at asimilar college in Agulu, near Awka. In 1967 hetook on the post of school chaplain at a highschool in Awka Etiti. During the Biafra war hewas stationed first at Umuosi, near Onitsha, aspastor, and then at Ruasi, caring for the numerousdistressed refugees gathered in that area.

Returning to Ireland in 1969 he served as bursarin Kimmage Manor until 1971 when he went tothe USA taking up pastoral and promotionalministry in San Mateo, in the San Francisco area.In 1975 he went to work at Mt Hagen, PapuaNew Guinea, where he served for one year.Returning to the USA he took up pastoralministry serving at Our Lady of Mt Carmel, LosAltos, Redwood City, Ca, 1976-85, as Pastor atSt Dunstan, Millbrae, Ca, 1986- 91, and at StStephen’s Parish, San Francisco, 1992 till hisdeath on 4 June 2000 at the age of 75. Peopleflocked to his funeral from all the five parisheswhere he had served and the compliments paidto him showed that he was seen as a personalfriend genuinely interested in their welfare. FrSéan was buried at St Stephen’s parish cemetery,San Francisco.

June 4th

ENRIGHT, Fr Timothy J. 1924-2007

Fr Timothy Enright (Tim) wasborn on the 27 March 1924 inTarbert, Co Kerry. He completedhis secondary school education in RockwellCollege and then entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1943. He was professed on the 8September 1944. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor between 1944 and 1946 andprefected in Blackrock College from 1946 to1948. He returned to Kimmage to study theologyand he was ordained to the priesthood on 15 July1951. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July1952.

Tim’s first appointment was to Nigeria, where heworked in pastoral ministry mainly in Obollo-Eke in the Nsukka area. In 1967 he was forcedto return to Ireland due to the outbreak of theBiafran War. He was consequently, re-assignedto Jacksonville Beach and then Orlando, Floridawhere he ministered between 1967 and 1970. In1971, on the invitation of Fr Jim Ahern, hetransferred to San Francisco to work in parishministry. His first appointment was to St TheresaParish and after nine months he transferred toHoly Angels Parish, Colma. Then in 1972 hemoved to St Brigids Parish in San Franciscowhere he became subject to the authority ofBishop McDonald until 1975. Following on fromthis he worked in St Athanasius Parish from 1980as an associate under Fr Kevin McArdle, Cssp.He returned to Ireland on sabbatical in 1981andattended a course in Dalgan Park. When hereturned again to the U.S. he went to St Phillip’sParish in San Francisco where he remained forthe next eight years. Following on from this Timwas appointed chaplain to Laguna HondaHospital in San Francisco. He finally retired toKimmage Manor in 2003.

Fr Tim died on 4 June 2007 and was buried in hisnative Tarbert, Co Kerry.

JUNE

70

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 70

June 4th

CORCORAN, Fr John C.1925-2000

Fr John Corcoran (Séan) wasborn on 30 June 1925 in NorthStrand, Dublin and completed hissecondary studies at O’Connell CBS, Dublin.After working for two years in an accountingoffice he decided to follow in the footsteps of histwo brothers Thady and Edmund by entering theCongregation. Professed in Kilshane in 1947 heobtained a B.A.at U.C.D. in 1950 and was aprefect in Rockwell, 1950-52.

Ordained in 1955 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria. Assigned to Onitsha district hetaught in the Teachers Training College in Awgu,and then served for one year as the Archbishop’ssecretary in Onitsha. In 1962 he becamePrincipal of St Joseph’s Teacher Training Collegeat Emene, and two years later he taught at asimilar college in Agulu, near Awka. In 1967 hetook on the post of school chaplain at a highschool in Awka Etiti. During the Biafra war hewas stationed first at Umuosi, near Onitsha, aspastor, and then at Ruasi, caring for the numerousdistressed refugees gathered in that area.

Returning to Ireland in 1969 he served as bursarin Kimmage Manor until 1971 when he went tothe USA taking up pastoral and promotionalministry in San Mateo, in the San Francisco area.In 1975 he went to work at Mt Hagen, PapuaNew Guinea, where he served for one year.Returning to the USA he took up pastoralministry serving at Our Lady of Mt Carmel, LosAltos, Redwood City, Ca, 1976-85, as Pastor atSt Dunstan, Millbrae, Ca, 1986- 91, and at StStephen’s Parish, San Francisco, 1992 till hisdeath on 4 June 2000 at the age of 75. Peopleflocked to his funeral from all the five parisheswhere he had served and the compliments paidto him showed that he was seen as a personalfriend genuinely interested in their welfare. FrSéan was buried at St Stephen’s parish cemetery,San Francisco.

June 4th

ENRIGHT, Fr Timothy J. 1924-2007

Fr Timothy Enright (Tim) wasborn on the 27 March 1924 inTarbert, Co Kerry. He completedhis secondary school education in RockwellCollege and then entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1943. He was professed on the 8September 1944. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor between 1944 and 1946 andprefected in Blackrock College from 1946 to1948. He returned to Kimmage to study theologyand he was ordained to the priesthood on 15 July1951. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July1952.

Tim’s first appointment was to Nigeria, where heworked in pastoral ministry mainly in Obollo-Eke in the Nsukka area. In 1967 he was forcedto return to Ireland due to the outbreak of theBiafran War. He was consequently, re-assignedto Jacksonville Beach and then Orlando, Floridawhere he ministered between 1967 and 1970. In1971, on the invitation of Fr Jim Ahern, hetransferred to San Francisco to work in parishministry. His first appointment was to St TheresaParish and after nine months he transferred toHoly Angels Parish, Colma. Then in 1972 hemoved to St Brigids Parish in San Franciscowhere he became subject to the authority ofBishop McDonald until 1975. Following on fromthis he worked in St Athanasius Parish from 1980as an associate under Fr Kevin McArdle, Cssp.He returned to Ireland on sabbatical in 1981andattended a course in Dalgan Park. When hereturned again to the U.S. he went to St Phillip’sParish in San Francisco where he remained forthe next eight years. Following on from this Timwas appointed chaplain to Laguna HondaHospital in San Francisco. He finally retired toKimmage Manor in 2003.

Fr Tim died on 4 June 2007 and was buried in hisnative Tarbert, Co Kerry.

JUNE

70

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 70

Page 79: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

June 4th

HOLOHAN, Fr Patrick C.1928-2007

Fr Patrick Holohan (Paddy) wasborn in Ballinard, Fethard, CoTipperary on the 1 October, 1928. He attendedsecondary school at Rockwell College between1942 and 1947. He then entered the novitiate andwas professed on the 8 September 1948. He was,awarded a B.A. in Philosophy by U.C.D. in 1951and prefected in Blackrock College between1951 and 1953. Paddy studied theology in Romeand was ordained to the priesthood on the 1 July1956. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 2 June 1957.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Onitsha in1957. He worked there in Awka and Enugu inpastoral ministry and education until 1961.Between 1962 and 1964 he undertook variousministries in Aguleri and he also served on theEcclesiastical Court and the Liturgy Committee.He returned to Onitsha in 1965 where he workedin administration of the Cathedral and as theeducation secretary until 1975. Following a shortperiod spent doing pastoral work in Trenton,U.S.A. Paddy returned to Ireland in 1971.

He spent the next twenty-five years working inthe field of education. This included stints inRockwell College and later St Michael’s College.He was dean of Rockwell College between 1971and 1980 and president from 1980 to 1986. In1986 Fr Paddy moved to St Michael’s Collegeand became superior of the community there,1992-5. In 1996 he was appointed to the LongIsland Regional Community, U.S.A. as assistantbursar and was also engaged in parish ministry.

Fr Paddy’s health deteriorated and he spent anumber of months both in hospital and in anursing home. He died on 4 June, 2007 at theLong Island Care Centre, Flushing New York. Hewas buried in Rockwell Community Cemetery,Co Tipperary.

June 4th

MALONE, Fr William Joseph1931-2001

Fr William (Willie) was born inBallyquirke, Cliften, CoKilkenny, on 25 January 1931. He attendedsecondary school at Kilkenny and Callan CBS.After he left school he worked for a few years asa civil servant. However he subsequently optedto join the Spiritan Congregation and wasprofessed in Kilshane in 1953. He studiedphilosophy and theology at Kimmage Manor andhe was ordained to the priesthood in 1958.

Willie was appointed the following year toNigeria and he worked in Umuahia until the endof the Civil War in 1970. He and 103 othermissionaries were then expelled from thecountry. He was appointed to Kenya and workedfor three years in Nairoibi.

He returned to Ireland in 1973 and was employedin a pastoral capacity in the diocese of Ossory forone year. The following year he transferred toKimmage Manor where he became involved infund raising activities as well as working parttime in parish ministry in both Ireland andEngland. In 1981 he accepted an appointment tothe Long Island Community in the United Statesand consequently worked for the followingtwelve years in the diocese of St Augustine,Florida. As an indication of his sincere dedicationto his spiritual duties he learned to speak Spanishduring his time there in order to more adequatelyserve the needs of the Filipino community of thediocese.

Fr Willie returned to Ireland in 1993 and retiredto the Mission House at Kimmage Manor. Hedied of on the 4 June 2001 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JUNE

71

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 71

June 4th

HOLOHAN, Fr Patrick C.1928-2007

Fr Patrick Holohan (Paddy) wasborn in Ballinard, Fethard, CoTipperary on the 1 October, 1928. He attendedsecondary school at Rockwell College between1942 and 1947. He then entered the novitiate andwas professed on the 8 September 1948. He was,awarded a B.A. in Philosophy by U.C.D. in 1951and prefected in Blackrock College between1951 and 1953. Paddy studied theology in Romeand was ordained to the priesthood on the 1 July1956. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 2 June 1957.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Onitsha in1957. He worked there in Awka and Enugu inpastoral ministry and education until 1961.Between 1962 and 1964 he undertook variousministries in Aguleri and he also served on theEcclesiastical Court and the Liturgy Committee.He returned to Onitsha in 1965 where he workedin administration of the Cathedral and as theeducation secretary until 1975. Following a shortperiod spent doing pastoral work in Trenton,U.S.A. Paddy returned to Ireland in 1971.

He spent the next twenty-five years working inthe field of education. This included stints inRockwell College and later St Michael’s College.He was dean of Rockwell College between 1971and 1980 and president from 1980 to 1986. In1986 Fr Paddy moved to St Michael’s Collegeand became superior of the community there,1992-5. In 1996 he was appointed to the LongIsland Regional Community, U.S.A. as assistantbursar and was also engaged in parish ministry.

Fr Paddy’s health deteriorated and he spent anumber of months both in hospital and in anursing home. He died on 4 June, 2007 at theLong Island Care Centre, Flushing New York. Hewas buried in Rockwell Community Cemetery,Co Tipperary.

June 4th

MALONE, Fr William Joseph1931-2001

Fr William (Willie) was born inBallyquirke, Cliften, CoKilkenny, on 25 January 1931. He attendedsecondary school at Kilkenny and Callan CBS.After he left school he worked for a few years asa civil servant. However he subsequently optedto join the Spiritan Congregation and wasprofessed in Kilshane in 1953. He studiedphilosophy and theology at Kimmage Manor andhe was ordained to the priesthood in 1958.

Willie was appointed the following year toNigeria and he worked in Umuahia until the endof the Civil War in 1970. He and 103 othermissionaries were then expelled from thecountry. He was appointed to Kenya and workedfor three years in Nairoibi.

He returned to Ireland in 1973 and was employedin a pastoral capacity in the diocese of Ossory forone year. The following year he transferred toKimmage Manor where he became involved infund raising activities as well as working parttime in parish ministry in both Ireland andEngland. In 1981 he accepted an appointment tothe Long Island Community in the United Statesand consequently worked for the followingtwelve years in the diocese of St Augustine,Florida. As an indication of his sincere dedicationto his spiritual duties he learned to speak Spanishduring his time there in order to more adequatelyserve the needs of the Filipino community of thediocese.

Fr Willie returned to Ireland in 1993 and retiredto the Mission House at Kimmage Manor. Hedied of on the 4 June 2001 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JUNE

71

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 71

Page 80: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

June 7th

ELLIS, Fr Gerard F.1916-2006

Fr Gerard Ellis (Gerry) was bornat Boghall Road, Bray, CoWicklow on 30 November 1916.After he completed his secondary school studiesat the junior scholasticate in Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 5 September 1936.He prefected for two years in BlackrockCollege,1936–8. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. He also studied theologyat Kimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 16 July 1944. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1945.

In 1946 Gerry was appointed to the vicariate ofZanzibar. He did mission work at Lioki andtaught at Kabaa. In 1954 he was appointedheadmaster of the teacher training school atKilimanbogo, a position he held until 1959. Forthe next ten years he worked both in educationand parish ministry in St Peter Claver’s, Nairobi,Kabaa and Tala. He was reassigned to Ireland in1970 after giving twenty-four years of service toAfrica. On his return he undertook parishministry in Ballymun, Bray, Cabra West andGreystones. In 1993 Gerry retired as parishchaplain in Greystones but continued to help outin the Deanary as the need arose.

Fr Gerry was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006.He developed a chest infection and his conditionquickly worsened. He was taken into StColumcille’s Hospital, Co Dublin where he diedone week later on 7 June 2006. He had alwaysbeen a practical man who believed in the utilityof nature so he bequeathed his body for theadvancement of medical knowledge to theAnatomy Department of his alma mater,University College Dublin. He was subsequentlyburied on the 27 September 2007 in thecommunity plot at Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

June 7th

FINUCANE, Fr John Aquinas1937-2017

Fr John Finucane (Jack) was bornin Limerick City on 15 July 1937.Jack completed his secondary school educationat the local C.B.S. He then entered the SpiritanNovitiate at Kilshane where he made his firstprofession in 1956. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor between 1956 and 1958 andprefected in Rockwell College from 1958 to1960. He returned to Kimmage to study theologyand was ordained to the priesthood on 14 July1963. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 4 July 1964.

Following in the footsteps of his older brotherand fellow Spiritan missionary, Fr AengusFinucane, Jack’s first mission appointment wasto Nigeria in 1964. He spent his first yearworking in a pastoral role in Obowo and thefollowing year was appointed parish priest ofAsa, Umuahia. In 1969 he was appointed directorof relief programmes, during the Biafran War, anevent which he acknowledged ‘would foreverchange his life’. Following the conclusion of thewar in 1970 he was briefly imprisoned and thenexpelled with many others.

Following on from this he taught in RockwellCollege and then undertook an M.A. course inEducation at the University of San Francisco. In1973 Jack was appointed field director ofConcern Worldwide in Bangladesh which wasthen only recently established. The followingyear he went to Ethiopia to organise the aidagency’s response to ‘the unknown famine’.However political instability forced the agency’sdeparture three years later. Having completed acourse in development studies at the Universityof Bath, he returned to Bangladesh in 1978 andspent six years there as country director ofConcern Worldwide.

Jack returned to Ethiopia in 1984 for what wouldbe a six-year assignment amidst the unforgettablescenes of famine in which one million peopledied. It was around this time that Bono, who has

JUNE

72

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 72

June 7th

ELLIS, Fr Gerard F.1916-2006

Fr Gerard Ellis (Gerry) was bornat Boghall Road, Bray, CoWicklow on 30 November 1916.After he completed his secondary school studiesat the junior scholasticate in Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 5 September 1936.He prefected for two years in BlackrockCollege,1936–8. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. He also studied theologyat Kimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 16 July 1944. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1945.

In 1946 Gerry was appointed to the vicariate ofZanzibar. He did mission work at Lioki andtaught at Kabaa. In 1954 he was appointedheadmaster of the teacher training school atKilimanbogo, a position he held until 1959. Forthe next ten years he worked both in educationand parish ministry in St Peter Claver’s, Nairobi,Kabaa and Tala. He was reassigned to Ireland in1970 after giving twenty-four years of service toAfrica. On his return he undertook parishministry in Ballymun, Bray, Cabra West andGreystones. In 1993 Gerry retired as parishchaplain in Greystones but continued to help outin the Deanary as the need arose.

Fr Gerry was diagnosed with leukemia in 2006.He developed a chest infection and his conditionquickly worsened. He was taken into StColumcille’s Hospital, Co Dublin where he diedone week later on 7 June 2006. He had alwaysbeen a practical man who believed in the utilityof nature so he bequeathed his body for theadvancement of medical knowledge to theAnatomy Department of his alma mater,University College Dublin. He was subsequentlyburied on the 27 September 2007 in thecommunity plot at Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

June 7th

FINUCANE, Fr John Aquinas1937-2017

Fr John Finucane (Jack) was bornin Limerick City on 15 July 1937.Jack completed his secondary school educationat the local C.B.S. He then entered the SpiritanNovitiate at Kilshane where he made his firstprofession in 1956. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor between 1956 and 1958 andprefected in Rockwell College from 1958 to1960. He returned to Kimmage to study theologyand was ordained to the priesthood on 14 July1963. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 4 July 1964.

Following in the footsteps of his older brotherand fellow Spiritan missionary, Fr AengusFinucane, Jack’s first mission appointment wasto Nigeria in 1964. He spent his first yearworking in a pastoral role in Obowo and thefollowing year was appointed parish priest ofAsa, Umuahia. In 1969 he was appointed directorof relief programmes, during the Biafran War, anevent which he acknowledged ‘would foreverchange his life’. Following the conclusion of thewar in 1970 he was briefly imprisoned and thenexpelled with many others.

Following on from this he taught in RockwellCollege and then undertook an M.A. course inEducation at the University of San Francisco. In1973 Jack was appointed field director ofConcern Worldwide in Bangladesh which wasthen only recently established. The followingyear he went to Ethiopia to organise the aidagency’s response to ‘the unknown famine’.However political instability forced the agency’sdeparture three years later. Having completed acourse in development studies at the Universityof Bath, he returned to Bangladesh in 1978 andspent six years there as country director ofConcern Worldwide.

Jack returned to Ethiopia in 1984 for what wouldbe a six-year assignment amidst the unforgettablescenes of famine in which one million peopledied. It was around this time that Bono, who has

JUNE

72

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 72

Page 81: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

often acknowledged the Limerick man’sinfluence on his own involvement in thedeveloping world, first met him. Jack was alsoan advisor to Bob Geldof and his team in howLive Aid funds should be distributed and spent,and his own courage was exemplified when,going against the prevailing views of the aidcommunity, he continued to work ingovernment-established, re-settlement villages inthe south-west. In 1990 he moved to ConcernWorldwide’s Dublin H.Q. as a regional director.

In nearly a lifetime spent working with Concernhe became directly involved in responding tomany emergencies. These included the situationin Rwanda after the genocide, Sierra Leone,Somalia and for shorter periods after he ‘retired’in 2002; Darfur (Sudan) and tsunami-affected SriLanka. He remained on the board of ConcernWorldwide US until his death. Fr Jack diedsuddenly on 7 June 2017 in Kimmage Manorwhilst attending the annual retreat. He was buriedin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 9th

O’BRIEN, Fr Christopher1925-2010

Fr Christopher O’Brien (Christy)was born in Kilcock, Co Kildareon 18 December 1925. Following his secondaryschool education at St Finian’s, Mullingar, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1944 and wasprofessed on 8 September 1945. He was awardeda B.A. in philosophy and a H.Dip.Ed by U.C.D.He prefected in Blackrock from 1948 to 1950.Christy studied theology at the GregorianumUniversity in Rome and received an S.T.L. in1954. He was ordained to the priesthood in Romeon 28 June 1953 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 4 July 1954.

Christy’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Onitsha, Nigeria in 1954, and heserved there until 1963. He was teacher/bursar atthe training college in Ihiala and then becamerector of the junior seminary in 1958. In 1963 hewas recalled to Ireland to fill the post of director

of House of Philosophy at Kimmage. Hesubsequently became superior of the communityin 1968. In 1970 Christy was elected provincialof the Irish province, a position he held until1973. He then went on a year’s sabbatical to theU.S.A. He went to Ghana in 1974 and worked inpastoral ministry and education. The opening upof a Spiritan presence in that country had onlygot the go ahead a couple of years earlier –during his own term as Dublin-based provincial.He became principal superior of the Spiritansthere in 1984, a post he held for six years. He isremembered in the west African country withaffection not least for his promotion of localvocations. Ghana remained high in his ownaffections long after he had left it.

On his return to Ireland Fr Christy becamechaplain at Cappagh Hospital, a position he heldright up to the time of his death. His dedicationand compassion were the hallmarks of hisministry for over twenty years of devoted servicethere. He died in Blanchardstown Hospital,Dublin on 9 June 2010 and was buried atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 11th

O’MALLEY, Fr Thomas 1920-2009

Fr Thomas O’Malley (Tom) wasborn in Cleggan, Clifden, CoGalway on the 22 January 1920.He completed his secondary school education atSt Jarlath’s College, Tuam. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane in 1940 and was professedon the 4 October 1941. He prefected for one yearin Willow Park and was awarded a B.A. (Hons.)degree in 1944 and a H. Dip. in Ed. in 1945 byU.C.D.. He studied theology in Kimmage Manorbetween 1945 and 1949 and was ordained to thepriesthood on the 11 July 1948. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1949.

Tom’s first mission appointment was toMauritius in 1949 and he taught there in theCollège St Esprit until 1960. The same year hewas invalided back to Ireland and wassubsequently appointed teacher and bursar at

JUNE

73

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 73

often acknowledged the Limerick man’sinfluence on his own involvement in thedeveloping world, first met him. Jack was alsoan advisor to Bob Geldof and his team in howLive Aid funds should be distributed and spent,and his own courage was exemplified when,going against the prevailing views of the aidcommunity, he continued to work ingovernment-established, re-settlement villages inthe south-west. In 1990 he moved to ConcernWorldwide’s Dublin H.Q. as a regional director.

In nearly a lifetime spent working with Concernhe became directly involved in responding tomany emergencies. These included the situationin Rwanda after the genocide, Sierra Leone,Somalia and for shorter periods after he ‘retired’in 2002; Darfur (Sudan) and tsunami-affected SriLanka. He remained on the board of ConcernWorldwide US until his death. Fr Jack diedsuddenly on 7 June 2017 in Kimmage Manorwhilst attending the annual retreat. He was buriedin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 9th

O’BRIEN, Fr Christopher1925-2010

Fr Christopher O’Brien (Christy)was born in Kilcock, Co Kildareon 18 December 1925. Following his secondaryschool education at St Finian’s, Mullingar, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1944 and wasprofessed on 8 September 1945. He was awardeda B.A. in philosophy and a H.Dip.Ed by U.C.D.He prefected in Blackrock from 1948 to 1950.Christy studied theology at the GregorianumUniversity in Rome and received an S.T.L. in1954. He was ordained to the priesthood in Romeon 28 June 1953 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 4 July 1954.

Christy’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Onitsha, Nigeria in 1954, and heserved there until 1963. He was teacher/bursar atthe training college in Ihiala and then becamerector of the junior seminary in 1958. In 1963 hewas recalled to Ireland to fill the post of director

of House of Philosophy at Kimmage. Hesubsequently became superior of the communityin 1968. In 1970 Christy was elected provincialof the Irish province, a position he held until1973. He then went on a year’s sabbatical to theU.S.A. He went to Ghana in 1974 and worked inpastoral ministry and education. The opening upof a Spiritan presence in that country had onlygot the go ahead a couple of years earlier –during his own term as Dublin-based provincial.He became principal superior of the Spiritansthere in 1984, a post he held for six years. He isremembered in the west African country withaffection not least for his promotion of localvocations. Ghana remained high in his ownaffections long after he had left it.

On his return to Ireland Fr Christy becamechaplain at Cappagh Hospital, a position he heldright up to the time of his death. His dedicationand compassion were the hallmarks of hisministry for over twenty years of devoted servicethere. He died in Blanchardstown Hospital,Dublin on 9 June 2010 and was buried atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 11th

O’MALLEY, Fr Thomas 1920-2009

Fr Thomas O’Malley (Tom) wasborn in Cleggan, Clifden, CoGalway on the 22 January 1920.He completed his secondary school education atSt Jarlath’s College, Tuam. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane in 1940 and was professedon the 4 October 1941. He prefected for one yearin Willow Park and was awarded a B.A. (Hons.)degree in 1944 and a H. Dip. in Ed. in 1945 byU.C.D.. He studied theology in Kimmage Manorbetween 1945 and 1949 and was ordained to thepriesthood on the 11 July 1948. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1949.

Tom’s first mission appointment was toMauritius in 1949 and he taught there in theCollège St Esprit until 1960. The same year hewas invalided back to Ireland and wassubsequently appointed teacher and bursar at

JUNE

73

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 73

Page 82: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Willow Park, positions he held until 1975. In1962 he was appointed scout chaplain to theBlackrock College Scout unit. In fact over theyears he gave unrelenting service to thismovement and held many prestigious positionswithin its ranks. Tom took a sabbatical in 1975for one year at the School of Theology in theUniversity of Toronto. He was awarded a Masterof Divinity degree on completion of this course.He served as assistant dean in Blackrock Collegefrom 1976 to 1977 and as bursar between 1977and 1981. He returned to Canada and occupiedthe positions of associate pastor in Guelph,Ontario and provincial bursar in the province ofTransCanada from 1981 to 1984.

Tom returned to Ireland permanently in 1984 andfor the next thirteen years served as bursar of StMichael’s College, Dublin. He then accepted therole of community bursar for one year in 2000.In 2001 he published a book entitled Taleswithout reason about the ‘forgotten heroes of theapostolate in 1840s Australia’. Fr Tom died onThursday 11 June 2009, in Marian House,Kimmage Manor. He was buried in thecommunity plot at Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

June 14th

MOORE, Fr Matthias Michael 1925-2003

Fr Matthias Moore (Mattie) wasborn in Dominick Street,Mullingar, Co Westmeath on the 23 September1925. Following his secondary school educationat Mullingar C.B.S. he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1944. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected at FatimaCollege, Trinidad from 1946 until 1949. He thenreturned to Kimmage to study theology and wasordained to the priesthood on the 29 June 1952.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1953.

Mattie’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1953where he was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri.

In 1958 he transferred to the diocese of PortHarcourt. He returned to Ireland nine years laterdue to the outbreak of the Biafran War andshortly afterwards was reappointed to the U.S.A.He worked in New Orleans where he ministeredat Incarnate Word Church from 1967 to 1970. Hethen served for the next thirty-two years as pastorin the parish of St John the Baptist and from 1971was also appointed provincial delegate for theNew Orleans Spiritan Community.

Mattie retired at the end of January 2002 due toill health and the administration of St John theBaptist Church, New Orleans reverted back tothe diocese. Mattie returned to Mission House,Kimmage in August 2002. Sadly, his retirementwas punctuated by periods spent in hospital andin Marian House. Nevertheless, he remainedstoical to the last stating that ‘I have manycomplications and there is very little can be donefor me. I’ll just have to grin and bear it.’ Fr Mattie died on 14 June 2003 and was buriedin the community plot at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 18th

GANNON, Fr John F.1920-2005

Fr John Gannon was born atShrowland, Athy, Co Kildare, on30 July 1920. Following hissecondary school education at Knockbeg heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 15 October 1939. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andprefected in Blackrock College from 1941 to1943. He was awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. in 1944.He returned to Kimmage to study theology andwas ordained to the priesthood on 14 July 1946.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on1 August 1947.

John’s first mission appointment was to Kenyain 1948 where he taught and then becameheadmaster of St George’s School, Waa. He alsoundertook parish ministry in Giriama andbecame education secretary for Mombasa from1950 to 1952. During this period of time he wrote

JUNE

74

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 74

Willow Park, positions he held until 1975. In1962 he was appointed scout chaplain to theBlackrock College Scout unit. In fact over theyears he gave unrelenting service to thismovement and held many prestigious positionswithin its ranks. Tom took a sabbatical in 1975for one year at the School of Theology in theUniversity of Toronto. He was awarded a Masterof Divinity degree on completion of this course.He served as assistant dean in Blackrock Collegefrom 1976 to 1977 and as bursar between 1977and 1981. He returned to Canada and occupiedthe positions of associate pastor in Guelph,Ontario and provincial bursar in the province ofTransCanada from 1981 to 1984.

Tom returned to Ireland permanently in 1984 andfor the next thirteen years served as bursar of StMichael’s College, Dublin. He then accepted therole of community bursar for one year in 2000.In 2001 he published a book entitled Taleswithout reason about the ‘forgotten heroes of theapostolate in 1840s Australia’. Fr Tom died onThursday 11 June 2009, in Marian House,Kimmage Manor. He was buried in thecommunity plot at Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

June 14th

MOORE, Fr Matthias Michael 1925-2003

Fr Matthias Moore (Mattie) wasborn in Dominick Street,Mullingar, Co Westmeath on the 23 September1925. Following his secondary school educationat Mullingar C.B.S. he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1944. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected at FatimaCollege, Trinidad from 1946 until 1949. He thenreturned to Kimmage to study theology and wasordained to the priesthood on the 29 June 1952.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1953.

Mattie’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1953where he was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri.

In 1958 he transferred to the diocese of PortHarcourt. He returned to Ireland nine years laterdue to the outbreak of the Biafran War andshortly afterwards was reappointed to the U.S.A.He worked in New Orleans where he ministeredat Incarnate Word Church from 1967 to 1970. Hethen served for the next thirty-two years as pastorin the parish of St John the Baptist and from 1971was also appointed provincial delegate for theNew Orleans Spiritan Community.

Mattie retired at the end of January 2002 due toill health and the administration of St John theBaptist Church, New Orleans reverted back tothe diocese. Mattie returned to Mission House,Kimmage in August 2002. Sadly, his retirementwas punctuated by periods spent in hospital andin Marian House. Nevertheless, he remainedstoical to the last stating that ‘I have manycomplications and there is very little can be donefor me. I’ll just have to grin and bear it.’ Fr Mattie died on 14 June 2003 and was buriedin the community plot at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 18th

GANNON, Fr John F.1920-2005

Fr John Gannon was born atShrowland, Athy, Co Kildare, on30 July 1920. Following hissecondary school education at Knockbeg heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 15 October 1939. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andprefected in Blackrock College from 1941 to1943. He was awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. in 1944.He returned to Kimmage to study theology andwas ordained to the priesthood on 14 July 1946.He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on1 August 1947.

John’s first mission appointment was to Kenyain 1948 where he taught and then becameheadmaster of St George’s School, Waa. He alsoundertook parish ministry in Giriama andbecame education secretary for Mombasa from1950 to 1952. During this period of time he wrote

JUNE

74

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 74

Page 83: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

‘The life of Christ’ in Kiswahili and English foruse in schools. He then took over as educationsecretary in the archdiocese of Nairobi, a positionhe held until 1966. Thereafter he servedconsecutively in Lioki, Gatitu, Mangu,Thiogoand Ngarariga. He became fluent in Kikuyu andwrote a number of catechetical books in thislanguage.

He was recalled to Ireland in 1970 and for thenext two years served as superior of theKimmage Community as well as provincialcouncillor for Mission. In 1973 he became leaderof the Irish Spiritans who were sent to establishthe new mission in Ethiopia. He established avery close relationship with the then OrthodoxArchbishop Abuna Selama. John later becamepresident of CMRS (Conference of MajorReligious) and vicar general of the Bishop ofJimma. He returned to Ireland from Ethiopia in1982 and became community leader inArdbraccan just as An Tobar was beingestablished. In 1988 he became missionprocurator at Kimmage Manor and made it intoan outstanding service to the province.

John retired from active work in 1996. It wassaid of him that ‘he never told the same storytwice’ and this can be attested to by the veryinteresting and entertaining memoirs of his lifeexperiences as a Spiritan which were printed as‘Missionary Rambles’. He transferred fromMission House to Marian House in 2004. Fr Johndied in Mount Carmel Hospital on 18 June 2005and was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 18th

O’CONNELL, Fr John 1927-2016

Fr John O’Connell (Séan) wasborn on 6 September 1927 atOrrery Terrace, Blarney Street,Cork City. He attended primary and secondaryschool at Strawberry Hill and the NorthMonastery respectively from 1933 to 1946. Oncompletion of his initial education, he workedbriefly as an income tax officer in Dublin before

entering Kilshane at the age of twenty where hemade his first profession on 8 September 1948.He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andwas awarded a B.A. (Hons) degree by UCD in1951. He then prefected in Rockwell Collegefrom 1951 to 1953. He returned to Kimmage tostudy theology and was ordained in ClonliffeCollege by Archbishop John Charles McQuaidin 1956. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 2 August 1957.

Seán’s first mission appointment was to Kenyain 1957 where he taught at Bura Teacher TrainingCollege and became rector of the parish of OurLady of Fatima (Mombasa). He subsequently,served as deputy headmaster in a school in TaitaHills and then became headmaster at VoiHarambee in 1965. Following a briefappointment as an assistant at the BambaMission in 1970, he became deputy headmasterat Kenyatta High School in the archdiocese ofMombasa. He was later appointed dean at StMary’s School in Nairobi, 1973-5.

He moved to the U.S.A., for research / study inthe mid-1970s. He earned an M.Ed. at DuquesneUniversity (1976), he completed the ReligiousLeaders Programme at Notre Dame University,(1976-7) and after a six month sojourn teachingat Acquinas College Melbourne he was awardeda fellowship diploma of the College ofPreceptors, London (1978). He returned to serveas headmaster of St Mary’s School in Nairobifrom 1979 to 1982. After his final appointmentin Kenya, he returned to the U.S.A. where hecompleted a doctorate in international andcomparative education at University ofCalifornia. His chosen topic was on ‘Minoritiesin Ireland’ for which he was awarded a PhD in1988. Following a period as headmaster of HolyGhost Preparatory School (Philadelphia), heserved in Duquesne where one of his variousroles was as secretary of the Symposium of HolyGhost Educators.

In 1991 Seán returned to Ireland and began adecade of ministry in his native Cork City. Heserved as a curate respectively in, CathedralParish, the parish of Our Lady Crowned(Mayfield) and in St Patrick’s, Lower Road.Finally, following a long and prestigious career

JUNE

75

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 75

‘The life of Christ’ in Kiswahili and English foruse in schools. He then took over as educationsecretary in the archdiocese of Nairobi, a positionhe held until 1966. Thereafter he servedconsecutively in Lioki, Gatitu, Mangu,Thiogoand Ngarariga. He became fluent in Kikuyu andwrote a number of catechetical books in thislanguage.

He was recalled to Ireland in 1970 and for thenext two years served as superior of theKimmage Community as well as provincialcouncillor for Mission. In 1973 he became leaderof the Irish Spiritans who were sent to establishthe new mission in Ethiopia. He established avery close relationship with the then OrthodoxArchbishop Abuna Selama. John later becamepresident of CMRS (Conference of MajorReligious) and vicar general of the Bishop ofJimma. He returned to Ireland from Ethiopia in1982 and became community leader inArdbraccan just as An Tobar was beingestablished. In 1988 he became missionprocurator at Kimmage Manor and made it intoan outstanding service to the province.

John retired from active work in 1996. It wassaid of him that ‘he never told the same storytwice’ and this can be attested to by the veryinteresting and entertaining memoirs of his lifeexperiences as a Spiritan which were printed as‘Missionary Rambles’. He transferred fromMission House to Marian House in 2004. Fr Johndied in Mount Carmel Hospital on 18 June 2005and was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 18th

O’CONNELL, Fr John 1927-2016

Fr John O’Connell (Séan) wasborn on 6 September 1927 atOrrery Terrace, Blarney Street,Cork City. He attended primary and secondaryschool at Strawberry Hill and the NorthMonastery respectively from 1933 to 1946. Oncompletion of his initial education, he workedbriefly as an income tax officer in Dublin before

entering Kilshane at the age of twenty where hemade his first profession on 8 September 1948.He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andwas awarded a B.A. (Hons) degree by UCD in1951. He then prefected in Rockwell Collegefrom 1951 to 1953. He returned to Kimmage tostudy theology and was ordained in ClonliffeCollege by Archbishop John Charles McQuaidin 1956. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 2 August 1957.

Seán’s first mission appointment was to Kenyain 1957 where he taught at Bura Teacher TrainingCollege and became rector of the parish of OurLady of Fatima (Mombasa). He subsequently,served as deputy headmaster in a school in TaitaHills and then became headmaster at VoiHarambee in 1965. Following a briefappointment as an assistant at the BambaMission in 1970, he became deputy headmasterat Kenyatta High School in the archdiocese ofMombasa. He was later appointed dean at StMary’s School in Nairobi, 1973-5.

He moved to the U.S.A., for research / study inthe mid-1970s. He earned an M.Ed. at DuquesneUniversity (1976), he completed the ReligiousLeaders Programme at Notre Dame University,(1976-7) and after a six month sojourn teachingat Acquinas College Melbourne he was awardeda fellowship diploma of the College ofPreceptors, London (1978). He returned to serveas headmaster of St Mary’s School in Nairobifrom 1979 to 1982. After his final appointmentin Kenya, he returned to the U.S.A. where hecompleted a doctorate in international andcomparative education at University ofCalifornia. His chosen topic was on ‘Minoritiesin Ireland’ for which he was awarded a PhD in1988. Following a period as headmaster of HolyGhost Preparatory School (Philadelphia), heserved in Duquesne where one of his variousroles was as secretary of the Symposium of HolyGhost Educators.

In 1991 Seán returned to Ireland and began adecade of ministry in his native Cork City. Heserved as a curate respectively in, CathedralParish, the parish of Our Lady Crowned(Mayfield) and in St Patrick’s, Lower Road.Finally, following a long and prestigious career

JUNE

75

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 75

Page 84: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

he retired to Rockwell Community in 2000. Hethen moved to Kimmage in 2008. Fr Seán diedon Saturday 18 June 2016 aged eighty- eightyears at St James Hospital, Dublin. He wasburied in the Community Cemetery at RockwellCollege, Co Tipperary.

June 19th

NEALON, Fr Edward 1935-2012

Fr Edward Nealon (Ned) wasborn in Middlefield, Kildimo, Co Limerick on 6 April 1935.After completing his secondary school educationat the Patrician College, Ballyfin, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed on 8September 1956. Ned studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and prefected in Trinidad from1958 to 1961. He then returned to Kimmage tostudy theology and was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1964 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 10 July 1965.

Ned’s first mission appointment was to Brazil,where he went in 1965, and undertook pastoralwork initially in the Sáo Paulo area. He had beena member of the Land Pastoral Commissionsince 1976 and in 1991 was appointed co-ordinator of the Regional Pastoral Commission.During the same period he occupied the positionof episcopal vicar for the region of Sao Joao deMeriti in the Duque de Caxias diocese of Rio deJaneiro. In 1996 he became involved in theconstruction of a formation centre, in the samelocation, for which the government of Irelandoffered financial assistance. He spent hisworking life with the poor and oppressed whohad been subject to arbitrary land-clearanceprogrammes to make way for ‘progress’ in whichthey would never share. He spent much of histime either trying to prevent or overturn theseevictions or else worked to secure alternativesmall allotments of land for these farmers whohad been forced to migrate to the big city. Heloved the Brazilian people and identified withthem.

In September 2008 Ned was appointed bursar tothe Ardbraccan Community whichcomplemented his love for the land. In thisposition he was quick to promote solar energyand took a keen and practical interest in the localecology. Fr Ned was taken ill at his home placeof Middlefield and died on 19 June 2012. He wasburied in Kildimo Cemetery, Co Limerick.

June 19th

WALSH, Fr William Alphonsus1922-2017

Fr William Walsh (Willie) wasborn in Glanworth, Co Cork on 6July 1922. He attended secondary school inFermoy, at the C.B.S. and St Colman’s College.He then entered the novitiate in Kilshane wherehe made his first profession, the following year,on 8 September 1941. He studied philosophy andthen prefected for two years in St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines; 1944-6. He completed a H.Dip. in 1946. Willie was ordained to thepriesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

Willie’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1950 where he was assigned to theCatholic Training College (C.T.C.) in Bo. In1952 he moved to Njala Komboya where hesupervised three primary schools and gavereligious instruction. He then served for fouryears in St Patrick’s Parish in Bonthe on SherbroIsland which had ten primary schools and onehospital. Following on from this he wasappointed pastor of St Columba’s Parish,Moyamba where he also worked as a hospitalchaplain. He then returned to C.T.C. in Bo wherehe was based for several years. He alsoundertook weekend ministry to the parish of StJoseph’s, Damballa, which involved a slow anddifficult journey by road from Bo. These were tobe his final duties in West Africa.

Willie returned to Ireland in 1967 due to ill-health and was appointed to Templeogue College

JUNE

76

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 76

he retired to Rockwell Community in 2000. Hethen moved to Kimmage in 2008. Fr Seán diedon Saturday 18 June 2016 aged eighty- eightyears at St James Hospital, Dublin. He wasburied in the Community Cemetery at RockwellCollege, Co Tipperary.

June 19th

NEALON, Fr Edward 1935-2012

Fr Edward Nealon (Ned) wasborn in Middlefield, Kildimo, Co Limerick on 6 April 1935.After completing his secondary school educationat the Patrician College, Ballyfin, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed on 8September 1956. Ned studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and prefected in Trinidad from1958 to 1961. He then returned to Kimmage tostudy theology and was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1964 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 10 July 1965.

Ned’s first mission appointment was to Brazil,where he went in 1965, and undertook pastoralwork initially in the Sáo Paulo area. He had beena member of the Land Pastoral Commissionsince 1976 and in 1991 was appointed co-ordinator of the Regional Pastoral Commission.During the same period he occupied the positionof episcopal vicar for the region of Sao Joao deMeriti in the Duque de Caxias diocese of Rio deJaneiro. In 1996 he became involved in theconstruction of a formation centre, in the samelocation, for which the government of Irelandoffered financial assistance. He spent hisworking life with the poor and oppressed whohad been subject to arbitrary land-clearanceprogrammes to make way for ‘progress’ in whichthey would never share. He spent much of histime either trying to prevent or overturn theseevictions or else worked to secure alternativesmall allotments of land for these farmers whohad been forced to migrate to the big city. Heloved the Brazilian people and identified withthem.

In September 2008 Ned was appointed bursar tothe Ardbraccan Community whichcomplemented his love for the land. In thisposition he was quick to promote solar energyand took a keen and practical interest in the localecology. Fr Ned was taken ill at his home placeof Middlefield and died on 19 June 2012. He wasburied in Kildimo Cemetery, Co Limerick.

June 19th

WALSH, Fr William Alphonsus1922-2017

Fr William Walsh (Willie) wasborn in Glanworth, Co Cork on 6July 1922. He attended secondary school inFermoy, at the C.B.S. and St Colman’s College.He then entered the novitiate in Kilshane wherehe made his first profession, the following year,on 8 September 1941. He studied philosophy andthen prefected for two years in St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines; 1944-6. He completed a H.Dip. in 1946. Willie was ordained to thepriesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

Willie’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1950 where he was assigned to theCatholic Training College (C.T.C.) in Bo. In1952 he moved to Njala Komboya where hesupervised three primary schools and gavereligious instruction. He then served for fouryears in St Patrick’s Parish in Bonthe on SherbroIsland which had ten primary schools and onehospital. Following on from this he wasappointed pastor of St Columba’s Parish,Moyamba where he also worked as a hospitalchaplain. He then returned to C.T.C. in Bo wherehe was based for several years. He alsoundertook weekend ministry to the parish of StJoseph’s, Damballa, which involved a slow anddifficult journey by road from Bo. These were tobe his final duties in West Africa.

Willie returned to Ireland in 1967 due to ill-health and was appointed to Templeogue College

JUNE

76

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 76

Page 85: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

which had opened the previous year. He was onthe school’s teaching staff for some twenty years,and was part of the Templeogue Communityuntil he moved to Marian House in 2010. He wasan early user of computers and he acted as avolunteer teacher of computer science to studentsin the Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative(SPIRASI) for a number of years. Fr Willie wasthe oldest member of the Irish Province when hedied on 19 June 2017, aged ninety four, inMarian House. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

June 20th

McCARTHY, Fr Thomas1929-2007

Fr Thomas McCarthy (Tom) wasborn in Tipperary town on the 8May 1929. He completed hissecondary school education at Tipperary C.B.S.,1941-7. He entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1947 and made his first profession on the 8September 1948. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor, 1948-50 and prefected inBlackrock College between 1950 and 1952. Hethen returned to Kimmage to study theology andwas ordained to the priesthood in ClonliffeCollege by Archbishop John Charles McQuaidon the 3 July 1955. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on the 3 August 1956.

Tom’s first appointment was to the archdioceseof Onitsha, Nigeria in 1956, where he worked inpastoral ministry until 1967. In 1968 he wasappointed to the diocese of Savannah, U.S.A. Onthe invitation of Bishop Joseph Whelan hereturned to Nigeria in 1969 to dispense aid torefugees of the Biafran conflict in Ezinhite West,Owerri Diocese. He was arrested by the FederalNigerian Army in 1970 and was charged withentering the country illegally and workingwithout an official permit. There was a trial andhe was imprisoned briefly before being expelledfrom Nigeria on 4 February 1970. He returned toAmerica and worked for three months (May-July1970) in parish ministry in San Jose,Jacksonville, Florida. He then returned to Ireland

and was appointed assistant parish priest inArklow, archdiocese of Dublin from 1970 to1971. Following on from this he became achaplain at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, 1971-5.In 1976, Tom was appointed to Willow ParkCommunity, and in 1977 he transferred toRockwell College.

Fr Tom suffered from bad health throughout hiscareer. He died on 20 June 2007 in ArdkeenHospital, Waterford. He was buried in thecommunity cemetery at Rockwell College.

June 20th

O’DOHERTY, Fr George F.1926-2000

Fr George O’Doherty was born on 13 April 1926 inNewtownbutler, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College, 1940-5. He then enteredKilshane where he professed on 8 September1926. He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor,1946-8 and prefected at Blackrock College,1948-50. He then returned to Kimmage to studytheology and was ordained to the priesthood inClonliffe College, Dublin on 5 July 1953. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 30July 1954.

George’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1954. He was assigned to the Onitshadistrict where he served as an assistant in StPaul’s Parish in Eke. This parish had acongregation of over 28,000 people and 10,000pupils attended its thirty-eight primary schools.Following on from this he became pastor of StJohn the Baptist Church at Agbani in the dioceseof Enugu with responsibility for catechumens,native clergy and over 17,000 Catholicparishioners. In May 1967 he was forced to leaveNigeria because of the outbreak of the BiafranWar. The following year he took up ministry inNew Orleans, USA. In 1971, he transferred toZambia with six other confrères who had servedin Nigeria, to work in the diocese of Monze.George was reassigned in 1974 to the diocese of

JUNE

77

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 77

which had opened the previous year. He was onthe school’s teaching staff for some twenty years,and was part of the Templeogue Communityuntil he moved to Marian House in 2010. He wasan early user of computers and he acted as avolunteer teacher of computer science to studentsin the Spiritan Asylum Services Initiative(SPIRASI) for a number of years. Fr Willie wasthe oldest member of the Irish Province when hedied on 19 June 2017, aged ninety four, inMarian House. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

June 20th

McCARTHY, Fr Thomas1929-2007

Fr Thomas McCarthy (Tom) wasborn in Tipperary town on the 8May 1929. He completed hissecondary school education at Tipperary C.B.S.,1941-7. He entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1947 and made his first profession on the 8September 1948. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor, 1948-50 and prefected inBlackrock College between 1950 and 1952. Hethen returned to Kimmage to study theology andwas ordained to the priesthood in ClonliffeCollege by Archbishop John Charles McQuaidon the 3 July 1955. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on the 3 August 1956.

Tom’s first appointment was to the archdioceseof Onitsha, Nigeria in 1956, where he worked inpastoral ministry until 1967. In 1968 he wasappointed to the diocese of Savannah, U.S.A. Onthe invitation of Bishop Joseph Whelan hereturned to Nigeria in 1969 to dispense aid torefugees of the Biafran conflict in Ezinhite West,Owerri Diocese. He was arrested by the FederalNigerian Army in 1970 and was charged withentering the country illegally and workingwithout an official permit. There was a trial andhe was imprisoned briefly before being expelledfrom Nigeria on 4 February 1970. He returned toAmerica and worked for three months (May-July1970) in parish ministry in San Jose,Jacksonville, Florida. He then returned to Ireland

and was appointed assistant parish priest inArklow, archdiocese of Dublin from 1970 to1971. Following on from this he became achaplain at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, 1971-5.In 1976, Tom was appointed to Willow ParkCommunity, and in 1977 he transferred toRockwell College.

Fr Tom suffered from bad health throughout hiscareer. He died on 20 June 2007 in ArdkeenHospital, Waterford. He was buried in thecommunity cemetery at Rockwell College.

June 20th

O’DOHERTY, Fr George F.1926-2000

Fr George O’Doherty was born on 13 April 1926 inNewtownbutler, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College, 1940-5. He then enteredKilshane where he professed on 8 September1926. He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor,1946-8 and prefected at Blackrock College,1948-50. He then returned to Kimmage to studytheology and was ordained to the priesthood inClonliffe College, Dublin on 5 July 1953. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 30July 1954.

George’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1954. He was assigned to the Onitshadistrict where he served as an assistant in StPaul’s Parish in Eke. This parish had acongregation of over 28,000 people and 10,000pupils attended its thirty-eight primary schools.Following on from this he became pastor of StJohn the Baptist Church at Agbani in the dioceseof Enugu with responsibility for catechumens,native clergy and over 17,000 Catholicparishioners. In May 1967 he was forced to leaveNigeria because of the outbreak of the BiafranWar. The following year he took up ministry inNew Orleans, USA. In 1971, he transferred toZambia with six other confrères who had servedin Nigeria, to work in the diocese of Monze.George was reassigned in 1974 to the diocese of

JUNE

77

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 77

Page 86: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Sunyani, Ghana, where he served for two years.He returned to Ireland briefly in 1977 beforeaccepting his final assignment to Skipton,Yorkshire, England shortly afterwards. InSkipton despite bouts of ill health he ministeredto the needs of the people of St Stephen’s Parishfor the next twenty three years. His commitmentand contribution to the pastoral work of theparish was greatly appreciated. Fr George died atFisher Medical Centre, Skipton on 20 June 2000aged seventy-three years. He was buried in StStephen’s Cemetery, Skipton, Yorkshire.

June 21st

CORRIGAN, Fr Matthew F.1919-1998

Fr Matthew F. Corrigan (Mattie)was born on the 8 June 1919 inTang, Ballymahon, Co Westmeath. He was oneof four brothers to join the congregation - theothers being Francis, Colm and Kevin. Mattiecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College, 1935-8. He professed in1939. He was awarded a BA in philosophy byUCD in1942 and he prefected for one year atRockwell College between 1942 and 1943. Hewas ordained to the priesthood on 14 July 1946and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on1 August 1947.

Mattie was appointed to the Gambia in 1947 andhis first assignment was to the newly openedstation at St George’s, Basse, on the Gambia River.He became its director and taught at the school forboys established there. In 1954 he was transferredto St Theresa’s at Kanifing where he performed asimilar function. After another stint spent at Bassebetween 1960 and 1963, he was posted toN’Jongon where he worked for the next five years.He then returned to Ireland in 1969 and worked inparish ministry in the Dublin area, servingsuccessively in Malahide, 1970-81, Dolphin’sBarn, 1981-8 and Donnycarney, 1988-96.

Mattie made friends easily and people loved himfor his gentleness, his kindness, his fun and his

very presence. Due to failing health Fr Mattiemoved to Marian House, Kimmage Manor wherehe died aged seventy-nine on 21 June 1998. Hewas buried in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

June 22nd

CURTIN, Bro John 1916-1999

Bro John Curtin, or J.C. as hewas better known, was born inCordial, Castleisland, Co Kerryon 23 June 1916. Following in the footsteps ofhis two brothers, Frs Patrick and Thomas CSSp,he attended Rockwell College. He was a goodstudent and a skilful rugby player. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane in 1935 and was professedthe following year. He then studied philosophyfor the next two years at Kimmage, 1936-8.Following on from this he worked as a prefect inSt Mary’s College, Trinidad, 1938-42 and tookhis final vows there. John returned to Ireland in1942 to resume his studies for the priesthood. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor from 1942-6. However due to the onset of ill health hedecided, to the regret of all, that he could not goon to ordination.

Nonetheless, Bro John was appointed to WillowPark Preparatory School in 1947. He wasawarded a BA and a Higher Diploma inEducation by UCD in 1952 and 1953respectively. Whilst teaching at Willow Park heproved to be a highly successful tutor muchbeloved by the students. They appreciated hiskindness and his promotion of extra-curricularsubjects such as astronomy (He had completed acourse in astronomy at UCD and was a memberof the Irish Astronomical Society-M.I.A.S.),anatomy, nature study, stamp collecting, botany,music appreciation and the history of art. He hadattended the Sunday lectures on art in theNational Gallery and completed a course on thehistory of painting given by Madame FrançoiseHenri at UCD for which he was awarded a CEP(Certificate in European Painting). He triedcontinually to broaden his own mind and tried to

JUNE

78

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 78

Sunyani, Ghana, where he served for two years.He returned to Ireland briefly in 1977 beforeaccepting his final assignment to Skipton,Yorkshire, England shortly afterwards. InSkipton despite bouts of ill health he ministeredto the needs of the people of St Stephen’s Parishfor the next twenty three years. His commitmentand contribution to the pastoral work of theparish was greatly appreciated. Fr George died atFisher Medical Centre, Skipton on 20 June 2000aged seventy-three years. He was buried in StStephen’s Cemetery, Skipton, Yorkshire.

June 21st

CORRIGAN, Fr Matthew F.1919-1998

Fr Matthew F. Corrigan (Mattie)was born on the 8 June 1919 inTang, Ballymahon, Co Westmeath. He was oneof four brothers to join the congregation - theothers being Francis, Colm and Kevin. Mattiecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College, 1935-8. He professed in1939. He was awarded a BA in philosophy byUCD in1942 and he prefected for one year atRockwell College between 1942 and 1943. Hewas ordained to the priesthood on 14 July 1946and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on1 August 1947.

Mattie was appointed to the Gambia in 1947 andhis first assignment was to the newly openedstation at St George’s, Basse, on the Gambia River.He became its director and taught at the school forboys established there. In 1954 he was transferredto St Theresa’s at Kanifing where he performed asimilar function. After another stint spent at Bassebetween 1960 and 1963, he was posted toN’Jongon where he worked for the next five years.He then returned to Ireland in 1969 and worked inparish ministry in the Dublin area, servingsuccessively in Malahide, 1970-81, Dolphin’sBarn, 1981-8 and Donnycarney, 1988-96.

Mattie made friends easily and people loved himfor his gentleness, his kindness, his fun and his

very presence. Due to failing health Fr Mattiemoved to Marian House, Kimmage Manor wherehe died aged seventy-nine on 21 June 1998. Hewas buried in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

June 22nd

CURTIN, Bro John 1916-1999

Bro John Curtin, or J.C. as hewas better known, was born inCordial, Castleisland, Co Kerryon 23 June 1916. Following in the footsteps ofhis two brothers, Frs Patrick and Thomas CSSp,he attended Rockwell College. He was a goodstudent and a skilful rugby player. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane in 1935 and was professedthe following year. He then studied philosophyfor the next two years at Kimmage, 1936-8.Following on from this he worked as a prefect inSt Mary’s College, Trinidad, 1938-42 and tookhis final vows there. John returned to Ireland in1942 to resume his studies for the priesthood. Hestudied theology at Kimmage Manor from 1942-6. However due to the onset of ill health hedecided, to the regret of all, that he could not goon to ordination.

Nonetheless, Bro John was appointed to WillowPark Preparatory School in 1947. He wasawarded a BA and a Higher Diploma inEducation by UCD in 1952 and 1953respectively. Whilst teaching at Willow Park heproved to be a highly successful tutor muchbeloved by the students. They appreciated hiskindness and his promotion of extra-curricularsubjects such as astronomy (He had completed acourse in astronomy at UCD and was a memberof the Irish Astronomical Society-M.I.A.S.),anatomy, nature study, stamp collecting, botany,music appreciation and the history of art. He hadattended the Sunday lectures on art in theNational Gallery and completed a course on thehistory of painting given by Madame FrançoiseHenri at UCD for which he was awarded a CEP(Certificate in European Painting). He triedcontinually to broaden his own mind and tried to

JUNE

78

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 78

Page 87: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

help others to do likewise. He had a deeplyspiritual outlook on life and was a goodcounsellor. John struggled incessantly with boutsof ill health throughout his career until eventuallyhe was forced to retire from the classroom.

Bro John eventually transferred to Marian House,Kimmage in 1994. He died in HampsteadHospital, Dublin on 22 June 1999 aged eighty –two years. He was buried in ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

June 26th

LEWIS, Fr James Joseph1925-1999

Fr James Lewis (Séamus) wasborn 20 September 1925 inElphin, Co Roscommon. He completed hissecondary school education at Mungret CollegeCo Limerick. He joined the congregation in 1943and was professed in Kilshane on 4 September1944. He was awarded a BA and an MA inEnglish Literature by UCD in 1947 and 1948respectively. He prefected in Blackrock Collegefor one year, 1949-50. He was then sent toFribourg to continue his studies and was awardeda BD in 1953. He was ordained on 12 July of thesame year. He then went on to study for aLicentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) which hereceived in 1954.

Séamus’s first mission appointment was toMauritius in 1954 where he served mainly inHoly Spirit College teaching literature until1964. He then transferred to Kenya where hetaught for the next eleven years in the teachertraining college and in various high schools inthe diocese of Machakos. He was a gifted linguistwho spoke English, Irish and French and it wasprobably for this reason that during his stay atKitela he was given the task of translating thenew Roman missal into the local Kikambalanguage (which he had also become proficientin). He worked in Tala in the diocese ofMachakos and later at Shamba Hills in thediocese of Mombasa. He returned to MachakosDiocese in 1982 and served at the Ikalaasa and

Kalawa missions. His last mission appointmentsthere were in Kibaoni – a remote part ofMachakos, far from any town. He was describedas a faithful teacher of the Gospel, and an affableconfrère who welcomed all who came to visithim. He loved the annual retreats which affordedhim an opportunity to socialise with fellowmissionaries. He was a very zealous priest whobuilt many churches and won many convertswhom he also baptised.

He returned to Ireland in 1993 and was later thatsame year reassigned to serve in the diocese ofArundel and Brighton in England. He workedthere as a chaplain in Holy Cross Hospital,Haselmere, Surrey. Fr Séamus died after a shortillness in the hospital where he had worked on26 June 1999 aged seventy-three years. He wasburied in Holy Cross Hospital Cemetery.

June 27th

McGLADE, Fr Cornelius Desmond 1916-2002

Fr Cornelius Desmond McGlade(Des) was born at Evermore, StJohn’s Park, Belfast on the 9 October 1916. Hecompleted his secondary school education atC.B.S. and sat the Matriculation Examination in1934. He then entered the congregation atKilshane in 1935 where he made his firstprofession on 5 September 1936. Following onfrom this he studied philosophy and theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 22 June 1941. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1942.

Des’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1943where he was assigned to do pastoral work inAhiara. In 1945 he was transferred to the HolyTrinity Cathedral in Onitsha. Between 1948 and1953 he served at Adazi and Nnokwa Missions.In 1953 he was transferred to Enugu-Ezike andremained there until 1963. During his time there,he established fifty primary schools and set up acentral parish house. His next assignment was inOkpatu where he established a domestic scienceschool for girls and a farmers association for

JUNE

79

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 79

help others to do likewise. He had a deeplyspiritual outlook on life and was a goodcounsellor. John struggled incessantly with boutsof ill health throughout his career until eventuallyhe was forced to retire from the classroom.

Bro John eventually transferred to Marian House,Kimmage in 1994. He died in HampsteadHospital, Dublin on 22 June 1999 aged eighty –two years. He was buried in ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

June 26th

LEWIS, Fr James Joseph1925-1999

Fr James Lewis (Séamus) wasborn 20 September 1925 inElphin, Co Roscommon. He completed hissecondary school education at Mungret CollegeCo Limerick. He joined the congregation in 1943and was professed in Kilshane on 4 September1944. He was awarded a BA and an MA inEnglish Literature by UCD in 1947 and 1948respectively. He prefected in Blackrock Collegefor one year, 1949-50. He was then sent toFribourg to continue his studies and was awardeda BD in 1953. He was ordained on 12 July of thesame year. He then went on to study for aLicentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) which hereceived in 1954.

Séamus’s first mission appointment was toMauritius in 1954 where he served mainly inHoly Spirit College teaching literature until1964. He then transferred to Kenya where hetaught for the next eleven years in the teachertraining college and in various high schools inthe diocese of Machakos. He was a gifted linguistwho spoke English, Irish and French and it wasprobably for this reason that during his stay atKitela he was given the task of translating thenew Roman missal into the local Kikambalanguage (which he had also become proficientin). He worked in Tala in the diocese ofMachakos and later at Shamba Hills in thediocese of Mombasa. He returned to MachakosDiocese in 1982 and served at the Ikalaasa and

Kalawa missions. His last mission appointmentsthere were in Kibaoni – a remote part ofMachakos, far from any town. He was describedas a faithful teacher of the Gospel, and an affableconfrère who welcomed all who came to visithim. He loved the annual retreats which affordedhim an opportunity to socialise with fellowmissionaries. He was a very zealous priest whobuilt many churches and won many convertswhom he also baptised.

He returned to Ireland in 1993 and was later thatsame year reassigned to serve in the diocese ofArundel and Brighton in England. He workedthere as a chaplain in Holy Cross Hospital,Haselmere, Surrey. Fr Séamus died after a shortillness in the hospital where he had worked on26 June 1999 aged seventy-three years. He wasburied in Holy Cross Hospital Cemetery.

June 27th

McGLADE, Fr Cornelius Desmond 1916-2002

Fr Cornelius Desmond McGlade(Des) was born at Evermore, StJohn’s Park, Belfast on the 9 October 1916. Hecompleted his secondary school education atC.B.S. and sat the Matriculation Examination in1934. He then entered the congregation atKilshane in 1935 where he made his firstprofession on 5 September 1936. Following onfrom this he studied philosophy and theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 22 June 1941. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1942.

Des’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1943where he was assigned to do pastoral work inAhiara. In 1945 he was transferred to the HolyTrinity Cathedral in Onitsha. Between 1948 and1953 he served at Adazi and Nnokwa Missions.In 1953 he was transferred to Enugu-Ezike andremained there until 1963. During his time there,he established fifty primary schools and set up acentral parish house. His next assignment was inOkpatu where he established a domestic scienceschool for girls and a farmers association for

JUNE

79

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 79

Page 88: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

young men. However he believed that the mostpractical contribution he had made to the lives ofordinary people in Nigeria was the provision ofa reliable supply of fresh drinking water in theareas in which he worked. During the NigerianCivil War (1967-1970) Des worked withrefugees at Uli located inside the Biafran enclaveand was involved in the air-lift of food which didmuch to alleviate mass starvation. This reliefeffort was conducted despite the constant threatof aerial bombardment. In fact he was injuredduring one of these attacks but insisted onhelping other aid workers who had been moreseriously wounded. In 1970 the Biafran Warended and Des was expelled from Nigeria. Hewas reappointed to the Fresno Diocese ofCalifornia. However he longed to return to themissions and got the opportunity in 1975 whenhe was sent to Papua New Guinea. In 1977 hereturned briefly to Africa when he transferred tothe diocese of Machakos, Kenya. A year later hereturned to California where he worked in thediocese of Sacramento until 1987. He thenreturned to Papua New Guinea and remained onthere until 1991.

Fr Des was appointed to work in St AthansiusParish, Mountain View, California in 1991. Hereturned to Ireland ten years later and wasadmitted to Marian House at Kimmage Manor inNovember 2001. He died there on the 27 June2002 and was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 28th

LORD, Fr Gerard Arthur1923-2004

Fr Gerard Lord (Gerry) was bornin Tydavanet, Monaghan on 31October 1923. After one year inC.B.S. Monaghan he joined theIrish Christian Brothers and spent one year inBaldoyle and two years in Bray. In 1941 aftercompleting the Leaving Certificate he camehome and remained mostly at farming until 8 February 1944 when he entered the JuniorScholasticate in Rockwell. After four months

spent in Rockwell mostly studying Latin he didthe Matriculation Examination and then enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane, at the age of twenty-one years. Gerry made his first profession on 14 September 1945. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor from 1945 until 1947 andtheology from 1947 until 1950. Gerry wasordained to the Priesthood on 16 July 1950. He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on3 August 1951.

In 1951 Father Gerry’s initial appointment wasto the Diocese of Onitsha in Nigeria but due tohealth reasons he was detained in Ireland andappointed to St. Michael’s College. In the period1952-’55 he served as provincial secretary. Hewas appointed to St. Mary’s College in 1956 andremained on there for the next twenty-three yearsuntil 1979. During this time he completed theB.D. in 1977, the H. Dip in Ed. in 1978 and a Dipin Catechetics in 1979. In 1979 Father Gerry wasappointed to work in the United States. Heworked in parishes in East U.S A. during the1979-’84 period and then in Staten Island, NewYork until 1986. He was then transferred to theWest Coast and worked in San Diego, Californiafrom 1986 until 2002.

Gerry celebrated his Golden Jubilee of ordinationin 2000. For the last few years Fr. Gerry hadfailing health. He retired to live with his sister inPennsylvania in 2003 but later returned toMarian House. Fr Gerry died 28 June 2004 andis buried in the community plot in the cemeteryat Dardistown, Co. Dublin.

June 29th

BUCKLEY, Fr John1928-2007

Fr John Buckley was born inUpperchurch, Tipperary, on the10 April, 1928. He completed hissecondary school education at St Joseph’sJuniorate, Rockwell College. Then following inthe footsteps of his older brother EdwardBuckley CSSp. and a cousin Bryan (Bernard) OConnor CSSp. he joined the SpiritanCongregation by entering the novitiate in

JUNE

80

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 80

young men. However he believed that the mostpractical contribution he had made to the lives ofordinary people in Nigeria was the provision ofa reliable supply of fresh drinking water in theareas in which he worked. During the NigerianCivil War (1967-1970) Des worked withrefugees at Uli located inside the Biafran enclaveand was involved in the air-lift of food which didmuch to alleviate mass starvation. This reliefeffort was conducted despite the constant threatof aerial bombardment. In fact he was injuredduring one of these attacks but insisted onhelping other aid workers who had been moreseriously wounded. In 1970 the Biafran Warended and Des was expelled from Nigeria. Hewas reappointed to the Fresno Diocese ofCalifornia. However he longed to return to themissions and got the opportunity in 1975 whenhe was sent to Papua New Guinea. In 1977 hereturned briefly to Africa when he transferred tothe diocese of Machakos, Kenya. A year later hereturned to California where he worked in thediocese of Sacramento until 1987. He thenreturned to Papua New Guinea and remained onthere until 1991.

Fr Des was appointed to work in St AthansiusParish, Mountain View, California in 1991. Hereturned to Ireland ten years later and wasadmitted to Marian House at Kimmage Manor inNovember 2001. He died there on the 27 June2002 and was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 28th

LORD, Fr Gerard Arthur1923-2004

Fr Gerard Lord (Gerry) was bornin Tydavanet, Monaghan on 31October 1923. After one year inC.B.S. Monaghan he joined theIrish Christian Brothers and spent one year inBaldoyle and two years in Bray. In 1941 aftercompleting the Leaving Certificate he camehome and remained mostly at farming until 8 February 1944 when he entered the JuniorScholasticate in Rockwell. After four months

spent in Rockwell mostly studying Latin he didthe Matriculation Examination and then enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane, at the age of twenty-one years. Gerry made his first profession on 14 September 1945. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor from 1945 until 1947 andtheology from 1947 until 1950. Gerry wasordained to the Priesthood on 16 July 1950. He made his Consecration to the Apostolate on3 August 1951.

In 1951 Father Gerry’s initial appointment wasto the Diocese of Onitsha in Nigeria but due tohealth reasons he was detained in Ireland andappointed to St. Michael’s College. In the period1952-’55 he served as provincial secretary. Hewas appointed to St. Mary’s College in 1956 andremained on there for the next twenty-three yearsuntil 1979. During this time he completed theB.D. in 1977, the H. Dip in Ed. in 1978 and a Dipin Catechetics in 1979. In 1979 Father Gerry wasappointed to work in the United States. Heworked in parishes in East U.S A. during the1979-’84 period and then in Staten Island, NewYork until 1986. He was then transferred to theWest Coast and worked in San Diego, Californiafrom 1986 until 2002.

Gerry celebrated his Golden Jubilee of ordinationin 2000. For the last few years Fr. Gerry hadfailing health. He retired to live with his sister inPennsylvania in 2003 but later returned toMarian House. Fr Gerry died 28 June 2004 andis buried in the community plot in the cemeteryat Dardistown, Co. Dublin.

June 29th

BUCKLEY, Fr John1928-2007

Fr John Buckley was born inUpperchurch, Tipperary, on the10 April, 1928. He completed hissecondary school education at St Joseph’sJuniorate, Rockwell College. Then following inthe footsteps of his older brother EdwardBuckley CSSp. and a cousin Bryan (Bernard) OConnor CSSp. he joined the SpiritanCongregation by entering the novitiate in

JUNE

80

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 80

Page 89: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Kilshane in 1949. He made his first professionthere on 8 September 1950. Following on fromthis he studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorbetween 1950 and 1952 and prefected inRockwell College between 1952 and 1954. Hethen returned to Kimmage to study theology andwas ordained to the priesthood on the 14 July1957. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 1 August 1958.

John’s first appointment was to Kimmage Manorwhere he worked with the Burse, 1959-66 andoccupied the position of bursar from 1966 to1968. He was re-assigned to Rockwell Collegein 1969 where he held the successiveadministrative positions of dean of theAgricultural College, 1969-76 and dean of theCatering School, 1976-8. John moved to theU.S.A. in 1978 at the request of BishopO’Driscoll who once stated that his‘personality...[and] style is something that is agreat gift’ and that he was: ‘what I would expectan Irish priest to be, thoughtful and kind,spiritually grounded and one who is concernedfor those around him’. John subsequentlybecame assistant pastor in St James’ Parish,Jamestown, diocese of Fargo, North Dakota.However, John suffered health problems duringhis time there and on occasion returned to Irelandfor treatment.

Fr John returned to Ireland in 1986 and wasappointed dean of the junior school, RockwellCollege. John suffered from recurring bouts of illhealth in later life. He died in Tallaght Hospitalon the 29 June 2007 having been part of theKimmage Community at Marian House. He wasburied in Upperchurch, Tipperary.

June 29th

OWENS, Fr Séamus1928-2005

Fr Séamus Owens was born inClontarf, Dublin on 29 March1928. He attended secondaryschool at O’Connell’s C.B.S.(Dublin) where hesat his Intermediate Certificate and at St Joseph’sJuniorate, Rockwell College where he sat theLeaving Certificate. He entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1946 and made his first professionon 8 September 1947. He was awarded a B.A. inPhilosophy by UCD in 1950. Following on fromthis he prefected at Rockwell College from 1950to 1952. He then studied theology at KimmageManor, 1952-6 and was ordained to thepriesthood on 3 July 1955. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 July 1956.

Séamus’s first appointment was to Sierra Leonein 1956 where he served as curate at NjalaKomboya. In 1959 he was transferred to Christthe King College, Bo and in 1960 to St Edward’sSecondary School, Freetown. He opened a newsecondary school at Segbwema in 1962. He thenserved as education secretary from 1964 to1969.Séamus then returned to Ireland on aneducational sabbatical and was awarded a H.Dipin Education by U.C.D. in 1970. On completionof this course he returned to Sierra Leone, andwas appointed acting principal of the Catholicteacher training college in Bo. He became vice-principal of this school from 1972 until 1981. Heresigned from this position but nonethelesscontinued on at the college as chaplain andlecturer in mathematics. Séamus was a man ofmany accomplishments not least was his abilityon the tennis court, a sport which he had onlytaken up in the early 1970s. In his autobiographyhe states that ‘the highlight of my tennis careercame in 1987 when I won the Senior VeteransChampionship of Sierra Leone’. In fact at thispoint in his career he seems to have had anabundance of energy as in addition to histeaching duties he became in 1988 the parishpriest of St Pius, Njagboima, Bo. He returned toIreland in 1996 after almost forty years in SierraLeone. He was appointed bursar of the KimmageCommunity, 1996-9. He then returned to Sierra

JUNE

81

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 81

Kilshane in 1949. He made his first professionthere on 8 September 1950. Following on fromthis he studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorbetween 1950 and 1952 and prefected inRockwell College between 1952 and 1954. Hethen returned to Kimmage to study theology andwas ordained to the priesthood on the 14 July1957. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 1 August 1958.

John’s first appointment was to Kimmage Manorwhere he worked with the Burse, 1959-66 andoccupied the position of bursar from 1966 to1968. He was re-assigned to Rockwell Collegein 1969 where he held the successiveadministrative positions of dean of theAgricultural College, 1969-76 and dean of theCatering School, 1976-8. John moved to theU.S.A. in 1978 at the request of BishopO’Driscoll who once stated that his‘personality...[and] style is something that is agreat gift’ and that he was: ‘what I would expectan Irish priest to be, thoughtful and kind,spiritually grounded and one who is concernedfor those around him’. John subsequentlybecame assistant pastor in St James’ Parish,Jamestown, diocese of Fargo, North Dakota.However, John suffered health problems duringhis time there and on occasion returned to Irelandfor treatment.

Fr John returned to Ireland in 1986 and wasappointed dean of the junior school, RockwellCollege. John suffered from recurring bouts of illhealth in later life. He died in Tallaght Hospitalon the 29 June 2007 having been part of theKimmage Community at Marian House. He wasburied in Upperchurch, Tipperary.

June 29th

OWENS, Fr Séamus1928-2005

Fr Séamus Owens was born inClontarf, Dublin on 29 March1928. He attended secondaryschool at O’Connell’s C.B.S.(Dublin) where hesat his Intermediate Certificate and at St Joseph’sJuniorate, Rockwell College where he sat theLeaving Certificate. He entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1946 and made his first professionon 8 September 1947. He was awarded a B.A. inPhilosophy by UCD in 1950. Following on fromthis he prefected at Rockwell College from 1950to 1952. He then studied theology at KimmageManor, 1952-6 and was ordained to thepriesthood on 3 July 1955. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 July 1956.

Séamus’s first appointment was to Sierra Leonein 1956 where he served as curate at NjalaKomboya. In 1959 he was transferred to Christthe King College, Bo and in 1960 to St Edward’sSecondary School, Freetown. He opened a newsecondary school at Segbwema in 1962. He thenserved as education secretary from 1964 to1969.Séamus then returned to Ireland on aneducational sabbatical and was awarded a H.Dipin Education by U.C.D. in 1970. On completionof this course he returned to Sierra Leone, andwas appointed acting principal of the Catholicteacher training college in Bo. He became vice-principal of this school from 1972 until 1981. Heresigned from this position but nonethelesscontinued on at the college as chaplain andlecturer in mathematics. Séamus was a man ofmany accomplishments not least was his abilityon the tennis court, a sport which he had onlytaken up in the early 1970s. In his autobiographyhe states that ‘the highlight of my tennis careercame in 1987 when I won the Senior VeteransChampionship of Sierra Leone’. In fact at thispoint in his career he seems to have had anabundance of energy as in addition to histeaching duties he became in 1988 the parishpriest of St Pius, Njagboima, Bo. He returned toIreland in 1996 after almost forty years in SierraLeone. He was appointed bursar of the KimmageCommunity, 1996-9. He then returned to Sierra

JUNE

81

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 81

Page 90: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Leone in 2000 and worked in St Theresa’s Parish.During his time there he became involved inbuilding on an extension to the existing churchto enable it accommodate an ever increasingcongregation.

Fr Séamus travelled back to Ireland to attend hisGolden Jubilee of Ordination celebration, whichwas held in Kimmage Manor on 11 June 2005.He stayed on for a short holiday in Ireland butdied suddenly, after experiencing a short illness,in the Mater Hospital, Dublin on 29 June 2005.He was buried in the community plot inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 30th

HOLLY,Fr Cornelius Colbert1917-2001

Fr Cornelius Colbert Holly (Con)was born on 25 September 1917in Tarbert, Co Kerry. He was named after hisuncle Con Colbert the youngest signatory of the1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic andsubsequent participant in the uprising againstBritish rule and was later executed. Concompleted his secondary school education atRockwell College and following in the footstepsof his brother Paddy, opted to join the SpiritanCongregation. He made his first profession inKilshane in 1936. He was awarded a BA (Hons)in Classics by UCD in 1939. He subsequently,prefected in Blackrock College where he taughtLatin from 1940 to 1941. He was awarded an

MA (Hons) in Classics by his Alma Mater U.C.Din 1942. He then resumed his studies inKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 15 July 1945. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 1 August1947.

Con’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1946 where he served for five years assupervisor of schools and then for the nextthirteen as an instructor in the teacher trainingcollege in the diocese of Owerri. He was forcedto leave Nigeria in 1967 due to the outbreak ofthe Biafra War. He was reassigned to the USAwhere he worked for the next twenty-four years.He taught initially as an assistant professor in theDepartment of Classics at Duquense University,1968-77. He then accepted positions teachingLatin in St Pius X Seminary, 1977-82 and also atLincoln, Nebraska. Consequently, his services asprofessor and confessor were greatly appreciatedin the seminary and in the local parish. In factone colleague and friend later cited that he wasknown for his ‘warmth, his humour... [and] hisgenerosity of person’ which was demonstrated byhis charity to others especially fellow clerics lessfortunate than himself.

Fr Con returned to Ireland in 1992 and retired tothe Blackrock Community where his brotherPaddy also resided. Due to ill health he wastransferred to Marian House, Kimmage Manorwhere he died on 30 June 2001 aged 83 years.His cousin Fr Liam Barr officiated at his funeralservice in Blackrock College following which hewas buried in the community plot at ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

JUNE

82

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 82

Leone in 2000 and worked in St Theresa’s Parish.During his time there he became involved inbuilding on an extension to the existing churchto enable it accommodate an ever increasingcongregation.

Fr Séamus travelled back to Ireland to attend hisGolden Jubilee of Ordination celebration, whichwas held in Kimmage Manor on 11 June 2005.He stayed on for a short holiday in Ireland butdied suddenly, after experiencing a short illness,in the Mater Hospital, Dublin on 29 June 2005.He was buried in the community plot inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

June 30th

HOLLY,Fr Cornelius Colbert1917-2001

Fr Cornelius Colbert Holly (Con)was born on 25 September 1917in Tarbert, Co Kerry. He was named after hisuncle Con Colbert the youngest signatory of the1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic andsubsequent participant in the uprising againstBritish rule and was later executed. Concompleted his secondary school education atRockwell College and following in the footstepsof his brother Paddy, opted to join the SpiritanCongregation. He made his first profession inKilshane in 1936. He was awarded a BA (Hons)in Classics by UCD in 1939. He subsequently,prefected in Blackrock College where he taughtLatin from 1940 to 1941. He was awarded an

MA (Hons) in Classics by his Alma Mater U.C.Din 1942. He then resumed his studies inKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 15 July 1945. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 1 August1947.

Con’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1946 where he served for five years assupervisor of schools and then for the nextthirteen as an instructor in the teacher trainingcollege in the diocese of Owerri. He was forcedto leave Nigeria in 1967 due to the outbreak ofthe Biafra War. He was reassigned to the USAwhere he worked for the next twenty-four years.He taught initially as an assistant professor in theDepartment of Classics at Duquense University,1968-77. He then accepted positions teachingLatin in St Pius X Seminary, 1977-82 and also atLincoln, Nebraska. Consequently, his services asprofessor and confessor were greatly appreciatedin the seminary and in the local parish. In factone colleague and friend later cited that he wasknown for his ‘warmth, his humour... [and] hisgenerosity of person’ which was demonstrated byhis charity to others especially fellow clerics lessfortunate than himself.

Fr Con returned to Ireland in 1992 and retired tothe Blackrock Community where his brotherPaddy also resided. Due to ill health he wastransferred to Marian House, Kimmage Manorwhere he died on 30 June 2001 aged 83 years.His cousin Fr Liam Barr officiated at his funeralservice in Blackrock College following which hewas buried in the community plot at ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

JUNE

82

June Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:11 Page 82

Page 91: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

July 1st

DOHENY, Fr Kevin F.1925-2000

Fr Kevin Doheny was born on 3 May 1925 in Ballinakill, Co.Laois. Following in the footstepsof his brother Michael, he completed hissecondary studies at Blackrock College, 1939-43, with the intention of joining theCongregation. Professed in 1944 he did hisstudies at UCD where he qualified for the BA in1950. He then prefected for three years inTrinidad, 1945-48. Ordained in 1953 he wasappointed the following year to Nigeria.

Assigned to the Owerri district he served oneyear in Uturu as Master of Novices to St PeterClaver Brothers. He was then transferred toBishop Shanahan Teacher Training College inOrlu where he served for five years. In 1960he was appointed Director of Okpala JuniorSeminary where he was to serve for ten yearswhile also occupied in relief work during theBiafra war.

Obliged to leave Nigeria because of the warhe qualified for a Diploma in Social Scienceon Community Development at Swansea in1970. In 1972 he was appointed to Ethiopiaserving at Addis Ababa in communitydevelopment and social work. During the period1972-1990 Kevin worked all over East Africa.He helped set up Cheshire Homes in Ethiopia,Zambia and Zimbabwe. He was also involvedwith prison work in a top security jail inEthiopia. Later he became involved withprisoners in Iraq before the war there in theearly 1990s.

He founded Refugee Trust when he returnedto Ireland with a view to financing his workfor refugees. He continued fund-raisingthroughout the 1990s. He was tireless in hiscaring for the disadvantaged. While living inactive retirement in Kimmage Manor hepublished a book “Without Hands” in whichhe tells the story of his involvement in social andrelief work. Kevin died in Marian House on 1July 2000, Feast of the Immaculate Heart of

Mary. He was 75 years of age. Fr Kevin wasburied in the Spiritan plot at DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

July 1st

BYRNE, Fr John J.1931-2012

Fr John Byrne was born inBallygullen, Camolin, CoWexford on 26 April 1931. Hecompleted his secondary school education at St Peter’s, Wexford. He then entered the novitiatein Kilshane and made his first profession on 8September 1950. He studied philosophy atU.C.D., and was awarded a B.A. in 1953.Following this John prefected in Rockwell from1953 to 1955. John was ordained to thepriesthood on 29 June 1958 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1959 and wasthat same year awarded an S.T.L. by theGregorian University in Rome.

John’s first mission appointment was to StMary’s College, Rathmines in 1959 and heremained on the teaching staff there until 1980.He then worked in Templeogue College as ateacher until 1995. John served not only hisstudents but his confrères by accepting the roleof community bursar in 1994; a position he helduntil the time of his death. He was appointedcommunity leader in 2004 and was re-appointedin 2007. John also assisted regularly, atweekends, in the parish of Ballon and Rathoe inCo Carlow.

Fr John was a keen and gifted gardener and heused his skills to develop a flourishing nurserygarden at the service of the school and widercommunity. Fr John was the epitome ofgraciousness and generosity in his dealings witheverybody. He died on 1 July 2012 at the BeaconHospital, Dublin and was buried in St Columba’sCemetery, Ballyduff, Camolin, Co Wexford.

JULY

83

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 83

July 1st

DOHENY, Fr Kevin F.1925-2000

Fr Kevin Doheny was born on 3 May 1925 in Ballinakill, Co.Laois. Following in the footstepsof his brother Michael, he completed hissecondary studies at Blackrock College, 1939-43, with the intention of joining theCongregation. Professed in 1944 he did hisstudies at UCD where he qualified for the BA in1950. He then prefected for three years inTrinidad, 1945-48. Ordained in 1953 he wasappointed the following year to Nigeria.

Assigned to the Owerri district he served oneyear in Uturu as Master of Novices to St PeterClaver Brothers. He was then transferred toBishop Shanahan Teacher Training College inOrlu where he served for five years. In 1960he was appointed Director of Okpala JuniorSeminary where he was to serve for ten yearswhile also occupied in relief work during theBiafra war.

Obliged to leave Nigeria because of the warhe qualified for a Diploma in Social Scienceon Community Development at Swansea in1970. In 1972 he was appointed to Ethiopiaserving at Addis Ababa in communitydevelopment and social work. During the period1972-1990 Kevin worked all over East Africa.He helped set up Cheshire Homes in Ethiopia,Zambia and Zimbabwe. He was also involvedwith prison work in a top security jail inEthiopia. Later he became involved withprisoners in Iraq before the war there in theearly 1990s.

He founded Refugee Trust when he returnedto Ireland with a view to financing his workfor refugees. He continued fund-raisingthroughout the 1990s. He was tireless in hiscaring for the disadvantaged. While living inactive retirement in Kimmage Manor hepublished a book “Without Hands” in whichhe tells the story of his involvement in social andrelief work. Kevin died in Marian House on 1July 2000, Feast of the Immaculate Heart of

Mary. He was 75 years of age. Fr Kevin wasburied in the Spiritan plot at DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

July 1st

BYRNE, Fr John J.1931-2012

Fr John Byrne was born inBallygullen, Camolin, CoWexford on 26 April 1931. Hecompleted his secondary school education at St Peter’s, Wexford. He then entered the novitiatein Kilshane and made his first profession on 8September 1950. He studied philosophy atU.C.D., and was awarded a B.A. in 1953.Following this John prefected in Rockwell from1953 to 1955. John was ordained to thepriesthood on 29 June 1958 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1959 and wasthat same year awarded an S.T.L. by theGregorian University in Rome.

John’s first mission appointment was to StMary’s College, Rathmines in 1959 and heremained on the teaching staff there until 1980.He then worked in Templeogue College as ateacher until 1995. John served not only hisstudents but his confrères by accepting the roleof community bursar in 1994; a position he helduntil the time of his death. He was appointedcommunity leader in 2004 and was re-appointedin 2007. John also assisted regularly, atweekends, in the parish of Ballon and Rathoe inCo Carlow.

Fr John was a keen and gifted gardener and heused his skills to develop a flourishing nurserygarden at the service of the school and widercommunity. Fr John was the epitome ofgraciousness and generosity in his dealings witheverybody. He died on 1 July 2012 at the BeaconHospital, Dublin and was buried in St Columba’sCemetery, Ballyduff, Camolin, Co Wexford.

JULY

83

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 83

Page 92: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

July 2nd

COLLINS, Fr Martin Joseph1931-2015

Fr Martin Collins was born on 27November 1931 in Dunmore, CoGalway. Following his secondary schooleducation at St Jarlath’s Tuam, he attended thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed in 1950.On completion of a BA in philosophy and Irish,he prefected in Blackrock College from 1953 to1955. During this time he completed the H. Dip.Ed., before returning to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained in Dublin on 13 July1958 by Archbishop McQuaid; one of a total oftwenty five Spiritans who were ordained thatyear.

On completion of a pastoral year in IrelandMartin was appointed in 1960 to the district ofOnitsha in Nigeria. He served there for sevenyears, initially at Enugu Ezike, which was aparish which had a congregation of 18,000Catholics and catechumens. He later becameprincipal of the county grammar school at lgbo-Eze, near lbagwa, a station which had opened in1964. He left West Africa in October 1967 dueto the outbreak of the Biafran war. He studied inEngland for a time before travelling to Texas towork briefly in parish ministry.

After completing a Spanish language course inPeru, Martin joined the Spiritan team inParaguay, but his time there was cut short whenthe political situation became too unsafe formissionaries to remain in that South Americancountry. He returned to the U.S.A. in 1974 andwent on to serve in parishes in North Dakota,Florida and Washington. Fr Martin returned toKimmage Manor in 1996 and died on 2 July2015 and is buried in Laytown, Co Meath.

July 3rd

MOLONEY, Fr Dermot N.1919-2005

Fr Dermot Moloney was born atIona Villas, Dublin 7 on 12December, 1919. He completed his secondaryschool education at the junior scholasticate inBlackrock. He then entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1939. He served on the staff of theburse between 1940 and 1942 and then for thenext two years prefected in Blackrcok College.In 1946 he was awarded a B.A. in philosophy byU.C.D. Dermot studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 10July 1949. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 4 July 1950.

Dermot’s first mission appointment was to thevicariate of Owerri, Nigeria in 1951. He taughtfor one year at Stella Maris College, PortHarcourt. In 1952 he was appointed to Nsu, aparish with over 44,000 Catholics andcatechumens. He took a teaching sabbatical at StMary’s College, Rathmines in 1961 whilestudying for the H.Dip in Ed.

Dermot returned to Kimmage Manor in 1964 towork as bursar and he also taught at St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines. In 1969 he went to theU.S.A. and became a member of the Long Islandregional community. Two years later hetransferred to Malawi to work in theevangelisation apostolate. However illnessforced him to return again to Ireland. He wassubsequently appointed in 1972 to the NewOrleans group of Spiritans in Louisiana. FrDermot served in Baton Rouge until he retired tothe Mission House, Kimmage Manor, in 1999.He died on 3 July 2005 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JULY

84

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 84

July 2nd

COLLINS, Fr Martin Joseph1931-2015

Fr Martin Collins was born on 27November 1931 in Dunmore, CoGalway. Following his secondary schooleducation at St Jarlath’s Tuam, he attended thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed in 1950.On completion of a BA in philosophy and Irish,he prefected in Blackrock College from 1953 to1955. During this time he completed the H. Dip.Ed., before returning to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained in Dublin on 13 July1958 by Archbishop McQuaid; one of a total oftwenty five Spiritans who were ordained thatyear.

On completion of a pastoral year in IrelandMartin was appointed in 1960 to the district ofOnitsha in Nigeria. He served there for sevenyears, initially at Enugu Ezike, which was aparish which had a congregation of 18,000Catholics and catechumens. He later becameprincipal of the county grammar school at lgbo-Eze, near lbagwa, a station which had opened in1964. He left West Africa in October 1967 dueto the outbreak of the Biafran war. He studied inEngland for a time before travelling to Texas towork briefly in parish ministry.

After completing a Spanish language course inPeru, Martin joined the Spiritan team inParaguay, but his time there was cut short whenthe political situation became too unsafe formissionaries to remain in that South Americancountry. He returned to the U.S.A. in 1974 andwent on to serve in parishes in North Dakota,Florida and Washington. Fr Martin returned toKimmage Manor in 1996 and died on 2 July2015 and is buried in Laytown, Co Meath.

July 3rd

MOLONEY, Fr Dermot N.1919-2005

Fr Dermot Moloney was born atIona Villas, Dublin 7 on 12December, 1919. He completed his secondaryschool education at the junior scholasticate inBlackrock. He then entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1939. He served on the staff of theburse between 1940 and 1942 and then for thenext two years prefected in Blackrcok College.In 1946 he was awarded a B.A. in philosophy byU.C.D. Dermot studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 10July 1949. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 4 July 1950.

Dermot’s first mission appointment was to thevicariate of Owerri, Nigeria in 1951. He taughtfor one year at Stella Maris College, PortHarcourt. In 1952 he was appointed to Nsu, aparish with over 44,000 Catholics andcatechumens. He took a teaching sabbatical at StMary’s College, Rathmines in 1961 whilestudying for the H.Dip in Ed.

Dermot returned to Kimmage Manor in 1964 towork as bursar and he also taught at St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines. In 1969 he went to theU.S.A. and became a member of the Long Islandregional community. Two years later hetransferred to Malawi to work in theevangelisation apostolate. However illnessforced him to return again to Ireland. He wassubsequently appointed in 1972 to the NewOrleans group of Spiritans in Louisiana. FrDermot served in Baton Rouge until he retired tothe Mission House, Kimmage Manor, in 1999.He died on 3 July 2005 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

JULY

84

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 84

Page 93: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

July 4th

FULLEN, Fr Patrick S.1911-1999

Fr Patrick Fullen (Paddy) wasborn on 11 August 1911 inCoalisland, Co. Tyrone, andfollowing in the footsteps of his brother Fred andhis first cousin Johnny O’Neill and went toBlackrock College, 1924-1929, to do hissecondary studies and to join the Congregation.Professed in Kimmage in 1930 he prefected atSt Mary’s College, Trinidad, 1932-35.

Ordained a priest in 1938 he was appointed thefollowing year to the Vicariate of Zanzibar wherehe was to serve till 1991, apart from a year asassistant master of novices in Kilshane, 1949-50. He spent almost 50 years in parish ministryin Nairobi, Mangu and Lioku. He immediatelyset out to master the language of the peoplesamong whom he was working. Swahili becamea second language for him. Later he becameproficient in both Kikamba and Kikuyu. Duringhis years with the Wakambe people he publisheda catechism in Kikamba. He taught for a periodin St Mary’s and acted as chaplain to the cityprison which became his parish. During the Mau-Mau emergency he assisted at countlessexecutions. This was a very demanding task buthe looked on such pastoral work as an essentialpart of the exercise of his priesthood. He wasseen to be very particular in the way he preparedpeople for the sacraments. He had a wonderfulfacility in getting to know peoples’ names. Thevisitation of the sick in their homes wasalways an important part of his apostolate. Hehad great devotion to Our Lady and was closelyassociated with the Legion of Mary during all hisyears in Kenya. He was called on to assist EdelQuinn, the famed Legion Envoy, during the lastdays of her life and was with her when shedied. In 1956 the government awarded him aMBE for his services.

From 1960 he did pastoral work at Our Lady ofVisitation in Nairobi until he became pastor atMangu in 1967, and from 1970 to 1976 he wasagain pastor at Our Lady of the Visitation. Hislast appointment was to Lioku. He suffered a

stroke as he was writing a baptismal certificatefor one of his parishioners. On returning toIreland in 1991 he retired to Kimmage wherehis apostolate was in bearing the cross ofsuffering. In the last period he was cared for inMarian House where he died on 4 July 1999 aged88 years. Fr Paddy is buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 7th

SWEENEY, Fr Thomas1920-2008

Fr Thomas Sweeney was born inMuingwar, Corballa, Co Sligo on1 January 1920. He was educatedat St Muredach’s College, Ballina and later atRockwell College. He entered the novitiate in1945 and was professed on 8 September 1946.He studied philosophy and theology in KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 15July 1951. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1952.

Tom’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1952. He initially worked inparish ministry in St Joseph’s, Aguleri; a parishof over 100,000. Tom took his ministry veryseriously and visited schools and parishes on footand by canoe. He built fifty permanent schoolsover a four year period, 1953-7. So successfulwas his building programme that when thegovernment made it obligatory for all children toattend school Tom’s parish was one of the fewthat had the necessary facilities to meet theincreased demand. In fact before he left theparish he opened a new teacher training college.In 1963 he was appointed parish priest of StTheresa’s, Maku. However four years later theNigerian Civil War erupted and he waseventually forced to leave the country.

In 1969 Tom moved to Brooklyn in New York towork in parish ministry. He returned to Africa in1971 to administer pastoral care in Mampong,Ghana. He moved back to Brooklyn in 1974 andremained there for sixteen years. He returned toIreland in 1990 where he ministered in Rathleein the diocese of Killala. In 1991 Tom was

JULY

85

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 85

July 4th

FULLEN, Fr Patrick S.1911-1999

Fr Patrick Fullen (Paddy) wasborn on 11 August 1911 inCoalisland, Co. Tyrone, andfollowing in the footsteps of his brother Fred andhis first cousin Johnny O’Neill and went toBlackrock College, 1924-1929, to do hissecondary studies and to join the Congregation.Professed in Kimmage in 1930 he prefected atSt Mary’s College, Trinidad, 1932-35.

Ordained a priest in 1938 he was appointed thefollowing year to the Vicariate of Zanzibar wherehe was to serve till 1991, apart from a year asassistant master of novices in Kilshane, 1949-50. He spent almost 50 years in parish ministryin Nairobi, Mangu and Lioku. He immediatelyset out to master the language of the peoplesamong whom he was working. Swahili becamea second language for him. Later he becameproficient in both Kikamba and Kikuyu. Duringhis years with the Wakambe people he publisheda catechism in Kikamba. He taught for a periodin St Mary’s and acted as chaplain to the cityprison which became his parish. During the Mau-Mau emergency he assisted at countlessexecutions. This was a very demanding task buthe looked on such pastoral work as an essentialpart of the exercise of his priesthood. He wasseen to be very particular in the way he preparedpeople for the sacraments. He had a wonderfulfacility in getting to know peoples’ names. Thevisitation of the sick in their homes wasalways an important part of his apostolate. Hehad great devotion to Our Lady and was closelyassociated with the Legion of Mary during all hisyears in Kenya. He was called on to assist EdelQuinn, the famed Legion Envoy, during the lastdays of her life and was with her when shedied. In 1956 the government awarded him aMBE for his services.

From 1960 he did pastoral work at Our Lady ofVisitation in Nairobi until he became pastor atMangu in 1967, and from 1970 to 1976 he wasagain pastor at Our Lady of the Visitation. Hislast appointment was to Lioku. He suffered a

stroke as he was writing a baptismal certificatefor one of his parishioners. On returning toIreland in 1991 he retired to Kimmage wherehis apostolate was in bearing the cross ofsuffering. In the last period he was cared for inMarian House where he died on 4 July 1999 aged88 years. Fr Paddy is buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 7th

SWEENEY, Fr Thomas1920-2008

Fr Thomas Sweeney was born inMuingwar, Corballa, Co Sligo on1 January 1920. He was educatedat St Muredach’s College, Ballina and later atRockwell College. He entered the novitiate in1945 and was professed on 8 September 1946.He studied philosophy and theology in KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 15July 1951. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1952.

Tom’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1952. He initially worked inparish ministry in St Joseph’s, Aguleri; a parishof over 100,000. Tom took his ministry veryseriously and visited schools and parishes on footand by canoe. He built fifty permanent schoolsover a four year period, 1953-7. So successfulwas his building programme that when thegovernment made it obligatory for all children toattend school Tom’s parish was one of the fewthat had the necessary facilities to meet theincreased demand. In fact before he left theparish he opened a new teacher training college.In 1963 he was appointed parish priest of StTheresa’s, Maku. However four years later theNigerian Civil War erupted and he waseventually forced to leave the country.

In 1969 Tom moved to Brooklyn in New York towork in parish ministry. He returned to Africa in1971 to administer pastoral care in Mampong,Ghana. He moved back to Brooklyn in 1974 andremained there for sixteen years. He returned toIreland in 1990 where he ministered in Rathleein the diocese of Killala. In 1991 Tom was

JULY

85

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 85

Page 94: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

invited back to Nigeria to be made a chief, thegreatest single honour a non-native can receiveand was invested with the title of Ekwemma.Tom retired from active ministry in 1995. In2002 Fr Tom moved to Kimmage Manor wherehe died on 7 July 2008. He was buried in StJoseph’s Church cemetery, Castleconnor, CoSligo.

July 8th

MAHER,Fr Michael Patrick1926-2004

Fr Michael Maher (Mick) wasborn in Castlemoyle, Cashel, CoTipperary on 2 June 1926. After completing hissecondary school education at Rockwell Collegehe studied veterinary science at U.C.D. and at theRoyal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He wasawarded an M.R.C.V.S. and a M.V.B. andpracticed as a veterinary surgeon for twoyears. He t h e n entered the novitiate inKilshane and made his first profession on 8September 1953. Mick studied philosophy andtheology at Kimmage Manor between 1953 and1959 and was ordained to the priesthood on 13July 1958. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31July 1959.

In 1960 Mick’s first mission appointment was toNigeria where he worked in Port Harcourt’sbusy St Mary’s Parish. One year later he wasappointed principal of Sebastian Academy, asecondary school at Emekuku. He held thispostion for the next eight years until the outbreakof the Biafran War caused Mick return to Ireland.He was then appointed to the U.S.A. and workedin pastoral ministry in the Los Angeles area. In1972 Mick was assigned to Botswana, where hecombined parish ministry with veterinaryservices. He later performed a similar function inTshaneni and Manzini in Swaziland. In 1994 theconfrères from Mauritius, Malawi and Nigeriaelected Mick as their delegate to the IrishProvincial Chapter. The following year Mick setoff on another missionary journey; this time tojoin the Spiritan Community in South Africa

where he was appointed to the district ofBethlehem.

In 1997 Mick retired to Mission House,Kimmage and later moved to Shanahan House.He had an active retirement and worked, fromtime to time, in parish ministry in England. FrMick died suddenly at Tallaght Hospital on 8 July2004 and is buried at Dardistown Cemetery, Co.Dublin.

July 9th

KENNEDY, Fr Conor1936-2011

Fr Conor Kennedy was born inCork on 7 August 1936. Hecompleted his secondary schooleducation at Blackrock College. He then enteredthe novitiate and made his first profession on 8September 1955. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1960 and prefected inRockwell College from 1960 to 1961. He studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood in 1964. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 July 1965.

Conor’s first mission appointment was to theIrish Group in Toronto in 1965 which in timebecame the TransCanada Province. He taught atthe Neil McNeil School and in 1966 hetransferred to MacDonald High. He was awardedan M.A. (Ed.) by University of Alberta in 1974.Conor was then sent by the diocese of Calgaryon a mission outreach to Malawi where he wouldspend more than half of his adult life. He playeda major role in the birth of the South CentralAfrican Foundation (SCAF) to which Malawibelongs. His parishioners in Nzama andelsewhere held him in high regard and he had theunique honour of being elected Honorable Chiefof the Agoni. Fr Conor was reappointed to SouthAfrica in 2006. He died there on 9 July 2011 andwas buried in Durban.

JULY

86

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 86

invited back to Nigeria to be made a chief, thegreatest single honour a non-native can receiveand was invested with the title of Ekwemma.Tom retired from active ministry in 1995. In2002 Fr Tom moved to Kimmage Manor wherehe died on 7 July 2008. He was buried in StJoseph’s Church cemetery, Castleconnor, CoSligo.

July 8th

MAHER,Fr Michael Patrick1926-2004

Fr Michael Maher (Mick) wasborn in Castlemoyle, Cashel, CoTipperary on 2 June 1926. After completing hissecondary school education at Rockwell Collegehe studied veterinary science at U.C.D. and at theRoyal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He wasawarded an M.R.C.V.S. and a M.V.B. andpracticed as a veterinary surgeon for twoyears. He t h e n entered the novitiate inKilshane and made his first profession on 8September 1953. Mick studied philosophy andtheology at Kimmage Manor between 1953 and1959 and was ordained to the priesthood on 13July 1958. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31July 1959.

In 1960 Mick’s first mission appointment was toNigeria where he worked in Port Harcourt’sbusy St Mary’s Parish. One year later he wasappointed principal of Sebastian Academy, asecondary school at Emekuku. He held thispostion for the next eight years until the outbreakof the Biafran War caused Mick return to Ireland.He was then appointed to the U.S.A. and workedin pastoral ministry in the Los Angeles area. In1972 Mick was assigned to Botswana, where hecombined parish ministry with veterinaryservices. He later performed a similar function inTshaneni and Manzini in Swaziland. In 1994 theconfrères from Mauritius, Malawi and Nigeriaelected Mick as their delegate to the IrishProvincial Chapter. The following year Mick setoff on another missionary journey; this time tojoin the Spiritan Community in South Africa

where he was appointed to the district ofBethlehem.

In 1997 Mick retired to Mission House,Kimmage and later moved to Shanahan House.He had an active retirement and worked, fromtime to time, in parish ministry in England. FrMick died suddenly at Tallaght Hospital on 8 July2004 and is buried at Dardistown Cemetery, Co.Dublin.

July 9th

KENNEDY, Fr Conor1936-2011

Fr Conor Kennedy was born inCork on 7 August 1936. Hecompleted his secondary schooleducation at Blackrock College. He then enteredthe novitiate and made his first profession on 8September 1955. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1960 and prefected inRockwell College from 1960 to 1961. He studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood in 1964. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 July 1965.

Conor’s first mission appointment was to theIrish Group in Toronto in 1965 which in timebecame the TransCanada Province. He taught atthe Neil McNeil School and in 1966 hetransferred to MacDonald High. He was awardedan M.A. (Ed.) by University of Alberta in 1974.Conor was then sent by the diocese of Calgaryon a mission outreach to Malawi where he wouldspend more than half of his adult life. He playeda major role in the birth of the South CentralAfrican Foundation (SCAF) to which Malawibelongs. His parishioners in Nzama andelsewhere held him in high regard and he had theunique honour of being elected Honorable Chiefof the Agoni. Fr Conor was reappointed to SouthAfrica in 2006. He died there on 9 July 2011 andwas buried in Durban.

JULY

86

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 86

Page 95: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

July 10th

CORRY, Fr Senan P.1920-2004

Fr Senan Corry was born atClondrina, Cranny, Ennis, CoClare on 7 September 1920. H ecompleted his secondary school education atRockwell Juniorate. He then entered the novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first professionon 8 September 1940. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected atRockwell College from 1942 until 1944. Senanwas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1947and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on30 July 1948.

Senan’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1948. He was assigned to thevicariate of Onitsha where he did evangelisationand worked in parish ministry in a parish inEnugu until 1953. He then returned to Irelandand served as assistant director of postulantbrothers in Kimmage Manor until 1957. In thatyear he was appointed to Blackrock Collegeand became a teacher in Willow Park School. Heis remembered for his coaching of the juniorrugby teams. When he retired from teaching hestayed on in the Willow Park Community.

Fr Senan celebrated his golden jubilee ofordination to the priesthood in 1997. For anumber of years he had suffered from poor healthand he was eventually admitted to Marian Housein 2001. He died there on 10 July 2004 and wasburied in the community plot at ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

July 10th

CASEY, Fr Peter Joseph1925-2010

Fr Peter Casey was born inBallywalter, Mostrim, CoLongford on 24 June 1925. He completed hissecondary school education at St Mel’s,Longford. He entered the novitiate in 1945 and

was professed on 2 October 1946. Peter studiedphilosophy in U.C.D. and was awarded a B.A. in1949. He also studied theology in KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 29June 1952. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1953.

Peter’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1953. He did parish ministry at Gerihunfor two years before being posted to Bo. By thistime Christ the King College was ready forconstruction and Peter took charge of the project.In 1980 he was appointed vicar general and vicarfor religious in the archdiocese of Freetown andBo. His final assignment in Sierra Leone was toDamballa where he served as pastor at St PeterClaver, a small parish in the Bo District.

He returned to Ireland in 1990 after labouring forthirty seven years in Sierra Leone, and became ahospital chaplain in Our Lady’s Manor, Dalkeyand Peamount Hospital. He was appointed asleader of the Ardbraccan Community in 1997. Hethen returned to work as chaplain at St Joseph’sHospital, Longford in 2000. Fr Peter retired toKimmage Manor in 2009. He died peacefully on10 July 2010 in Marian House and was buried inthe community plot at Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

July 11th

DUFFY, Fr Andrew Francis1930-2013

Fr Andrew Francis Duffy (Frank)was born in Castledermot, CoKildare on 28 April 1930. He completed hissecondary school education at C.B.S. Athy. Hethen entered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession in 1948. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and wasawarded a B.A. in Irish and History by U.C.D.in 1951. He prefected in Blackrock College from1951 to 1953 and was awarded a H.Dip.Ed.Frank studied theology in Fribourg for threeyears from 1955 and was also awarded a S.T.L.magna cum laude. He was ordained to thepriesthood in 1958.

JULY

87

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 87

July 10th

CORRY, Fr Senan P.1920-2004

Fr Senan Corry was born atClondrina, Cranny, Ennis, CoClare on 7 September 1920. H ecompleted his secondary school education atRockwell Juniorate. He then entered the novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first professionon 8 September 1940. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and then prefected atRockwell College from 1942 until 1944. Senanwas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1947and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on30 July 1948.

Senan’s first mission appointment was toNigeria in 1948. He was assigned to thevicariate of Onitsha where he did evangelisationand worked in parish ministry in a parish inEnugu until 1953. He then returned to Irelandand served as assistant director of postulantbrothers in Kimmage Manor until 1957. In thatyear he was appointed to Blackrock Collegeand became a teacher in Willow Park School. Heis remembered for his coaching of the juniorrugby teams. When he retired from teaching hestayed on in the Willow Park Community.

Fr Senan celebrated his golden jubilee ofordination to the priesthood in 1997. For anumber of years he had suffered from poor healthand he was eventually admitted to Marian Housein 2001. He died there on 10 July 2004 and wasburied in the community plot at ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

July 10th

CASEY, Fr Peter Joseph1925-2010

Fr Peter Casey was born inBallywalter, Mostrim, CoLongford on 24 June 1925. He completed hissecondary school education at St Mel’s,Longford. He entered the novitiate in 1945 and

was professed on 2 October 1946. Peter studiedphilosophy in U.C.D. and was awarded a B.A. in1949. He also studied theology in KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 29June 1952. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 July 1953.

Peter’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1953. He did parish ministry at Gerihunfor two years before being posted to Bo. By thistime Christ the King College was ready forconstruction and Peter took charge of the project.In 1980 he was appointed vicar general and vicarfor religious in the archdiocese of Freetown andBo. His final assignment in Sierra Leone was toDamballa where he served as pastor at St PeterClaver, a small parish in the Bo District.

He returned to Ireland in 1990 after labouring forthirty seven years in Sierra Leone, and became ahospital chaplain in Our Lady’s Manor, Dalkeyand Peamount Hospital. He was appointed asleader of the Ardbraccan Community in 1997. Hethen returned to work as chaplain at St Joseph’sHospital, Longford in 2000. Fr Peter retired toKimmage Manor in 2009. He died peacefully on10 July 2010 in Marian House and was buried inthe community plot at Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

July 11th

DUFFY, Fr Andrew Francis1930-2013

Fr Andrew Francis Duffy (Frank)was born in Castledermot, CoKildare on 28 April 1930. He completed hissecondary school education at C.B.S. Athy. Hethen entered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession in 1948. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and wasawarded a B.A. in Irish and History by U.C.D.in 1951. He prefected in Blackrock College from1951 to 1953 and was awarded a H.Dip.Ed.Frank studied theology in Fribourg for threeyears from 1955 and was also awarded a S.T.L.magna cum laude. He was ordained to thepriesthood in 1958.

JULY

87

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 87

Page 96: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Frank’s first mission appointment was as ateacher in St Mary’s College, Rathmines in 1959.He moved to Kenya in 1964 and for the nextseven years he served in teaching and pastoralroles in St George’s, Giriama and St Joseph’s,Githunguri. He returned to Ireland in 1972 andwas appointed director of theology at KimmageManor. He moved to Long Island, New York in1974 and worked in promotion and pastoralministry until 1981. He was also awarded anM.A. in theology by St John’s University.

He returned to Kimmage in 1981 and wasappointed chaplain to Holy Family CommunitySchool in Rathcoole, Co Dublin. In the mid-1980s he moved back to Long Island where heserved in the diocese of Metuchen, New Jerseyfor several years. He also served as provincialdelegate.

Frank returned to Kenya in 1997 and remainedthere until 2000 when he returned again toIreland and became part of the BlackrockCommunity. During his time there he waschaplain to St Mary’s School for the Blind,Merrion Road. He moved to Kimmage in 2007.Fr Frank died in Marian House on 11 July 2013and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

July 13th

McSWEENEY, Fr Edward Patrick1923-2004

Fr Edward McSweeney(Eamonn) was born inDungarvan, Co Waterford on 1 April 1923. Helived in Cappoquinn and completed hissecondary school education at C.B.S. Dungarvanand Rockwell College, Co Tippeary. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 27 September 1943. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and thenprefected at Rockwell College from 1945 to1947. He was ordained to the priesthood on 16July 1950 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1951.

Eamonn’s first mission appointment was to thevicariate of Zanzibar in 1951. He worked for thenext four decades on evangelical projects andgeneral parish ministry in the Mombasa districtof Kenya. His endeavours there were greatlyfacilitated by his fluency in the local languageand the clear and practical approach he took toreligious instruction. During his time there heserved in the parishes of Lushagoni, 1951- 7;Bura, 1956; Makupa, 1959-60; Holy GhostCathedral, Mombasa, 1961-3; Kilifi, 1963-74;Mariakani, 1974-9 and Shanzu, 1979-91. He wasreassigned to Ireland in 1991 and hesubsequently worked as a curate in the cathedralparish of St Patrick’s in Waterford. Eamonn hada convivial nature and a wonderful sense ofhumour and he always enjoyed get togethers withcolleagues and friends. This was again inevidence when he celebrated the golden jubileeof his ordination to the priesthood at theProvincialate on Saturday 1 July 2000.

Due to failing health Fr Eamonn retired toMarian House at Kimmage Manor in October2003. He died there on 13 July 2004 aged eighty-one and was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 16th

DOYLE, Fr Michael 1932-2015

Fr Michael Doyle (Mike) wasborn in Cork City on 18December 1932. He completedhis secondary school education at C.B.S.Nenagh. He then entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1949 and made his first professionon 8 September 1950. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D in 1953. Following on from this heprefected in Rockwell College from 1953 to1955 in Willow Park from 1955 to 1956 and wasawarded a H.Dip that same year. He thenreturned to Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 12 July 1959.

Mike’s first mission assignment was to Canadain 1960 where he worked as a teacher in NeilMcNeil High School in Toronto. He became

JULY

88

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 88

Frank’s first mission appointment was as ateacher in St Mary’s College, Rathmines in 1959.He moved to Kenya in 1964 and for the nextseven years he served in teaching and pastoralroles in St George’s, Giriama and St Joseph’s,Githunguri. He returned to Ireland in 1972 andwas appointed director of theology at KimmageManor. He moved to Long Island, New York in1974 and worked in promotion and pastoralministry until 1981. He was also awarded anM.A. in theology by St John’s University.

He returned to Kimmage in 1981 and wasappointed chaplain to Holy Family CommunitySchool in Rathcoole, Co Dublin. In the mid-1980s he moved back to Long Island where heserved in the diocese of Metuchen, New Jerseyfor several years. He also served as provincialdelegate.

Frank returned to Kenya in 1997 and remainedthere until 2000 when he returned again toIreland and became part of the BlackrockCommunity. During his time there he waschaplain to St Mary’s School for the Blind,Merrion Road. He moved to Kimmage in 2007.Fr Frank died in Marian House on 11 July 2013and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

July 13th

McSWEENEY, Fr Edward Patrick1923-2004

Fr Edward McSweeney(Eamonn) was born inDungarvan, Co Waterford on 1 April 1923. Helived in Cappoquinn and completed hissecondary school education at C.B.S. Dungarvanand Rockwell College, Co Tippeary. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 27 September 1943. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor and thenprefected at Rockwell College from 1945 to1947. He was ordained to the priesthood on 16July 1950 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1951.

Eamonn’s first mission appointment was to thevicariate of Zanzibar in 1951. He worked for thenext four decades on evangelical projects andgeneral parish ministry in the Mombasa districtof Kenya. His endeavours there were greatlyfacilitated by his fluency in the local languageand the clear and practical approach he took toreligious instruction. During his time there heserved in the parishes of Lushagoni, 1951- 7;Bura, 1956; Makupa, 1959-60; Holy GhostCathedral, Mombasa, 1961-3; Kilifi, 1963-74;Mariakani, 1974-9 and Shanzu, 1979-91. He wasreassigned to Ireland in 1991 and hesubsequently worked as a curate in the cathedralparish of St Patrick’s in Waterford. Eamonn hada convivial nature and a wonderful sense ofhumour and he always enjoyed get togethers withcolleagues and friends. This was again inevidence when he celebrated the golden jubileeof his ordination to the priesthood at theProvincialate on Saturday 1 July 2000.

Due to failing health Fr Eamonn retired toMarian House at Kimmage Manor in October2003. He died there on 13 July 2004 aged eighty-one and was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 16th

DOYLE, Fr Michael 1932-2015

Fr Michael Doyle (Mike) wasborn in Cork City on 18December 1932. He completedhis secondary school education at C.B.S.Nenagh. He then entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1949 and made his first professionon 8 September 1950. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D in 1953. Following on from this heprefected in Rockwell College from 1953 to1955 in Willow Park from 1955 to 1956 and wasawarded a H.Dip that same year. He thenreturned to Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 12 July 1959.

Mike’s first mission assignment was to Canadain 1960 where he worked as a teacher in NeilMcNeil High School in Toronto. He became

JULY

88

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 88

Page 97: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

school principal in 1965. From 1968 to 1971 heserved as director of student services at Toronto’sCentennial College. In 1972 Mike became thesuperior of the Spiritan district of Ontario andlater became the first provincial superior of thenewly founded Spiritan province ofTransCanada. He left that position to take uppastoral work in Papua New Guinea. He wasthen appointed as first assistant to the Spiritansuperior general in Rome from 1986 to 1992. Hereturned to Canada in 1993 and served as theassociate pastor of St Joseph’s Parish inScarborough. He later served in Aitape andWewak, Papua New Guinea and also inAustralia.

In 1998 Mike returned again to Canada to takeup pastoral work in St Joseph’s ParishScarborough. In 2001 he became the director ofvocation ministry for the Spiritans in Canada. Heretired to the Laval Community Toronto in 2008and later moved to La Salle Manor. In 2014 hetransferred to the Houses of Providence where helived out the remainder of his days. Fr Mike was a forward-looking, innovative, inclusive,cheerful and positive man. He died peacefully on16 July 2015 and was buried at Holy CrossCemetery, Toronto.

July 16th

HUGHES, Fr Peter1933-2014

Fr Peter Hughes was born inGlasnevin, Dublin on 19February 1933. Following thecompletion of his secondary school education inRockwell College, Co Tipperary, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on the 8 September 1954. He thenstudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor, 1954-6.Following on from this he prefected for twoyears at St Mary’s College, Rathmines. He thenreturned to Kimmage to study theology. He wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegeby archbishop John Charles McQuaid on 16 July1961. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 7 July 1962.

Peter’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriawhere he worked in pastoral ministry in thediocese of Enugu from 1962 to 1967. He beganin St John the Baptist Parish in Agbani and laterserved in the parish of St Philip and St James inAku. Following this he became pastor of Nimbowhich was then in the process of being raised tothe status of parish. He left Nigeria during theBiafra conflict and was subsequently, reassignedto the US in 1968 where he served briefly in apastoral role in Texas before moving to NewYork that same year to engage in fund raisingactivites. In 1971 he relocated to the diocese ofMonze in Zambia where he served for more thana decade in parish ministry in Kalomo and alsowith the Irish Sisters of Charity, in Choma.

Peter returned to Ireland in 1982 to undertakerenewal studies at the Redemptorist Centre atMarianella in Rathgar. He returned to the US in1983 ostensibly on a ‘temporary assignment’ tothe diocese of Fargo, North Dakota. He servedthere for the next three decades as rector of StJames Basilica, Jamestown, pastor of St John theEvangelist’s Church in New Rockford, pastor ofSt Peter and Paul’s Church, McHenry, pastor ofSt William’s Church, Argusville; rector of theCathedral of St Mary, Fargo, confessor in-residence at Cardinal Muench Seminary, Fargo,hospital chaplain, Fargo and pastor at Holy SpiritChurch and St Anthony of Padua Church, Fargorespectively. He remained in North Dakota until2012 when he transferred to Kimmage Manor.

Although Peter battled with ill health towards theend of his life he still tried to remain active andhe found a missionary outlet in the Queen ofPeace Nursing Home. He celebrated daily Massthere for two years which was much, appreciatedby the community. He spent the last two monthsof his life in the Hermitage Medical Centre andMarian House. Fr Peter died peacefully on thefifty-third anniversary of his priestly ordinationon the 16 July 2014 aged eighty-one years. Hewas buried in the community plot at DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

JULY

89

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 89

school principal in 1965. From 1968 to 1971 heserved as director of student services at Toronto’sCentennial College. In 1972 Mike became thesuperior of the Spiritan district of Ontario andlater became the first provincial superior of thenewly founded Spiritan province ofTransCanada. He left that position to take uppastoral work in Papua New Guinea. He wasthen appointed as first assistant to the Spiritansuperior general in Rome from 1986 to 1992. Hereturned to Canada in 1993 and served as theassociate pastor of St Joseph’s Parish inScarborough. He later served in Aitape andWewak, Papua New Guinea and also inAustralia.

In 1998 Mike returned again to Canada to takeup pastoral work in St Joseph’s ParishScarborough. In 2001 he became the director ofvocation ministry for the Spiritans in Canada. Heretired to the Laval Community Toronto in 2008and later moved to La Salle Manor. In 2014 hetransferred to the Houses of Providence where helived out the remainder of his days. Fr Mike was a forward-looking, innovative, inclusive,cheerful and positive man. He died peacefully on16 July 2015 and was buried at Holy CrossCemetery, Toronto.

July 16th

HUGHES, Fr Peter1933-2014

Fr Peter Hughes was born inGlasnevin, Dublin on 19February 1933. Following thecompletion of his secondary school education inRockwell College, Co Tipperary, he entered thenovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on the 8 September 1954. He thenstudied philosophy at Kimmage Manor, 1954-6.Following on from this he prefected for twoyears at St Mary’s College, Rathmines. He thenreturned to Kimmage to study theology. He wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegeby archbishop John Charles McQuaid on 16 July1961. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 7 July 1962.

Peter’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriawhere he worked in pastoral ministry in thediocese of Enugu from 1962 to 1967. He beganin St John the Baptist Parish in Agbani and laterserved in the parish of St Philip and St James inAku. Following this he became pastor of Nimbowhich was then in the process of being raised tothe status of parish. He left Nigeria during theBiafra conflict and was subsequently, reassignedto the US in 1968 where he served briefly in apastoral role in Texas before moving to NewYork that same year to engage in fund raisingactivites. In 1971 he relocated to the diocese ofMonze in Zambia where he served for more thana decade in parish ministry in Kalomo and alsowith the Irish Sisters of Charity, in Choma.

Peter returned to Ireland in 1982 to undertakerenewal studies at the Redemptorist Centre atMarianella in Rathgar. He returned to the US in1983 ostensibly on a ‘temporary assignment’ tothe diocese of Fargo, North Dakota. He servedthere for the next three decades as rector of StJames Basilica, Jamestown, pastor of St John theEvangelist’s Church in New Rockford, pastor ofSt Peter and Paul’s Church, McHenry, pastor ofSt William’s Church, Argusville; rector of theCathedral of St Mary, Fargo, confessor in-residence at Cardinal Muench Seminary, Fargo,hospital chaplain, Fargo and pastor at Holy SpiritChurch and St Anthony of Padua Church, Fargorespectively. He remained in North Dakota until2012 when he transferred to Kimmage Manor.

Although Peter battled with ill health towards theend of his life he still tried to remain active andhe found a missionary outlet in the Queen ofPeace Nursing Home. He celebrated daily Massthere for two years which was much, appreciatedby the community. He spent the last two monthsof his life in the Hermitage Medical Centre andMarian House. Fr Peter died peacefully on thefifty-third anniversary of his priestly ordinationon the 16 July 2014 aged eighty-one years. Hewas buried in the community plot at DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

JULY

89

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 89

Page 98: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

July 17th

LEONARD, Fr Patrick L.1929-2005

Fr Patrick Leonard (Paddy) wasborn in Coalisland, Dungannon,Co Tyrone on 7 February 1929.On completion of his secondary schooleducation at the junior scholasticate inBlackrock he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 14September1948. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor from 1948 until 1950. He thenprefected in St Mary’s College in Trinidad,1950-3. Paddy then w e n t o n t o studytheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 15 July 1956. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 2 July 1957.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Ireland, in1957, where he served on the Promotions Teamfor thirteen years. In 1970 he was appointedas bursar of St Michael’s College. He remainedin this position until 1983 and during this periodhe also s e r v e d a s chaplain to St Anthony’sHospital. Paddy was keen on updating and on-going formation. He completed the Chaplain’sCourse in Elm Park in 1980; he t h e nstudied labour law at the Irish ManagementInstitute in 1981 and computer programming atCara Data Processing in 1982. Over the years heused his talents and experience by serving onthe board of directors of the Geriatric ResearchFoundation, Catholic Housing Aid Society, StAnthony’s Medical Rehabilitation Centre,KDSC (Kimmage Development Studies Centre)and SPIRASI (Spiritan Refugee and AsylumSeekers Initiate). In 1986 Paddy took over aspresident of the World Mercy Fund after thedeath of i ts founder Fr Tom Rooney. In thisposition he showed practical solidarity withconfrères on mission. He was tireless in hisefforts to promote the principles of justice andpeace.

Fr Paddy died on 17 July 2005 in St Vincent’sHospital, Elm Park, Dublin. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 17th

LEDDY, Fr Patrick Joseph1927-2017

Fr Patrick Leddy (Pat) was bornin Milltown, Co Cavan on 22February 1927. He attended the local nationalschool moving to Blackrock College in 1939. Oncompletion of his secondary school education in1944, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed the following year. He studiedphilosophy at Kimmage Manor for a year andthen prefected in Trinidad from 1946 to 1949. Hereturned to Ireland and was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1951. He then studiedtheology in Rome and was awarded an STL bythe Gregorian University. He was ordained in1954 in Rome.

Pat’s first mission appointment was to Kenya in1955 where he worked in Bura, as principal, andas an instructor in the inter-denominationalShanzu Teachers’ College. He also served aseducation secretary for the Coast Province. Patmoved to the US in the early 1970s and wasattached to St Matthew’s Cathedral, Washington.He also led the diocese’s Consultation Centre inits work with priests and religious. During thistime he was awarded an M.A. in education andcounselling by the Catholic University,Washington DC. From 1988 Pat ministered inEngland in the diocese of Arundel & Brighton.He initially served in a pastoral the capacity inWoldingham School, Surrey before becomingparish priest in Epsom, Bramley and the SacredHeart Parish, Newhaven and East Wittering.

Pat returned to Kimmage in 2001 where he ledthe substantial task of digitising the province’sphotographic archive. He remained active in thisarea until he retired in 2016. Fr Pat died on 17July 2017 and was buried in the cemetery at StPatrick’s, Milltown, Co Cavan.

JULY

90

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 90

July 17th

LEONARD, Fr Patrick L.1929-2005

Fr Patrick Leonard (Paddy) wasborn in Coalisland, Dungannon,Co Tyrone on 7 February 1929.On completion of his secondary schooleducation at the junior scholasticate inBlackrock he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 14September1948. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor from 1948 until 1950. He thenprefected in St Mary’s College in Trinidad,1950-3. Paddy then w e n t o n t o studytheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 15 July 1956. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 2 July 1957.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Ireland, in1957, where he served on the Promotions Teamfor thirteen years. In 1970 he was appointedas bursar of St Michael’s College. He remainedin this position until 1983 and during this periodhe also s e r v e d a s chaplain to St Anthony’sHospital. Paddy was keen on updating and on-going formation. He completed the Chaplain’sCourse in Elm Park in 1980; he t h e nstudied labour law at the Irish ManagementInstitute in 1981 and computer programming atCara Data Processing in 1982. Over the years heused his talents and experience by serving onthe board of directors of the Geriatric ResearchFoundation, Catholic Housing Aid Society, StAnthony’s Medical Rehabilitation Centre,KDSC (Kimmage Development Studies Centre)and SPIRASI (Spiritan Refugee and AsylumSeekers Initiate). In 1986 Paddy took over aspresident of the World Mercy Fund after thedeath of i ts founder Fr Tom Rooney. In thisposition he showed practical solidarity withconfrères on mission. He was tireless in hisefforts to promote the principles of justice andpeace.

Fr Paddy died on 17 July 2005 in St Vincent’sHospital, Elm Park, Dublin. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 17th

LEDDY, Fr Patrick Joseph1927-2017

Fr Patrick Leddy (Pat) was bornin Milltown, Co Cavan on 22February 1927. He attended the local nationalschool moving to Blackrock College in 1939. Oncompletion of his secondary school education in1944, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed the following year. He studiedphilosophy at Kimmage Manor for a year andthen prefected in Trinidad from 1946 to 1949. Hereturned to Ireland and was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1951. He then studiedtheology in Rome and was awarded an STL bythe Gregorian University. He was ordained in1954 in Rome.

Pat’s first mission appointment was to Kenya in1955 where he worked in Bura, as principal, andas an instructor in the inter-denominationalShanzu Teachers’ College. He also served aseducation secretary for the Coast Province. Patmoved to the US in the early 1970s and wasattached to St Matthew’s Cathedral, Washington.He also led the diocese’s Consultation Centre inits work with priests and religious. During thistime he was awarded an M.A. in education andcounselling by the Catholic University,Washington DC. From 1988 Pat ministered inEngland in the diocese of Arundel & Brighton.He initially served in a pastoral the capacity inWoldingham School, Surrey before becomingparish priest in Epsom, Bramley and the SacredHeart Parish, Newhaven and East Wittering.

Pat returned to Kimmage in 2001 where he ledthe substantial task of digitising the province’sphotographic archive. He remained active in thisarea until he retired in 2016. Fr Pat died on 17July 2017 and was buried in the cemetery at StPatrick’s, Milltown, Co Cavan.

JULY

90

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 90

Page 99: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

July 17th

MURPHY, Fr Patrick 1930-2016

Fr Patrick Murphy (Pat) was bornon 10 October, 1930 inCoachford, Co Cork. Hecompleted his secondary school education atPresentation Brothers College, Cork andRockwell College. He then entered Kilshane andmade his first profession on the 8 September1950. Following on from this he moved toKimmage Manor to study philosophy andtheology. He prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines from 1953 to 1955. He was awardeda B.A. in French and English, a Higher Diplomain Education and an M.A. in English by U.C.D.in 1953, 1955 and 1957 respectively. He wasordained by archbishop John Charles McQuaidin Clonliffe College on 10 July 1960 and hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on the4 August 1961.

Pat’s first mission appointment was to Mauritiusin 1962 where he taught English literature toHindus, Christians and Muslims in the Collègedu St Esprit, Quatre Bornes. In 1977 his tenurethere ended and he travelled to Paris to refreshhis spoken French and to undertake a year-longcourse in pastoral theology (catechetics) at theInstitute Catholique, Paris. He then returned toMauritius and subsequently served as parishpriest of St Francis of Assisi (Pamplemousses),1979-93, Holy Heart (Rivière du Rempart),1993-2004, and St Pierre, 2004-10. His finalappointment there was as assistant priest in theparish of Our Lady of the Rosary (QuatreBornes) from 2010 to 2012. Pat spent over fiftyyears in Mauritius and he witnessed tremendouschange in the island during that time. Forexample Independence was achieved six yearsafter his arrival which led to conflict in thecapital between its Muslim, Hindu and Christianpopulations. The easy option would have been toreturn to Ireland. However, he believed his placewas in Mauritius as he believed that his Spiritanmission was not to a place but to its people, nomatter what their religion or background. In sucha small island as Mauritius, little things couldeasily escalate, undaunted he accompanied the

people through these moments of crisis andtransition. In fact he was often the only personpeople could call upon when faced with illnessor tragedy in their lives. Pat was the last Irish-born Spiritan to serve on this Indian Oceanisland. He returned to Ireland in 2013.

Fr Pat died on Sunday 17 July 2016 aged eighty-five in Marian House, Kimmage Manor. He wasburied in St John’s Cemetery in his nativeCoachford, Co Cork.

July 18th

KEOGH, Bro Brendan(Vincent)1924-2000

Bro Brendan Keogh (Vincent)was born on 13 October 1924 inFlorence St, S.C.Rd, Dublin, and completed hissecondary studies in St Mary’s College,Rathmines. Due to his having suffered frommeningitis at the age of five his hearing wasbadly impaired. In spite of this disability he wasalways keen on sport and a good rugby player.He entered the Congregation in 1943, taking thesame name as his elder brother, Brendan, andmade his profession in Kilshane in 1944.

His first appointment was to Kilshane where heremained until 1946. From 1946 to 1967 heserved in Kimmage Manor where his mainfunction was in charge of the furnace and centralheating system. After Kimmage Brendan thenspent five years in Templeogue College wherehis main function was to attend to thegymnasium and swimming pool. In 1972Brendan received what was to be his finalassignment, namely to Willow Park School.There his main functions were chauffeur to theschool and community. Brendan enjoyed thecompany of others and had a great sense ofhumour and a quick wit.

He developed a heart condition and as the yearswent on his ailments increased but he neverallowed that to get him down. He had planned apilgrimage to Fatima when he took seriously illand after several bouts of surgery he diedunexpectedly in Marian House, Kimmage

JULY

91

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 91

July 17th

MURPHY, Fr Patrick 1930-2016

Fr Patrick Murphy (Pat) was bornon 10 October, 1930 inCoachford, Co Cork. Hecompleted his secondary school education atPresentation Brothers College, Cork andRockwell College. He then entered Kilshane andmade his first profession on the 8 September1950. Following on from this he moved toKimmage Manor to study philosophy andtheology. He prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines from 1953 to 1955. He was awardeda B.A. in French and English, a Higher Diplomain Education and an M.A. in English by U.C.D.in 1953, 1955 and 1957 respectively. He wasordained by archbishop John Charles McQuaidin Clonliffe College on 10 July 1960 and hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on the4 August 1961.

Pat’s first mission appointment was to Mauritiusin 1962 where he taught English literature toHindus, Christians and Muslims in the Collègedu St Esprit, Quatre Bornes. In 1977 his tenurethere ended and he travelled to Paris to refreshhis spoken French and to undertake a year-longcourse in pastoral theology (catechetics) at theInstitute Catholique, Paris. He then returned toMauritius and subsequently served as parishpriest of St Francis of Assisi (Pamplemousses),1979-93, Holy Heart (Rivière du Rempart),1993-2004, and St Pierre, 2004-10. His finalappointment there was as assistant priest in theparish of Our Lady of the Rosary (QuatreBornes) from 2010 to 2012. Pat spent over fiftyyears in Mauritius and he witnessed tremendouschange in the island during that time. Forexample Independence was achieved six yearsafter his arrival which led to conflict in thecapital between its Muslim, Hindu and Christianpopulations. The easy option would have been toreturn to Ireland. However, he believed his placewas in Mauritius as he believed that his Spiritanmission was not to a place but to its people, nomatter what their religion or background. In sucha small island as Mauritius, little things couldeasily escalate, undaunted he accompanied the

people through these moments of crisis andtransition. In fact he was often the only personpeople could call upon when faced with illnessor tragedy in their lives. Pat was the last Irish-born Spiritan to serve on this Indian Oceanisland. He returned to Ireland in 2013.

Fr Pat died on Sunday 17 July 2016 aged eighty-five in Marian House, Kimmage Manor. He wasburied in St John’s Cemetery in his nativeCoachford, Co Cork.

July 18th

KEOGH, Bro Brendan(Vincent)1924-2000

Bro Brendan Keogh (Vincent)was born on 13 October 1924 inFlorence St, S.C.Rd, Dublin, and completed hissecondary studies in St Mary’s College,Rathmines. Due to his having suffered frommeningitis at the age of five his hearing wasbadly impaired. In spite of this disability he wasalways keen on sport and a good rugby player.He entered the Congregation in 1943, taking thesame name as his elder brother, Brendan, andmade his profession in Kilshane in 1944.

His first appointment was to Kilshane where heremained until 1946. From 1946 to 1967 heserved in Kimmage Manor where his mainfunction was in charge of the furnace and centralheating system. After Kimmage Brendan thenspent five years in Templeogue College wherehis main function was to attend to thegymnasium and swimming pool. In 1972Brendan received what was to be his finalassignment, namely to Willow Park School.There his main functions were chauffeur to theschool and community. Brendan enjoyed thecompany of others and had a great sense ofhumour and a quick wit.

He developed a heart condition and as the yearswent on his ailments increased but he neverallowed that to get him down. He had planned apilgrimage to Fatima when he took seriously illand after several bouts of surgery he diedunexpectedly in Marian House, Kimmage

JULY

91

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 91

Page 100: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Manor, on 18 July 2000 aged 75 years. BroBrendan was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

July 18th

KAVANAGH, Bro Gall(Patrick)1923-2004

Bro Gall Kavanagh (Patrick) was born at Cor an Dola,Annaghdown, Co Galway on 9 October 1923.For some years Patrick worked as a clerk and atfarming. He entered theCongregation and was apostulant at Kilshane from 1946 until ’48. Patrickmade his first profession on 15 June 1948 takingGall as his religious name. Bro Gall made hisperpetual vows on November 14 1957 inArdbraccan. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 14 November 1957.

In 1948 Bro Gall’s first appointment was toKilshane where he worked as the hall-doorporter. In 1949 he was transferred to KimmageManor where he again worked as the porter andtelephonist. In 1950 Bro Gall was appointed toBlackrock College where he replaced BroAnthony in charge of the college book shop.Bro Gall was also in charge of preparation for in-house examinations, compiling the result sheets,the notes for the week given by all teachers. Forfifty years he did all the preparations andorganising of Prize Day and Sports Day.

In later years a new lease of life began with hisinvolvement with athletics in the school. Heattended courses in physical education andbecame an excellent coach especially in javelin.He also served as assistant to deans of theboarding. He maintained to the end his role ofproviding the required copies of exam papers forall classes. Bro Gall celebrated his GoldenJubilee of Religious Profession in 1998. A severefall necessitated months in hospital and hisadmittance to Marian House early in 2000. Hedied 18 July 2004. He is buried in theCommunity Grave at Shanganagh Cemetary, CoDublin.

July 20th

FARRELLY, Fr Bernard1917-2013

Fr Bernard Farrelly (Benny) wasborn in Drumbar, Tierworker,Kingscourt, Co Cavan on 11April 1917. He completed his secondary schooleducation in Blackrock College. He then enteredthe Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on the 8 September 1939. Heprefected in Blackrock College for two yearsfrom 1940 to 1942. Following on from this hewas awarded a B.A. in Philosophy by U.C.D. in1944. He was ordained to the priesthood byArchbishop John Charles McQuaid at ClonliffeCollege, Dublin on 13 July 1947 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1948.

Benny’s first mission appointment was to theIndian Ocean island of Mauritius where he taughtat Collége du St Esprit from 1949 to 1954. Hethen transferred to Nigeria where he taught inChrist the King College, Onitsha for four yearsfrom 1956 to 1960. Following this he worked inparish ministry for one year at Isienu. He wasthen appointed director of the junior seminary inAwhum, Enugu, 1962-4. He returned to parishministry for one year in 1965, this time in Ezike,Enugu. In 1966 he worked as a teacher at OurLady’s High School, Nnobi, Nigeria and thentransferred the following year to Our Lady’sSecondary School, Umaturu. He worked inparish ministry in Ekwele from 1967 to 1968. Heleft Nigeria during the Biafran War and returnedto Mauritius to teach for another year at theCollége du St Esprit. In 1970 he moved to StLouis College on the island of Rodrigues wherehe taught for the next two years. He then returnedagain to Mauritius where he worked for ten yearsin parish ministry in St Augustin’s Parish from1972-1982. He subsequently ministered in anumber of other parishes and became a hospitalchaplain at Hospice St Jean de Dieu,Pamplemousses into his early nineties.

He missed the opportunity to go to the diamondjubilee of his ordination at the SpiritanProvincialate in Dublin in 2007 due to priorcommitments in Mauritius. Fr Bernard died on

JULY

92

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 92

Manor, on 18 July 2000 aged 75 years. BroBrendan was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

July 18th

KAVANAGH, Bro Gall(Patrick)1923-2004

Bro Gall Kavanagh (Patrick) was born at Cor an Dola,Annaghdown, Co Galway on 9 October 1923.For some years Patrick worked as a clerk and atfarming. He entered theCongregation and was apostulant at Kilshane from 1946 until ’48. Patrickmade his first profession on 15 June 1948 takingGall as his religious name. Bro Gall made hisperpetual vows on November 14 1957 inArdbraccan. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 14 November 1957.

In 1948 Bro Gall’s first appointment was toKilshane where he worked as the hall-doorporter. In 1949 he was transferred to KimmageManor where he again worked as the porter andtelephonist. In 1950 Bro Gall was appointed toBlackrock College where he replaced BroAnthony in charge of the college book shop.Bro Gall was also in charge of preparation for in-house examinations, compiling the result sheets,the notes for the week given by all teachers. Forfifty years he did all the preparations andorganising of Prize Day and Sports Day.

In later years a new lease of life began with hisinvolvement with athletics in the school. Heattended courses in physical education andbecame an excellent coach especially in javelin.He also served as assistant to deans of theboarding. He maintained to the end his role ofproviding the required copies of exam papers forall classes. Bro Gall celebrated his GoldenJubilee of Religious Profession in 1998. A severefall necessitated months in hospital and hisadmittance to Marian House early in 2000. Hedied 18 July 2004. He is buried in theCommunity Grave at Shanganagh Cemetary, CoDublin.

July 20th

FARRELLY, Fr Bernard1917-2013

Fr Bernard Farrelly (Benny) wasborn in Drumbar, Tierworker,Kingscourt, Co Cavan on 11April 1917. He completed his secondary schooleducation in Blackrock College. He then enteredthe Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on the 8 September 1939. Heprefected in Blackrock College for two yearsfrom 1940 to 1942. Following on from this hewas awarded a B.A. in Philosophy by U.C.D. in1944. He was ordained to the priesthood byArchbishop John Charles McQuaid at ClonliffeCollege, Dublin on 13 July 1947 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1948.

Benny’s first mission appointment was to theIndian Ocean island of Mauritius where he taughtat Collége du St Esprit from 1949 to 1954. Hethen transferred to Nigeria where he taught inChrist the King College, Onitsha for four yearsfrom 1956 to 1960. Following this he worked inparish ministry for one year at Isienu. He wasthen appointed director of the junior seminary inAwhum, Enugu, 1962-4. He returned to parishministry for one year in 1965, this time in Ezike,Enugu. In 1966 he worked as a teacher at OurLady’s High School, Nnobi, Nigeria and thentransferred the following year to Our Lady’sSecondary School, Umaturu. He worked inparish ministry in Ekwele from 1967 to 1968. Heleft Nigeria during the Biafran War and returnedto Mauritius to teach for another year at theCollége du St Esprit. In 1970 he moved to StLouis College on the island of Rodrigues wherehe taught for the next two years. He then returnedagain to Mauritius where he worked for ten yearsin parish ministry in St Augustin’s Parish from1972-1982. He subsequently ministered in anumber of other parishes and became a hospitalchaplain at Hospice St Jean de Dieu,Pamplemousses into his early nineties.

He missed the opportunity to go to the diamondjubilee of his ordination at the SpiritanProvincialate in Dublin in 2007 due to priorcommitments in Mauritius. Fr Bernard died on

JULY

92

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 92

Page 101: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Saturday 20 July 2013, aged ninety-six. BishopMaurice Piat stated in his funeral homily that hewas the last ‘of a beautiful line of Irishmissionaries’ and that ‘he wasn’t blind to his ownfaults...but... had a deep sense of humour - basedon humility, attention to others and hope’. Hewas buried in the Spiritan Community graveyardat Sainte Croix in the shadow of the tomb ofBlessed Jacques Laval.

July 22nd

O’DONOGHUE, Fr Patrick1924–2016

Fr Patrick O’Donoghue (Paddy)was born 29 November 1924 inCork City. He completed his secondary schooleducation at North Monastry School, Cork. Hethen entered the novitiate in 1943 and made hisfirst profession on 23 October 1944. He wasawarded a B.A. by U.C.D in 1947. He thenprefected at St Mary’s College, Trinidad from1947 to 1950. He was ordained to the priesthoodon 5 July 1953 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 30 July 1954.

Paddy’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1954 where he took up a teaching position atSt Teresa’s Secondary School, Nsukka. He wasappointed principal of Our Lady’s SecondarySchool in Nnobi in 1959. Following this he wasreappointed in 1963 to work in parish ministry inthe Adazi Parish Ukpor.

In 1965 Paddy was assigned to western Canadawhere he worked in Edmonton and Vulcan,Alberta. He then spent five years in Malawi aspart of the Calgary Diocesan Mission project,serving the Njale Parish. He returned to Albertain 1978 and served in a number of parishesincluding Beiseker, Calgary and Rockyford.Paddy retired to a Spiritan residence inEdmonton in 1995 and later to Canterbury Courtretirement home, and devoted the remainingyears of his life to prayer and community life.During this time he developed a love of thecomputer and internet research. He also readdaily papers from around the world and always

kept up with the news from Ireland. He diedpeacefully in the early morning of 22 July 2016.Fr Paddy was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery,Edmonton, Canada.

July 23rd

SHERIDAN, Fr Aloysius Patrick 1920-2000

Fr Aloysius Sheridan (Paddy)was born on 11 December 1920in Carrickmaguirk, Moyne, Co. Longford andfollowing in the footsteps of his brother Farrell,did his secondary studies at Rockwell College,1936-40. Having joined the Congregation atKilshane he took his religious vows in 1941. Hestudied for the BA at UCD and having gainedhis degree he was called on to prefect atRockwell for two years, 1944-46.

Ordained in 1949 he was appointed thefollowing year to East Africa where he spentthe first two years at Kanzalo near Thika. Whileserving as parish priest at Riara he unexpectedlyfound that he had also to act as manager of themission coffee farm which had been startedbecause of the poverty of the people. The peoplehad to work very hard, especially the womenwho carried huge loads of firewood on theirheads or slung low on their backs. In 1957 hewas appointed to teach at KilimangbogoTeachers Training College, Kenya. Assigned toLimuru he served there for two years beforebeing appointed in 1967 as headmaster of thesecondary schools in St Theresa parish, Nairobi.Transferred to Karinga he was to work therefor ten years. During Paddy’s time in Kikuyucountry the fight for independence was going on.The influence of the Mau Mau was very strong.It was a dangerous time but the Holy GhostFathers remained with their mission stationsand stood by their people, who trulyappreciated their support. In May 1973 Fr Paddywas made an elder of the Kikuyu tribe.

While serving as pastor at Karinga he sufferedfrom a heart complaint and he underwentheart surgery in February 1981. As there was no

JULY

93

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 93

Saturday 20 July 2013, aged ninety-six. BishopMaurice Piat stated in his funeral homily that hewas the last ‘of a beautiful line of Irishmissionaries’ and that ‘he wasn’t blind to his ownfaults...but... had a deep sense of humour - basedon humility, attention to others and hope’. Hewas buried in the Spiritan Community graveyardat Sainte Croix in the shadow of the tomb ofBlessed Jacques Laval.

July 22nd

O’DONOGHUE, Fr Patrick1924–2016

Fr Patrick O’Donoghue (Paddy)was born 29 November 1924 inCork City. He completed his secondary schooleducation at North Monastry School, Cork. Hethen entered the novitiate in 1943 and made hisfirst profession on 23 October 1944. He wasawarded a B.A. by U.C.D in 1947. He thenprefected at St Mary’s College, Trinidad from1947 to 1950. He was ordained to the priesthoodon 5 July 1953 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 30 July 1954.

Paddy’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1954 where he took up a teaching position atSt Teresa’s Secondary School, Nsukka. He wasappointed principal of Our Lady’s SecondarySchool in Nnobi in 1959. Following this he wasreappointed in 1963 to work in parish ministry inthe Adazi Parish Ukpor.

In 1965 Paddy was assigned to western Canadawhere he worked in Edmonton and Vulcan,Alberta. He then spent five years in Malawi aspart of the Calgary Diocesan Mission project,serving the Njale Parish. He returned to Albertain 1978 and served in a number of parishesincluding Beiseker, Calgary and Rockyford.Paddy retired to a Spiritan residence inEdmonton in 1995 and later to Canterbury Courtretirement home, and devoted the remainingyears of his life to prayer and community life.During this time he developed a love of thecomputer and internet research. He also readdaily papers from around the world and always

kept up with the news from Ireland. He diedpeacefully in the early morning of 22 July 2016.Fr Paddy was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery,Edmonton, Canada.

July 23rd

SHERIDAN, Fr Aloysius Patrick 1920-2000

Fr Aloysius Sheridan (Paddy)was born on 11 December 1920in Carrickmaguirk, Moyne, Co. Longford andfollowing in the footsteps of his brother Farrell,did his secondary studies at Rockwell College,1936-40. Having joined the Congregation atKilshane he took his religious vows in 1941. Hestudied for the BA at UCD and having gainedhis degree he was called on to prefect atRockwell for two years, 1944-46.

Ordained in 1949 he was appointed thefollowing year to East Africa where he spentthe first two years at Kanzalo near Thika. Whileserving as parish priest at Riara he unexpectedlyfound that he had also to act as manager of themission coffee farm which had been startedbecause of the poverty of the people. The peoplehad to work very hard, especially the womenwho carried huge loads of firewood on theirheads or slung low on their backs. In 1957 hewas appointed to teach at KilimangbogoTeachers Training College, Kenya. Assigned toLimuru he served there for two years beforebeing appointed in 1967 as headmaster of thesecondary schools in St Theresa parish, Nairobi.Transferred to Karinga he was to work therefor ten years. During Paddy’s time in Kikuyucountry the fight for independence was going on.The influence of the Mau Mau was very strong.It was a dangerous time but the Holy GhostFathers remained with their mission stationsand stood by their people, who trulyappreciated their support. In May 1973 Fr Paddywas made an elder of the Kikuyu tribe.

While serving as pastor at Karinga he sufferedfrom a heart complaint and he underwentheart surgery in February 1981. As there was no

JULY

93

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 93

Page 102: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

question of his continuing in his mission he wasappointed chaplain to the Bon SecoursHospital, Dublin. His gentleness and sense ofhumour were appreciated. Forced to retire fromhis post as chaplain due to ill health he retiredto Kimmage in 1986. Fr Paddy died on 23 July2000. He was 79 years of age. Fr Paddy wasburied in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

July 25th

BARRON, Fr Thomas 1931-2008

Fr Thomas Barron (Tom) wasborn in Waterford on the 14November 1931. He completedhis secondary school education in RockwellCollege, Co Tippeary. He entered the novitiate in1952 and made his first profession on the 8September 1953. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor from 1953 to 1955. Followingon from this he prefected in Rockwell Collegefrom 1955 to 1957. He then returned toKimmage to study theology. He was ordained tothe priesthood on the 10 July 1960 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 4 August1961.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Mombasa, Kenya in 1961. Heministered in Mombasa during all of hispriesthood (almost fifty years). He held the postof vicar general during much of this time and washeavily involved in diocesan administration. Hecombined administration with a love of pastoralministry, most notably in Shanzu Parish. Fromearly on in his career he earned a reputation forgenerosity to young missionary priests whobenefited greatly from his care and friendship. Inlater years when he had retired from activeministry he did not take his regular holidays inIreland but instead elected to live and work aschaplain with the elderly in Nyumba ya Wazee(House of the Elderly), Mombasa run by theLittle Sisters of the Poor.

Fr Thomas’ health had not been good for someyears and he died on the 25 July 2008 aged

seventy-eight years. Archbishop Leli officiatedat his funeral, which was attended by a largecrowd and some sixty mostly indigenous priests.He was buried in the Holy Ghost plot in MbarakiCemetery, Mombasa, Kenya.

July 26th

LYNCH, Fr Florence1926-2010

Fr Florence Lynch was born inClonkeen, Killarney on the 24September 1926. He worked fora time as a sales representative. He thenembarked on a yearlong course of supplementarystudies at Rockwell College. Following on fromthis he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1953and made his first profession on the 8 September1954. He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manorfrom 1954 to 1956 followed by theology from1956 until 1960. He was ordained to thepriesthood by the archbishop of Dublin JohnCharles McQuaid on the 12 July 1959, and madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on the 29 July1960.

Flor’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1961. He worked for eight years in parishministry and other evangelical endeavours in thearchdiocese of Onitsha most notably in StJoseph’s Parish in Aguleri. He returned to Irelandin 1969, shortly before the end of the Biafran Warand became engaged in pastoral work in theRialto Parish of Dublin. In 1972 Flor was re-assigned to Sierra Leone where he worked inDamballa and Gerihun. He returned to Irelandonce again in 1977 to attend a yearlong course atthe Institute of Pastoral Liturgy, Portarlington,Co Laois. In 1980 he was appointed to GreenhillsParish where Flor being a keen gaeileoir,musician and singer conducted Mass, at timesthrough the medium of Irish or with musical orvocal accompaniment. Following on from this heministered in River Valley, Swords from 1990 to1996. He then became curate and later parishpriest of St Philomena’s Parish, Palmerstown. Hewas also installed as superior of TempleogueCollege in 1998 where he launched his book:Footprints of My Journey (1999). These were to

JULY

94

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 94

question of his continuing in his mission he wasappointed chaplain to the Bon SecoursHospital, Dublin. His gentleness and sense ofhumour were appreciated. Forced to retire fromhis post as chaplain due to ill health he retiredto Kimmage in 1986. Fr Paddy died on 23 July2000. He was 79 years of age. Fr Paddy wasburied in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

July 25th

BARRON, Fr Thomas 1931-2008

Fr Thomas Barron (Tom) wasborn in Waterford on the 14November 1931. He completedhis secondary school education in RockwellCollege, Co Tippeary. He entered the novitiate in1952 and made his first profession on the 8September 1953. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor from 1953 to 1955. Followingon from this he prefected in Rockwell Collegefrom 1955 to 1957. He then returned toKimmage to study theology. He was ordained tothe priesthood on the 10 July 1960 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 4 August1961.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Mombasa, Kenya in 1961. Heministered in Mombasa during all of hispriesthood (almost fifty years). He held the postof vicar general during much of this time and washeavily involved in diocesan administration. Hecombined administration with a love of pastoralministry, most notably in Shanzu Parish. Fromearly on in his career he earned a reputation forgenerosity to young missionary priests whobenefited greatly from his care and friendship. Inlater years when he had retired from activeministry he did not take his regular holidays inIreland but instead elected to live and work aschaplain with the elderly in Nyumba ya Wazee(House of the Elderly), Mombasa run by theLittle Sisters of the Poor.

Fr Thomas’ health had not been good for someyears and he died on the 25 July 2008 aged

seventy-eight years. Archbishop Leli officiatedat his funeral, which was attended by a largecrowd and some sixty mostly indigenous priests.He was buried in the Holy Ghost plot in MbarakiCemetery, Mombasa, Kenya.

July 26th

LYNCH, Fr Florence1926-2010

Fr Florence Lynch was born inClonkeen, Killarney on the 24September 1926. He worked fora time as a sales representative. He thenembarked on a yearlong course of supplementarystudies at Rockwell College. Following on fromthis he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1953and made his first profession on the 8 September1954. He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manorfrom 1954 to 1956 followed by theology from1956 until 1960. He was ordained to thepriesthood by the archbishop of Dublin JohnCharles McQuaid on the 12 July 1959, and madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on the 29 July1960.

Flor’s first mission appointment was to Nigeriain 1961. He worked for eight years in parishministry and other evangelical endeavours in thearchdiocese of Onitsha most notably in StJoseph’s Parish in Aguleri. He returned to Irelandin 1969, shortly before the end of the Biafran Warand became engaged in pastoral work in theRialto Parish of Dublin. In 1972 Flor was re-assigned to Sierra Leone where he worked inDamballa and Gerihun. He returned to Irelandonce again in 1977 to attend a yearlong course atthe Institute of Pastoral Liturgy, Portarlington,Co Laois. In 1980 he was appointed to GreenhillsParish where Flor being a keen gaeileoir,musician and singer conducted Mass, at timesthrough the medium of Irish or with musical orvocal accompaniment. Following on from this heministered in River Valley, Swords from 1990 to1996. He then became curate and later parishpriest of St Philomena’s Parish, Palmerstown. Hewas also installed as superior of TempleogueCollege in 1998 where he launched his book:Footprints of My Journey (1999). These were to

JULY

94

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 94

Page 103: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

be his last postings, which ended with hisretirement in August 2009.

The archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martinpaid personal tribute to Flor on his retirementacknowledging the immense contribution he hadmade through the various duties he hadperformed in the archdiocese since 1980. Florsuffered from debilitating health problemstowards the end of his life which necessitated histransfer to Marian House. Fr Flor died therepeacefully on Monday the 26 July 2010 agedeighty-three and was buried in his nativeClonkeen.

July 26th

MEADE, Fr James Flannan1916-2010

Fr James Meade (Jimmy) wasborn in Maloskey, Mullagh,Ennis, Co Clare on the 26 March 1916. Hecompleted his secondary school education atRockwell College, Co Tippearary. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on the 1 September 1935. He thenprefected in Rockwell College from 1936 to1938. Following on from this he studied theologyin Kimmage Manor and was awarded a B.A.(Hons) degree in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1940.He was ordained to the priesthood on the 11 July1943 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 2 August 1944.

Jimmy’s first mission appointment was to Kenya,setting sail for the vicariate of Zanzibar in 1945.Between 1945 and 1951 he taught in Lioki,Mangu High School, and Kiambu respectively.He became the ecclesiastical overseer of thethriving mission of Riruta on the outskirts ofNairobi from 1952 to 1966. During his tenurethere the number of Catholics grew from 1,000to 7,000. He then taught at Muhoho High Schoolfor a year. Following this he was appointedparish priest of Karinga and also headmaster ofits secondary school. In 1971 Jimmy received hisfinal mission appointment when he wastransferred to Mangu, which had a Catholic

population of 12,000. He built five churchesthere and continued to dispense pastoral carethere even after celebrating the Golden Jubileeof his ordination in 1993.

Due to advancing age and declining healthJimmy was eventually forced to retire to Ireland.The parishes of Riruta and Mangu sent adelegation to visit Jimmy in Kimmage Manor inorder to thank him for the faith that he hadbrought them. Fr James died peacefully onMonday the 26 July 2010 in Marian House agedninety-four and was buried in the communityplot at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 28th

FLYNN, Fr Thomas Joseph1925-2006

Fr Thomas Flynn (Tom) was bornin Co Leitrim on 15 March 1925.He completed his secondary school education inBlackrock College and entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1943. He was professed on the 8September 1944. He then studied philosophy fora year. Following this he prefected in Trinidadfrom 1945 to 1948. He then returned to Irelandto complete his studies in U.C.D from which hegraduated with a B.A. in 1950. He then studiedtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood in 1953.

Tom’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1954.He worked in a variety of pastoral and teachingroles initially in Ozubulu and then St Patrick’s,Enugu from 1956 until 1959. During this periodprimary schools in the area increased in numberfrom fourteen to fifty four. In 1960 he wasappointed principal of Awgu County SecondarySchool and he subsequently became principal ofSt Paul’s Secondary School, Eke. During theBiafran war Tom served as chaplain to the armedforces of Nigeria. After a one year break hereturned to Enugu in 1968 and served there ashospital chaplain until 1973. During this periodhe also served as chancellor of the diocese.

In 1973 Tom embarked on the second phase of

JULY

95

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 95

be his last postings, which ended with hisretirement in August 2009.

The archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martinpaid personal tribute to Flor on his retirementacknowledging the immense contribution he hadmade through the various duties he hadperformed in the archdiocese since 1980. Florsuffered from debilitating health problemstowards the end of his life which necessitated histransfer to Marian House. Fr Flor died therepeacefully on Monday the 26 July 2010 agedeighty-three and was buried in his nativeClonkeen.

July 26th

MEADE, Fr James Flannan1916-2010

Fr James Meade (Jimmy) wasborn in Maloskey, Mullagh,Ennis, Co Clare on the 26 March 1916. Hecompleted his secondary school education atRockwell College, Co Tippearary. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession on the 1 September 1935. He thenprefected in Rockwell College from 1936 to1938. Following on from this he studied theologyin Kimmage Manor and was awarded a B.A.(Hons) degree in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1940.He was ordained to the priesthood on the 11 July1943 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on the 2 August 1944.

Jimmy’s first mission appointment was to Kenya,setting sail for the vicariate of Zanzibar in 1945.Between 1945 and 1951 he taught in Lioki,Mangu High School, and Kiambu respectively.He became the ecclesiastical overseer of thethriving mission of Riruta on the outskirts ofNairobi from 1952 to 1966. During his tenurethere the number of Catholics grew from 1,000to 7,000. He then taught at Muhoho High Schoolfor a year. Following this he was appointedparish priest of Karinga and also headmaster ofits secondary school. In 1971 Jimmy received hisfinal mission appointment when he wastransferred to Mangu, which had a Catholic

population of 12,000. He built five churchesthere and continued to dispense pastoral carethere even after celebrating the Golden Jubileeof his ordination in 1993.

Due to advancing age and declining healthJimmy was eventually forced to retire to Ireland.The parishes of Riruta and Mangu sent adelegation to visit Jimmy in Kimmage Manor inorder to thank him for the faith that he hadbrought them. Fr James died peacefully onMonday the 26 July 2010 in Marian House agedninety-four and was buried in the communityplot at Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 28th

FLYNN, Fr Thomas Joseph1925-2006

Fr Thomas Flynn (Tom) was bornin Co Leitrim on 15 March 1925.He completed his secondary school education inBlackrock College and entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1943. He was professed on the 8September 1944. He then studied philosophy fora year. Following this he prefected in Trinidadfrom 1945 to 1948. He then returned to Irelandto complete his studies in U.C.D from which hegraduated with a B.A. in 1950. He then studiedtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood in 1953.

Tom’s first appointment was to Nigeria in 1954.He worked in a variety of pastoral and teachingroles initially in Ozubulu and then St Patrick’s,Enugu from 1956 until 1959. During this periodprimary schools in the area increased in numberfrom fourteen to fifty four. In 1960 he wasappointed principal of Awgu County SecondarySchool and he subsequently became principal ofSt Paul’s Secondary School, Eke. During theBiafran war Tom served as chaplain to the armedforces of Nigeria. After a one year break hereturned to Enugu in 1968 and served there ashospital chaplain until 1973. During this periodhe also served as chancellor of the diocese.

In 1973 Tom embarked on the second phase of

JULY

95

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 95

Page 104: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

his missionary life when he travelled the USA.He worked in North Dakota from 1973 to 1975.He then studied clinical pastoral education andbecame a certified chaplain and chaplainsupervisor. The remainder of his ministry therewas spent in Louisiana. He became director ofpastoral ministry in hospitals run by the Sistersof Charity of the Incarnate Word, from 1975 -85.In 1985 he was made director of pastoralministry at St Francis Medical Center, inMonroe. He retired from this post in 1995 andbecame pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Rayville.He was remembered as kind and compassionatein his care for the sick and terminally illparishioners.

Tom retired in 2002 and stayed on in Louisiana.He returned to the Kimmage Community in2004. Fr Tom died on 28 July 2006 and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 30th

O’NEILL, Fr William1915-1999

Fr William O’Neill (Willie) wasborn on 8 January 1915 inAbbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, andcompleted his secondary studies at BlackrockCollege, 1929-33. He was among the first groupof novices to do their novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed in 1934. He prefected atBlackrock, 1937-39, and was ordained priestin 1942. The following year he was appointed tothe Vicariate of Zanzibar.

After doing pastoral work for one year each atKilungu and Waa, he was attached to the HolySpirit Church in Mombasa in 1946. In 1949 hebegan teaching in St Mary’s School, Nairobi.Two years later he returned to Holy SpiritChurch, soon to become the Cathedral Churchof the new diocese of Mombasa. He remainedthere till 1962, serving at the same time assecretary to the bishop. In 1962 he was put incharge of Malindi and in 1965 the bishop senthim to the USA on a fundraising tour.

Due to ill health he returned to Ireland andserved there as assistant editor of theMissionary Annals. From 1970 to 1974 heserved as Chaplain to St John of God Hospitalin Stillorgan. In 1975 he was appointed toUSA West where he was first appointed toSaint Cecilia’s parish in San Francisco. He latermoved to St Brigid’s Parish, also in SanFrancisco. Later he served in the parishes of StBartholomew in San Mateo and St Raphael’s inSan Raphael. He retired to Mountain View forsome time before ill health caused him to returnto Kimmage in 1996 where he died 30 July 1999aged 83 years. Fr Willie was buried in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

JULY

96

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 96

his missionary life when he travelled the USA.He worked in North Dakota from 1973 to 1975.He then studied clinical pastoral education andbecame a certified chaplain and chaplainsupervisor. The remainder of his ministry therewas spent in Louisiana. He became director ofpastoral ministry in hospitals run by the Sistersof Charity of the Incarnate Word, from 1975 -85.In 1985 he was made director of pastoralministry at St Francis Medical Center, inMonroe. He retired from this post in 1995 andbecame pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Rayville.He was remembered as kind and compassionatein his care for the sick and terminally illparishioners.

Tom retired in 2002 and stayed on in Louisiana.He returned to the Kimmage Community in2004. Fr Tom died on 28 July 2006 and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

July 30th

O’NEILL, Fr William1915-1999

Fr William O’Neill (Willie) wasborn on 8 January 1915 inAbbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, andcompleted his secondary studies at BlackrockCollege, 1929-33. He was among the first groupof novices to do their novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed in 1934. He prefected atBlackrock, 1937-39, and was ordained priestin 1942. The following year he was appointed tothe Vicariate of Zanzibar.

After doing pastoral work for one year each atKilungu and Waa, he was attached to the HolySpirit Church in Mombasa in 1946. In 1949 hebegan teaching in St Mary’s School, Nairobi.Two years later he returned to Holy SpiritChurch, soon to become the Cathedral Churchof the new diocese of Mombasa. He remainedthere till 1962, serving at the same time assecretary to the bishop. In 1962 he was put incharge of Malindi and in 1965 the bishop senthim to the USA on a fundraising tour.

Due to ill health he returned to Ireland andserved there as assistant editor of theMissionary Annals. From 1970 to 1974 heserved as Chaplain to St John of God Hospitalin Stillorgan. In 1975 he was appointed toUSA West where he was first appointed toSaint Cecilia’s parish in San Francisco. He latermoved to St Brigid’s Parish, also in SanFrancisco. Later he served in the parishes of StBartholomew in San Mateo and St Raphael’s inSan Raphael. He retired to Mountain View forsome time before ill health caused him to returnto Kimmage in 1996 where he died 30 July 1999aged 83 years. Fr Willie was buried in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

JULY

96

July Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:37 Page 96

Page 105: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

August 1st

HOGAN, Fr John Gerald1936-2017

Fr John Hogan was born inNewmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare,on 31 August 1936. Following the completion ofhis secondary school education in Ennis C.B.S.,he entered Kilshane in 1955. He was professedthe following year and moved to KimmageManor. He prefected in Rockwell College from1958 to 1959. He was awarded a B.Sc. degree byU.C.D. in 1960 and then studied philosophy forthe next two years. He also studied theology atKimmage, finishing there in 1966 and was oneof twenty-four Spiritans who were ordained inKimmage in July 1965 by Archbishop MarcelLefebvre.

John’s first appointment was to the Gambia in1966. He taught there in St Augustine’s HighSchool (in Banjul, the capital city) for six yearsbefore moving to the city’s Cathedral Parish todo pastoral work. He became district superior ofthe Gambia in 1979.

John held the role of executive director of theConference of Major Religious Superiors of WestAfrica, where he saw the possibilities for growthof religious missionary groups. He created theimpetus for the establishment of the Spiritans’West African Foundation (WAF), serving as itsfirst director from 1983 to 1989 and as its firstsuperior for two mandates, overseeing itsdevelopment. He, with others, was the architectof the now flourishing province of Ghana. Whilstserving in Ghana as W.A.F. superior, he becamepastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Kumasi for afour year period, and took on a similar role inBolgatanga in 1996.

On his return to Ireland, in October 2002, Johnbecame provincial delegate for retirement, basedin Kimmage. He served in St Michael’s Collegeas community leader and bursar from 2005, andmoved back to Kimmage two years later. He wasadmitted to Marian House in 2010. Fr John diedon 1 August 2017 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

August 4th

SOUGHLEY,Fr Michael Francis1917-1991

Fr Michael Soughley (Frank) wasborn 27 December 1917 inInchicore, Dublin and attended BlackrockCollege, 1932-1936, where he was seen to behighly proficient at English and Mathematics. Hesecured a Dublin Corporation Scholarship in theLeaving Certificate. Having entered the novitiateat Kilshane he was professed in 1937. Hisuniversity studies were cut short by the onset oftuberculosis. He was sent to Montana,Switzerland, for recuperation and later returnedto Kimmage Manor to continue his seniorstudies.

Ordained in 1944 he was appointed the followingyear to Kenya. The following forty-five years ofhis life, apart from short spells at Lioki and Riara,were spent tirelessly in the service of education.He spent five years at Mangu High School; thelast two as Headmaster. At that time Alliance andMangu were the only African boys’ schools inKenya with Forms 3 and 4, with the result thatFr Frank had among his pupils many young menwho went on later to be the first Africans to fillhigh positions in church, government, law,medicine and many other professions. At thistime he also served on the Board of Governorsand Board of Moderators in the Ministry ofEducation, thus assisting in the beginnings of thesecondary school system in Kenya. His firstcontact with St Mary’s was in 1951 when hecame as a teacher for one year, and then in 1955he came to stay and remained for thirty six years.

In latter years Frank was guestmaster for theCommunity. In this role he gave inestimableservice to many visitors who came to stay at StMary’s. He was available morning, noon, andnight, and always with a broad smile on hiswelcoming face. Besides teaching he was bursarfor a while and school registar; a post he still heldat the time of his death. In spite of his longassociation with Kenya, Frank was always seento love and be very proud of ‘Dear Old DirtyDublin’ and, by virtue of his Inchicore accent and

AUGUST

97

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 97

August 1st

HOGAN, Fr John Gerald1936-2017

Fr John Hogan was born inNewmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare,on 31 August 1936. Following the completion ofhis secondary school education in Ennis C.B.S.,he entered Kilshane in 1955. He was professedthe following year and moved to KimmageManor. He prefected in Rockwell College from1958 to 1959. He was awarded a B.Sc. degree byU.C.D. in 1960 and then studied philosophy forthe next two years. He also studied theology atKimmage, finishing there in 1966 and was oneof twenty-four Spiritans who were ordained inKimmage in July 1965 by Archbishop MarcelLefebvre.

John’s first appointment was to the Gambia in1966. He taught there in St Augustine’s HighSchool (in Banjul, the capital city) for six yearsbefore moving to the city’s Cathedral Parish todo pastoral work. He became district superior ofthe Gambia in 1979.

John held the role of executive director of theConference of Major Religious Superiors of WestAfrica, where he saw the possibilities for growthof religious missionary groups. He created theimpetus for the establishment of the Spiritans’West African Foundation (WAF), serving as itsfirst director from 1983 to 1989 and as its firstsuperior for two mandates, overseeing itsdevelopment. He, with others, was the architectof the now flourishing province of Ghana. Whilstserving in Ghana as W.A.F. superior, he becamepastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Kumasi for afour year period, and took on a similar role inBolgatanga in 1996.

On his return to Ireland, in October 2002, Johnbecame provincial delegate for retirement, basedin Kimmage. He served in St Michael’s Collegeas community leader and bursar from 2005, andmoved back to Kimmage two years later. He wasadmitted to Marian House in 2010. Fr John diedon 1 August 2017 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

August 4th

SOUGHLEY,Fr Michael Francis1917-1991

Fr Michael Soughley (Frank) wasborn 27 December 1917 inInchicore, Dublin and attended BlackrockCollege, 1932-1936, where he was seen to behighly proficient at English and Mathematics. Hesecured a Dublin Corporation Scholarship in theLeaving Certificate. Having entered the novitiateat Kilshane he was professed in 1937. Hisuniversity studies were cut short by the onset oftuberculosis. He was sent to Montana,Switzerland, for recuperation and later returnedto Kimmage Manor to continue his seniorstudies.

Ordained in 1944 he was appointed the followingyear to Kenya. The following forty-five years ofhis life, apart from short spells at Lioki and Riara,were spent tirelessly in the service of education.He spent five years at Mangu High School; thelast two as Headmaster. At that time Alliance andMangu were the only African boys’ schools inKenya with Forms 3 and 4, with the result thatFr Frank had among his pupils many young menwho went on later to be the first Africans to fillhigh positions in church, government, law,medicine and many other professions. At thistime he also served on the Board of Governorsand Board of Moderators in the Ministry ofEducation, thus assisting in the beginnings of thesecondary school system in Kenya. His firstcontact with St Mary’s was in 1951 when hecame as a teacher for one year, and then in 1955he came to stay and remained for thirty six years.

In latter years Frank was guestmaster for theCommunity. In this role he gave inestimableservice to many visitors who came to stay at StMary’s. He was available morning, noon, andnight, and always with a broad smile on hiswelcoming face. Besides teaching he was bursarfor a while and school registar; a post he still heldat the time of his death. In spite of his longassociation with Kenya, Frank was always seento love and be very proud of ‘Dear Old DirtyDublin’ and, by virtue of his Inchicore accent and

AUGUST

97

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 97

Page 106: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

quick wit, he qualified as being ‘a real Dub’. FrFrank, who had been unwell for some time, diedpeacefully on Sunday 4 August 1991 in StMary’s. He was aged 73 years. He was buried atNairobi.

August 4th

COOKE, Fr Patrick Michael1934-2001

Fr Patrick Cooke (Paddy) wasborn on 25 March 1934 inCrumlin, Dublin. He completed his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College. He wasprofessed in Kilshane in 1954 and then went onto study philosophy in Kimmage Manorfollowed by three years working as a prefect inTrinidad. Having resumed his studies atKimmage he was ordained to the priesthood in1963.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Kenya wherehe worked in the diocese of Mombasa fortwenty-five years. He ministered in the parishesof Giriama, Taveta, Mganga Nyika, Taita andShimba Hills. Paddy returned to Ireland in 1988and later that year he went to the U.S. to beginsabbatical studies at Duquesne University,Pittsburgh. After his studies he stayed on at theuniversity to work as assistant to the collegepresident. While at Duquesne he alsoadministered pastoral care in the Pittsburgh area.In 1972 Paddy was appointed to the cathedral inthe diocese of St Augustine, Florida. Heremained there until ill health forced him toresign early in 2001.

In June 2001 he returned to Ireland to reside inMarian House, Kimmage Manor, where he diedon 4 August 2001 aged 67. Fr Paddy was laid torest with his family in Mount Jerome Cemetery,Dublin.

August 4th

SHANLEY, Fr James1924-2008

Fr James Shanley (Jim) was bornin Dromod, Co Leitrim on 23February 1924. He worked forsome years with Limerick County Council beforegoing to St Joseph’s, Rockwell to complete hissecondary school education. He entered thenovitiate in 1952 and was professed on 8September 1953. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor from 1953 to 1955 andtheology from 1955 to 1959. In the meantime hewas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1959.

Jim’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1960 where he was employedin a pastoral role until 1965. He became directorof Catholic Action between 1965 and 1967 andwas also involved in relief work there beforereturning to Ireland in 1971. On his return he didpromotional work until 1979 when he wasappointed superior of Kimmage Manor a positionhe held for the next six years. Following this, in1985, he embarked on fund-raising campaigns inthe U.S.A.

In 1988 Jim became chaplain of Our Lady’sManor, Dalkey and two years later, in 1990, hereturned to Kimmage. He completed anotherterm as superior of Kimmage Manor from 1993–6. During his time in Kimmage Jim was activelyinvolved in fund-raising and was largelyinstrumental in the establishment of MarianHouse where he himself died on 4 August 2008.Fr Jim was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

AUGUST

98

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 98

quick wit, he qualified as being ‘a real Dub’. FrFrank, who had been unwell for some time, diedpeacefully on Sunday 4 August 1991 in StMary’s. He was aged 73 years. He was buried atNairobi.

August 4th

COOKE, Fr Patrick Michael1934-2001

Fr Patrick Cooke (Paddy) wasborn on 25 March 1934 inCrumlin, Dublin. He completed his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College. He wasprofessed in Kilshane in 1954 and then went onto study philosophy in Kimmage Manorfollowed by three years working as a prefect inTrinidad. Having resumed his studies atKimmage he was ordained to the priesthood in1963.

Paddy’s first appointment was to Kenya wherehe worked in the diocese of Mombasa fortwenty-five years. He ministered in the parishesof Giriama, Taveta, Mganga Nyika, Taita andShimba Hills. Paddy returned to Ireland in 1988and later that year he went to the U.S. to beginsabbatical studies at Duquesne University,Pittsburgh. After his studies he stayed on at theuniversity to work as assistant to the collegepresident. While at Duquesne he alsoadministered pastoral care in the Pittsburgh area.In 1972 Paddy was appointed to the cathedral inthe diocese of St Augustine, Florida. Heremained there until ill health forced him toresign early in 2001.

In June 2001 he returned to Ireland to reside inMarian House, Kimmage Manor, where he diedon 4 August 2001 aged 67. Fr Paddy was laid torest with his family in Mount Jerome Cemetery,Dublin.

August 4th

SHANLEY, Fr James1924-2008

Fr James Shanley (Jim) was bornin Dromod, Co Leitrim on 23February 1924. He worked forsome years with Limerick County Council beforegoing to St Joseph’s, Rockwell to complete hissecondary school education. He entered thenovitiate in 1952 and was professed on 8September 1953. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor from 1953 to 1955 andtheology from 1955 to 1959. In the meantime hewas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1959.

Jim’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1960 where he was employedin a pastoral role until 1965. He became directorof Catholic Action between 1965 and 1967 andwas also involved in relief work there beforereturning to Ireland in 1971. On his return he didpromotional work until 1979 when he wasappointed superior of Kimmage Manor a positionhe held for the next six years. Following this, in1985, he embarked on fund-raising campaigns inthe U.S.A.

In 1988 Jim became chaplain of Our Lady’sManor, Dalkey and two years later, in 1990, hereturned to Kimmage. He completed anotherterm as superior of Kimmage Manor from 1993–6. During his time in Kimmage Jim was activelyinvolved in fund-raising and was largelyinstrumental in the establishment of MarianHouse where he himself died on 4 August 2008.Fr Jim was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

AUGUST

98

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 98

Page 107: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

August 4th

FOLEY, Fr James 1935-2011

Fr James Foley (Shay) was bornin Ballyouskill, Co Kilkenny on6 January 1935. He completedhis secondary studies in Rockwell College andentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1953. He wasprofessed on 8 September, 1954. Shay studiedphilosophy at U.C.D. and was awarded a B.A. in1957. He prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines from 1957 to 1959 and then studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor, 1959-1963. Shaywas ordained to the priesthood on 8 July 1962and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on13 July 1963.

Shay’s mission appointment was to the dioceseof Umuahia in Nigeria, where he worked for sixyears teaching in the diocesan junior seminary.In 1969 Shay was transferred to the RockvilleCentre, New York where he became engaged inpastoral ministry until 1971. Following this hereturned to Africa, this time to Malawi, where hecontinued on in this role. In 1995 Shay wasappointed leader of the Irish Spiritan group inMalawi.

His selfless ministry touched many and heinspired many vocations by his own quietexample. Shortly after he came home to Irelandin 2002 to celebrate the fortieth anniversary ofhis ordination, he had a stroke. He recoveredsomewhat from this but his life was never thesame again and he was unable to return toMalawi. He retired to Kimmage in 2003 wherehe continued to serve the community as sacristanand by distributing the post. Fr Shay died on 4August 2011 in Marian House, Kimmage andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 5th

McMAHON, Fr Francis1916-1993

Fr Francis McMahon (Frank) wasborn 3 March 1916 in Feacle, CoClare and received his secondaryeducation at Blackrock College, 1930-35.Having entered the Congregation at Kilshane hewas professed in 1936. He acquired the BA in1939 and then prefected at Blackrock for oneyear.

Ordained in 1944 he was assigned the followingyear to Nigeria. He served at Emekuku asassistant in a parish with more than 40,000Catholics and catechumens (1945-52). He wasthe automatic choice for captain of the famousrugby team composed of CSSp priests includingat times the Bishop Joe Whelan, who took on theBritish army and other European ‘clubs.’ Frankwas the founding pastor of Amakohia in theDiocese of Owerri where he ministered until1962. He then became Principal of Amaimo HighSchool, which he built. In 1964 he built andbecame Principal of the Irodo High School.Because of the Biafra War he was obliged toleave his work in Nigeria. Transferred to the USAhe served in parish ministry in Florida and in theNew Orleans area. From 1985 he served aschaplain in a retirement home.

He was a gentle and simple priest, who carednothing about material goods but was muchinterested in people. He had a tendency to be aperfectionist in all that he did and would agoniseall week about his Sunday homily to make it justright. He was referred to as ‘the big man with thegentle voice’. Fr Frank died in New York 5August 1993 aged 77 years and was buried inGate of Heaven Cemetery outside New York. Hewas an uncle of Fr Seán Broderick CSSp.

AUGUST

99

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 99

August 4th

FOLEY, Fr James 1935-2011

Fr James Foley (Shay) was bornin Ballyouskill, Co Kilkenny on6 January 1935. He completedhis secondary studies in Rockwell College andentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1953. He wasprofessed on 8 September, 1954. Shay studiedphilosophy at U.C.D. and was awarded a B.A. in1957. He prefected in St Mary’s College,Rathmines from 1957 to 1959 and then studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor, 1959-1963. Shaywas ordained to the priesthood on 8 July 1962and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on13 July 1963.

Shay’s mission appointment was to the dioceseof Umuahia in Nigeria, where he worked for sixyears teaching in the diocesan junior seminary.In 1969 Shay was transferred to the RockvilleCentre, New York where he became engaged inpastoral ministry until 1971. Following this hereturned to Africa, this time to Malawi, where hecontinued on in this role. In 1995 Shay wasappointed leader of the Irish Spiritan group inMalawi.

His selfless ministry touched many and heinspired many vocations by his own quietexample. Shortly after he came home to Irelandin 2002 to celebrate the fortieth anniversary ofhis ordination, he had a stroke. He recoveredsomewhat from this but his life was never thesame again and he was unable to return toMalawi. He retired to Kimmage in 2003 wherehe continued to serve the community as sacristanand by distributing the post. Fr Shay died on 4August 2011 in Marian House, Kimmage andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 5th

McMAHON, Fr Francis1916-1993

Fr Francis McMahon (Frank) wasborn 3 March 1916 in Feacle, CoClare and received his secondaryeducation at Blackrock College, 1930-35.Having entered the Congregation at Kilshane hewas professed in 1936. He acquired the BA in1939 and then prefected at Blackrock for oneyear.

Ordained in 1944 he was assigned the followingyear to Nigeria. He served at Emekuku asassistant in a parish with more than 40,000Catholics and catechumens (1945-52). He wasthe automatic choice for captain of the famousrugby team composed of CSSp priests includingat times the Bishop Joe Whelan, who took on theBritish army and other European ‘clubs.’ Frankwas the founding pastor of Amakohia in theDiocese of Owerri where he ministered until1962. He then became Principal of Amaimo HighSchool, which he built. In 1964 he built andbecame Principal of the Irodo High School.Because of the Biafra War he was obliged toleave his work in Nigeria. Transferred to the USAhe served in parish ministry in Florida and in theNew Orleans area. From 1985 he served aschaplain in a retirement home.

He was a gentle and simple priest, who carednothing about material goods but was muchinterested in people. He had a tendency to be aperfectionist in all that he did and would agoniseall week about his Sunday homily to make it justright. He was referred to as ‘the big man with thegentle voice’. Fr Frank died in New York 5August 1993 aged 77 years and was buried inGate of Heaven Cemetery outside New York. Hewas an uncle of Fr Seán Broderick CSSp.

AUGUST

99

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 99

Page 108: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

August 8th

LEHANE, Fr Aidan 1926-2011

Fr Aidan Lehane was born inDublin on 7 August 1926. Afterhis secondary school educationat Blackrock College, he entered the novitiateat Kilshane, where he was professed on 8September 1945. He studied philosophy inKimmage and U.C.D and was awarded a B.A.in 1948. He gained an M.A. in english literaturefrom U.C.D. in 1949. Aidan prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines from 1950-2 andobtained the H.Dip.Ed in 1951. He studiedtheology in Rome, earning the S.T.L in 1956.He was later awarded a Ph.D. in education fromToronto University in 1977. Aidan wasordained to the priesthood on 3 July 1955, andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 27June 1956.

Aidan’s first appointment was to the teachingstaff of Rockwell College in 1956. He becamebursar in 1967 and community leader andpresident, 1968 –74. He was transferred toBlackrock College where he was leader andpresident, 1977-83. He held the same roles in StMichael’s College, 1983-92. Aidan continued hisapostolate in education with his work aschaplain/counsellor at St Mary’s, 1993-4,returning to St Michael’s as manager, a post heheld until 1998. After this Aidan moved toTempleogue College where he undertookpastoral work and acted as chairman of the boardof management. Aidan’s ministry must have hadan extraordinary influence on the lives ofthousands of young people. Uniquely in theprovince, he served in each of its five collegesand, with his death, the province lost one of itsgreat giants of education. He was a man of greatvision who had huge influence on thedevelopment of education in the colleges. Aphrase that reflects his life is from Fr Hampsonwho wrote in 1943, ‘Aidan Lehane showed greatpromise, that promise was not belied’.

In retirement he continued his habit of rising atfive to go for a jog before Mass and breakfast.Kind, caring, considerate and wise he died in

Marian House, Kimmage on 8 August 2011 andis buried in Shanganagh cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 9th

BARRY, Fr Francis Cornelius1915-2001

Fr Francis Barry (Frank) wasborn in Cliffoney, Co. Sligo on 2October 1915. He completed his secondaryschool studies at St Edward’s College, Liverpooland then at the juniorate in Rockwell, 1927-31.Frank made his first profession on 1 September1935 in Kilshane. In 1938 he was awarded a B.A.Hons in philosophy and then prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines, until 1940.Returning to Kimmage Manor, for theology, hewas ordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1943and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on2 August 1944.

Frank was appointed to the staff of St Mary’sCollege in 1944 and remained there for the next40 years until 1984. He studied for the higherdiploma in education in 1945 and became deanof discipline in 1968. Known to manygenerations of boys as Père Barry he was priest,teacher, disciplinarian, cricket coach, rugbycoach, groundsman, social worker, dramateacher, theatrical producer and etiquette teacher.

In 1984 Frank left St Mary’s to take up anappointment in the Spiritan parish at St Helen’s,Merseyside, England. He returned to Ireland on1 June 1995 and again joined the St Mary’scommunity. He enjoyed an active retirementtaking on various one-month ministries in Franceand each summer taking on a chaplaincy atTyburn Convent, Hyde Park, London. Frank wasat Tyburn, in the summer of 2000, when hebecame ill and had to return to Ireland and beadmitted to Marian House, Kimmage. Fr Frankdied 9 August 2001 and was buried in thecommunity plot in the cemetery at Dardistown,Co. Dublin.

AUGUST

100

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 100

August 8th

LEHANE, Fr Aidan 1926-2011

Fr Aidan Lehane was born inDublin on 7 August 1926. Afterhis secondary school educationat Blackrock College, he entered the novitiateat Kilshane, where he was professed on 8September 1945. He studied philosophy inKimmage and U.C.D and was awarded a B.A.in 1948. He gained an M.A. in english literaturefrom U.C.D. in 1949. Aidan prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines from 1950-2 andobtained the H.Dip.Ed in 1951. He studiedtheology in Rome, earning the S.T.L in 1956.He was later awarded a Ph.D. in education fromToronto University in 1977. Aidan wasordained to the priesthood on 3 July 1955, andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 27June 1956.

Aidan’s first appointment was to the teachingstaff of Rockwell College in 1956. He becamebursar in 1967 and community leader andpresident, 1968 –74. He was transferred toBlackrock College where he was leader andpresident, 1977-83. He held the same roles in StMichael’s College, 1983-92. Aidan continued hisapostolate in education with his work aschaplain/counsellor at St Mary’s, 1993-4,returning to St Michael’s as manager, a post heheld until 1998. After this Aidan moved toTempleogue College where he undertookpastoral work and acted as chairman of the boardof management. Aidan’s ministry must have hadan extraordinary influence on the lives ofthousands of young people. Uniquely in theprovince, he served in each of its five collegesand, with his death, the province lost one of itsgreat giants of education. He was a man of greatvision who had huge influence on thedevelopment of education in the colleges. Aphrase that reflects his life is from Fr Hampsonwho wrote in 1943, ‘Aidan Lehane showed greatpromise, that promise was not belied’.

In retirement he continued his habit of rising atfive to go for a jog before Mass and breakfast.Kind, caring, considerate and wise he died in

Marian House, Kimmage on 8 August 2011 andis buried in Shanganagh cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 9th

BARRY, Fr Francis Cornelius1915-2001

Fr Francis Barry (Frank) wasborn in Cliffoney, Co. Sligo on 2October 1915. He completed his secondaryschool studies at St Edward’s College, Liverpooland then at the juniorate in Rockwell, 1927-31.Frank made his first profession on 1 September1935 in Kilshane. In 1938 he was awarded a B.A.Hons in philosophy and then prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines, until 1940.Returning to Kimmage Manor, for theology, hewas ordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1943and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on2 August 1944.

Frank was appointed to the staff of St Mary’sCollege in 1944 and remained there for the next40 years until 1984. He studied for the higherdiploma in education in 1945 and became deanof discipline in 1968. Known to manygenerations of boys as Père Barry he was priest,teacher, disciplinarian, cricket coach, rugbycoach, groundsman, social worker, dramateacher, theatrical producer and etiquette teacher.

In 1984 Frank left St Mary’s to take up anappointment in the Spiritan parish at St Helen’s,Merseyside, England. He returned to Ireland on1 June 1995 and again joined the St Mary’scommunity. He enjoyed an active retirementtaking on various one-month ministries in Franceand each summer taking on a chaplaincy atTyburn Convent, Hyde Park, London. Frank wasat Tyburn, in the summer of 2000, when hebecame ill and had to return to Ireland and beadmitted to Marian House, Kimmage. Fr Frankdied 9 August 2001 and was buried in thecommunity plot in the cemetery at Dardistown,Co. Dublin.

AUGUST

100

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 100

Page 109: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

August 9th

BUCKLEY, Fr Martin Joseph1928-2005

Fr Martin Buckley was born atTarmons, Tarbert, Co Kerry, on12 August, 1928. After his secondary schooleducation at St Flannan’s he entered the novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first professionon 8 September 1950. He prefected at RockwellCollege 1952-53. He studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1957 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 1 August1958.

In 1958 Martin’s first appointment was toNigeria. For nine years he worked in the Owerriparishes as a retreat master. During the Biafranwar he served as a chaplain to refugees who hadfled to the Ivory Coast. In 1971 he was assignedto the Long Island Community in the UnitedStates where he administered pastoral care to itsparishioners. In 1974 he went to Ghana where hetook up the roles of evangelisation and pastoralministry in the diocese of Sunyani at St Partick’sParish in Attibabu. Using Attibabu as his baseMartin set up a network of sixty outstationsreaching more than 100,000 people. Martincontinued as pastor until 1993 when he wastransferred to Tanoso-Techiman. Over the nexteleven years Martin dedicated himself to thedevelopment of the parish of St Joseph’s and itsvocational school.

Fr Martin moved to Marian House, KimmageManor at the end of March 2004, where he diedon 9 August 2005. The confrères of his Nigeriaand Ghana years were unstinting in their praiseof Martin who was so loved by the people heserved so generously. One spoke of Martincycling around hatless in the tropical heat ofGhana, almost unaware of how unkind he wasbeing to his health. He was always admired forhis fine singing voice. He is buried in thecommunity plot at Dardistown Cemetery , CoDublin.

August 9th

GRIFFIN, Fr Augustine1921-2010

Fr Augustine Griffin (Gus) wasborn on the 27 August 1921 inLimerick. He completed hissecondary school education at the C.B.S.Limerick. After leaving school he worked for aperiod of time as an accounts clerk until heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisprofession on the 8 September 1950. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor as well ascompleting technical courses in commerce andbook keeping at the School of Commerce,Rathmines, Dublin in 1952. He studied theologyat Kimmage from 1952 to 1956. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 3 July 1955 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1952.

Gus’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1956. He returned to Ireland in 1966where he was engaged in various pastoralministries. He spent a period of time in theU.S.A. from the late 1960s and was appointededitor of Outlook magazine in 1974. In 1995 hewas appointed to the Ardbraccan Community.

Gus spent the last eighteen years of his life withthe Cistercian Community in New Mellifont. Hedied on 9 August 2010 and was buried in thecommunity cemetery of the Cistercians at NewMellifont.

August 10th

MARLOW, Bro Celestine (Peter)1917-2009

Bro Celestine Marlow (Peter)was born in Eskra, Omagh, CoTyrone on 28 November 1917. After leavingschool he worked for a while, on the family farm,before entering the novitiate at Kilshane wherehe was professed on 2 March 1948.

Bro Celestine’s first appointment was toKilshane in 1948 where he was put in charge ofgeneral maintenance in the novitiate; this

AUGUST

101

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 101

August 9th

BUCKLEY, Fr Martin Joseph1928-2005

Fr Martin Buckley was born atTarmons, Tarbert, Co Kerry, on12 August, 1928. After his secondary schooleducation at St Flannan’s he entered the novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first professionon 8 September 1950. He prefected at RockwellCollege 1952-53. He studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1957 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 1 August1958.

In 1958 Martin’s first appointment was toNigeria. For nine years he worked in the Owerriparishes as a retreat master. During the Biafranwar he served as a chaplain to refugees who hadfled to the Ivory Coast. In 1971 he was assignedto the Long Island Community in the UnitedStates where he administered pastoral care to itsparishioners. In 1974 he went to Ghana where hetook up the roles of evangelisation and pastoralministry in the diocese of Sunyani at St Partick’sParish in Attibabu. Using Attibabu as his baseMartin set up a network of sixty outstationsreaching more than 100,000 people. Martincontinued as pastor until 1993 when he wastransferred to Tanoso-Techiman. Over the nexteleven years Martin dedicated himself to thedevelopment of the parish of St Joseph’s and itsvocational school.

Fr Martin moved to Marian House, KimmageManor at the end of March 2004, where he diedon 9 August 2005. The confrères of his Nigeriaand Ghana years were unstinting in their praiseof Martin who was so loved by the people heserved so generously. One spoke of Martincycling around hatless in the tropical heat ofGhana, almost unaware of how unkind he wasbeing to his health. He was always admired forhis fine singing voice. He is buried in thecommunity plot at Dardistown Cemetery , CoDublin.

August 9th

GRIFFIN, Fr Augustine1921-2010

Fr Augustine Griffin (Gus) wasborn on the 27 August 1921 inLimerick. He completed hissecondary school education at the C.B.S.Limerick. After leaving school he worked for aperiod of time as an accounts clerk until heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisprofession on the 8 September 1950. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor as well ascompleting technical courses in commerce andbook keeping at the School of Commerce,Rathmines, Dublin in 1952. He studied theologyat Kimmage from 1952 to 1956. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 3 July 1955 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 3 August1952.

Gus’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1956. He returned to Ireland in 1966where he was engaged in various pastoralministries. He spent a period of time in theU.S.A. from the late 1960s and was appointededitor of Outlook magazine in 1974. In 1995 hewas appointed to the Ardbraccan Community.

Gus spent the last eighteen years of his life withthe Cistercian Community in New Mellifont. Hedied on 9 August 2010 and was buried in thecommunity cemetery of the Cistercians at NewMellifont.

August 10th

MARLOW, Bro Celestine (Peter)1917-2009

Bro Celestine Marlow (Peter)was born in Eskra, Omagh, CoTyrone on 28 November 1917. After leavingschool he worked for a while, on the family farm,before entering the novitiate at Kilshane wherehe was professed on 2 March 1948.

Bro Celestine’s first appointment was toKilshane in 1948 where he was put in charge ofgeneral maintenance in the novitiate; this

AUGUST

101

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 101

Page 110: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

included the supervision of the sawmill, and thepoultry farm. After nine years of unstintingservice there he was appointed to the BlackrockCommunity. On arrival in Blackrock he wasasked to take charge of the general maintenanceof the college, an enormous task, which he morethan ably fulfilled. The students in the collegeused to proudly call him Bro Fix-it since he wasable to repair, replace or mend anything.

Throughout his fifty two years in the college hewas deeply involved in the spiritual mentoring ofmany of the household staff. He continued toperform this task even after the staff had retiredkeeping in contact with a number of them until afortnight before he died. Added to his work loadhe held the posts of procurator for the communityand community driver for those who were unableto drive.

He was a staunch member of a number of prayergroups; he strongly believed the words of theLord Jesus ‘where two or three are gathered inmy name there am I’. This he also applied tocommunity life. He supported all aspects of lifein the community besides the daily Eucharist andcommunity prayers he also spent long hours inpersonal prayer. He was especially devoted to theVirgin Mary reciting the full rosary daily. BroCelestine was received into the care of MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor, in July 2009 where hedied on 10 August 2009. He was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 12th

FARRELLY, Fr Matthew1913-2013

Fr Matthew Farrelly (Matt) wasborn in Drumbar, Tierworker,Kingscourt, Co Cavan on 10November 1913. Following the completion of hissecondary education in Blackrock College, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he wasprofessed in 1934. He prefected in BlackrockCollege for two years and completed a B.A. inphilosophy in 1937 followed by a higher diplomain education in 1938. He was ordained to thepriesthood in July 1942.

Matt was assigned to the Gambia in 1944 wherehe was appointed teacher/principal of StAugustine’s School, Bathurst. In 1945 he wasnamed local superior of the Spiritan Communityand he became ecclesiastical superior of theGambia mission, 1946-51.

In 1952 Matt served for a year as privatesecretary to the superior general in Paris. Heserved in Mauritius from 1954 until 1962 andwas principal of the College du St Espirit. In1962 he returned to Paris as assistant generalsecretary, two years later the generalate wastransferred to Rome where he served as generalsecretary. In 1966 he became procurator generalof the congregation with the Holy See a positionhe held until 1979.

Matt was reassisgned to the Gambia in 1980 andwas tasked with the special mission of fundraising in the USA for the diocese of Banjulwhile residing in New York. During this time heministered in St Agnes Church, Manhattan. Mattretired to Kimmage Manor in 2002. Even inretirement he remained rigidly faithful to thepractice of his beliefs. His last words beforeretiring for the night would be ‘what time is masstomorrow?’. Fr Matt died in Marian House on 12August 2013 just weeks after his brother, FrBernard, was buried in Sainte Croix in Mauritius.Fr Matt was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

August 12th

KING, Fr John Joe1922-2015

Fr John Joe King was born on 4March, 1922 in Main St.,Granard, Co Longford. Havingattended Blackrock College, 1936-41, he madehis vows on 8 September, 1942 at Kilshane. JohnJoe prefected in Trinidad, 1942-6 and wasawarded a B.A. by the National University ofIreland in 1949. He was ordained in Dublin on15 July, 1951.

In October 1952 his first appointment was to theOwerri district in Nigeria. He subsequently

AUGUST

102

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 102

included the supervision of the sawmill, and thepoultry farm. After nine years of unstintingservice there he was appointed to the BlackrockCommunity. On arrival in Blackrock he wasasked to take charge of the general maintenanceof the college, an enormous task, which he morethan ably fulfilled. The students in the collegeused to proudly call him Bro Fix-it since he wasable to repair, replace or mend anything.

Throughout his fifty two years in the college hewas deeply involved in the spiritual mentoring ofmany of the household staff. He continued toperform this task even after the staff had retiredkeeping in contact with a number of them until afortnight before he died. Added to his work loadhe held the posts of procurator for the communityand community driver for those who were unableto drive.

He was a staunch member of a number of prayergroups; he strongly believed the words of theLord Jesus ‘where two or three are gathered inmy name there am I’. This he also applied tocommunity life. He supported all aspects of lifein the community besides the daily Eucharist andcommunity prayers he also spent long hours inpersonal prayer. He was especially devoted to theVirgin Mary reciting the full rosary daily. BroCelestine was received into the care of MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor, in July 2009 where hedied on 10 August 2009. He was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 12th

FARRELLY, Fr Matthew1913-2013

Fr Matthew Farrelly (Matt) wasborn in Drumbar, Tierworker,Kingscourt, Co Cavan on 10November 1913. Following the completion of hissecondary education in Blackrock College, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he wasprofessed in 1934. He prefected in BlackrockCollege for two years and completed a B.A. inphilosophy in 1937 followed by a higher diplomain education in 1938. He was ordained to thepriesthood in July 1942.

Matt was assigned to the Gambia in 1944 wherehe was appointed teacher/principal of StAugustine’s School, Bathurst. In 1945 he wasnamed local superior of the Spiritan Communityand he became ecclesiastical superior of theGambia mission, 1946-51.

In 1952 Matt served for a year as privatesecretary to the superior general in Paris. Heserved in Mauritius from 1954 until 1962 andwas principal of the College du St Espirit. In1962 he returned to Paris as assistant generalsecretary, two years later the generalate wastransferred to Rome where he served as generalsecretary. In 1966 he became procurator generalof the congregation with the Holy See a positionhe held until 1979.

Matt was reassisgned to the Gambia in 1980 andwas tasked with the special mission of fundraising in the USA for the diocese of Banjulwhile residing in New York. During this time heministered in St Agnes Church, Manhattan. Mattretired to Kimmage Manor in 2002. Even inretirement he remained rigidly faithful to thepractice of his beliefs. His last words beforeretiring for the night would be ‘what time is masstomorrow?’. Fr Matt died in Marian House on 12August 2013 just weeks after his brother, FrBernard, was buried in Sainte Croix in Mauritius.Fr Matt was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

August 12th

KING, Fr John Joe1922-2015

Fr John Joe King was born on 4March, 1922 in Main St.,Granard, Co Longford. Havingattended Blackrock College, 1936-41, he madehis vows on 8 September, 1942 at Kilshane. JohnJoe prefected in Trinidad, 1942-6 and wasawarded a B.A. by the National University ofIreland in 1949. He was ordained in Dublin on15 July, 1951.

In October 1952 his first appointment was to theOwerri district in Nigeria. He subsequently

AUGUST

102

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 102

Page 111: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

served in Ogoni’s St Lawrence Parish in thediocese of Port Harcourt. He later becamechancellor and education secretary of thediocese, while also serving as pastor at SacredHeart Parish, Diobi.

Initially, returning to Ireland in 1967, he servedin his native Granard followed by St Michael’sCollege in a number of pastoral roles beforetaking up an appointment in London. John Joewas appointed to Halston Street in Dublin wherehe officiated at the annual blessing of the animalsceremony. He was a devoted animal lover andalways kept pet birds; canaries and budgies. In1983 he was appointed to St Peter’s, Little Brayand then, until his retirement in July 1991, to OurLady of the Assumption Parish, Ballyfermot.

Having returned to Granard in the early 1990s,John Joe moved to Kimmage in November 2010and to Marian House just over three years laterwhere he died on 12 August, 2015. He wasburied in the King family plot in Granard.

August 14th

MURRAY, Bishop Donal1918-1999

Bishop Donal Murray was bornon 11 February 1918 in the Cityof Limerick. He attended thelocal CBS, 1933-6, before entering the juniorateof the Christian Brothers in Cheshire, England.He taught at St Brendan’s College, Bristol, 1936-9. In 1940, having opted to join the SpiritanCongregation, he commenced his studies for thepriesthood at St Mary’s College, Castlehead,Lancs. He made his profession as a member ofthe Congregation at the temporary novitiate inHolme Island and completed his senior studies atthe wartime facilities established in England. Hewas ordained a priest in Nottingham on 7 April1946.

Donal was assigned to the Prefecture of Benue,where he served at Korinya in 1947 and at Gbokoin 1949. He then studied for two years at UCD.In 1953 he became principal of St Michael’sSecondary School at Aliade. In 1957 he was

transferred to St Augustine’s Teacher TrainingCollege at Lafia as its principal. On theretirement of Bishop Hagan in 1966, Donal wasappointed vicar capitular of the diocese ofMkurdi and in March 1968 he was ordainedbishop of the diocese. With great vigour andimagination he set about initiating programmesfor the expansion of the mission. Increased healthcare through cottage hospitals and clinics,creation of secondary schools at strategic pointsin the diocese, and the fostering of vocations tothe priesthood and the religious life were thehallmarks of his varied pastoral ministry. Heinvited other Religious Orders to share in thiswork and established the Sisters of the Nativity.During the twenty years he was in charge of thediocese the flock entrusted to his care grewalmost tenfold from less than 68,000 Catholicsand catechumens to about 615,000. By then therewere 120 students in the diocesan seminary androles filled formerly by expatriate missionarieswere by then being taken over by the localdiocesan clergy. In 1988 Bishop Murray receivedas co-adjutor Nigerian-born Athanasius Usuh,ordained by Pope John Paul II in Rome in 1989.

Due to ill health he retired as Bishop thefollowing year and took up duties as chaplain tothe Sisters of Charity, Home for the Blind inMerrion, Dublin. He died 14 August 1999 agedeighty years and was buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 17th

MOORE, Fr Patrick1926-2006

Fr Patrick Moore (Paddy) wasborn in Gurteen, Kilanur,Mountrath, Co Leix on 26 August1926. After completing his secondary secondaryeducation in Rockwell junior scholasticate heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1947. He studiedphilosophy and theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on 29 June 1952.Following on from this he made his Consecrationto the Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

AUGUST

103

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 103

served in Ogoni’s St Lawrence Parish in thediocese of Port Harcourt. He later becamechancellor and education secretary of thediocese, while also serving as pastor at SacredHeart Parish, Diobi.

Initially, returning to Ireland in 1967, he servedin his native Granard followed by St Michael’sCollege in a number of pastoral roles beforetaking up an appointment in London. John Joewas appointed to Halston Street in Dublin wherehe officiated at the annual blessing of the animalsceremony. He was a devoted animal lover andalways kept pet birds; canaries and budgies. In1983 he was appointed to St Peter’s, Little Brayand then, until his retirement in July 1991, to OurLady of the Assumption Parish, Ballyfermot.

Having returned to Granard in the early 1990s,John Joe moved to Kimmage in November 2010and to Marian House just over three years laterwhere he died on 12 August, 2015. He wasburied in the King family plot in Granard.

August 14th

MURRAY, Bishop Donal1918-1999

Bishop Donal Murray was bornon 11 February 1918 in the Cityof Limerick. He attended thelocal CBS, 1933-6, before entering the juniorateof the Christian Brothers in Cheshire, England.He taught at St Brendan’s College, Bristol, 1936-9. In 1940, having opted to join the SpiritanCongregation, he commenced his studies for thepriesthood at St Mary’s College, Castlehead,Lancs. He made his profession as a member ofthe Congregation at the temporary novitiate inHolme Island and completed his senior studies atthe wartime facilities established in England. Hewas ordained a priest in Nottingham on 7 April1946.

Donal was assigned to the Prefecture of Benue,where he served at Korinya in 1947 and at Gbokoin 1949. He then studied for two years at UCD.In 1953 he became principal of St Michael’sSecondary School at Aliade. In 1957 he was

transferred to St Augustine’s Teacher TrainingCollege at Lafia as its principal. On theretirement of Bishop Hagan in 1966, Donal wasappointed vicar capitular of the diocese ofMkurdi and in March 1968 he was ordainedbishop of the diocese. With great vigour andimagination he set about initiating programmesfor the expansion of the mission. Increased healthcare through cottage hospitals and clinics,creation of secondary schools at strategic pointsin the diocese, and the fostering of vocations tothe priesthood and the religious life were thehallmarks of his varied pastoral ministry. Heinvited other Religious Orders to share in thiswork and established the Sisters of the Nativity.During the twenty years he was in charge of thediocese the flock entrusted to his care grewalmost tenfold from less than 68,000 Catholicsand catechumens to about 615,000. By then therewere 120 students in the diocesan seminary androles filled formerly by expatriate missionarieswere by then being taken over by the localdiocesan clergy. In 1988 Bishop Murray receivedas co-adjutor Nigerian-born Athanasius Usuh,ordained by Pope John Paul II in Rome in 1989.

Due to ill health he retired as Bishop thefollowing year and took up duties as chaplain tothe Sisters of Charity, Home for the Blind inMerrion, Dublin. He died 14 August 1999 agedeighty years and was buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 17th

MOORE, Fr Patrick1926-2006

Fr Patrick Moore (Paddy) wasborn in Gurteen, Kilanur,Mountrath, Co Leix on 26 August1926. After completing his secondary secondaryeducation in Rockwell junior scholasticate heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1947. He studiedphilosophy and theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on 29 June 1952.Following on from this he made his Consecrationto the Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

AUGUST

103

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 103

Page 112: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

In 1953 Paddy was appointed to Sierra Leone,where he was destined to work for the next thirtyyears. During the first twenty of these years hewas engaged in a missionary and pastoral role atYengemu, Pendembu, Mano and Pujehun. In1972 he became parish priest of St Francis in Boand concurrently served as vicar general of theFreetown and Bo diocese.

After taking sabbatical leave in 1983 he took upparish ministry in the diocese of Down andConor at Ballinlea in Ballycastle. On retiringafter sixteen years of service Bishop PatrickWalsh wrote ‘Fr Moore has given great serviceto our diocese especially since he took on theadministration of the parish. He will be greatlymissed by the parishioners and, indeed, by thelarge number of priests who came to know himand admire him during his years with us.’

In September 2000 Paddy retired to St Joseph’sin Rockwell. Here he continued to read hisfavourite book, the New Testament, declaringthat it was only since retiring that he really heardwhat the Lord was saying in Sacred Scripture.Due to his need of special medical care Fr Paddycame to Marian House, Kimmage Manor, inJanuary of 2006 where he died on 17 August2006. He was buried in the community cemeteryat Rockwell.

August 18th

KILBRIDE, Fr Brian1925-2012

Fr Brian Kilbride was born inClonbalt, Co Longford on 10August 1925. After completinghis secondary education at Blackrock College in1943, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed on the 8 September 1944. Hestudied philosophy in Kimmage Manor and thenprefected in Blackrock College from 1945 to1947, after which he returned to Kimmage tostudy theology. He was ordained to thepriesthood on the 29 June 1952 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

Brian’s first mission appointment was to Trinidad

where he went in 1953 to teach in St Mary’sCollege, Port of Spain. He returned to Ireland in1958 and was appointed to Blackrock Collegewhere he taught Spanish and Latin as well ascoaching senior tennis teams.

In 1969 he moved to Florida where his ministryincluded being chaplain to cruise linerpassengers. He also ministered as a chaplain inDublin’s Blackrock Clinic when he was inIreland.

Ever grateful for the life that he was able to live,Brian’s outlook was always positive. Fr Briandied on Saturday 18 August 2012 in St Vincent’sHospital, Dublin and is buried in ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

August 21st

LODGE, Fr Seán A.1919-2000

Fr Seán Lodge was born inSandymount, Dublin, on 7 June1919 and attended BelvedereCollege for a short period before transferring in1933 to Blackrock College as a day student. Hisfather, a Science teacher at St Columba’s Collegeand a member of ASTI, was well known to DrMcQuaid who was chairman of the CatholicHeadmasters Association. After completing hisstudies in 1938 Seán served for a year in anaccountant’s office before deciding to enter thecongregation. He professed in 1940 and studiedat UCD where he was awarded a BA in 1943. Hethen prefected for two years in the Burse. He wasordained in 1948 and was appointed to St Mary’sCollege, Trinidad the following year whilestudying for the H.Dip. he also taught at StMichael’s, Ailesbury Road.

Returning to Ireland in 1956 he was thenappointed superior of the juniorate andcommunity at Castlehead, Lancs. In 1961 Seánjoined the teaching staff at Blackrock College.He taught English, French and Religion, and toupdate himself in these disciplines he attendedvarious courses, including a summer course atthe Institut Catholique in Paris. He also took an

AUGUST

104

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 104

In 1953 Paddy was appointed to Sierra Leone,where he was destined to work for the next thirtyyears. During the first twenty of these years hewas engaged in a missionary and pastoral role atYengemu, Pendembu, Mano and Pujehun. In1972 he became parish priest of St Francis in Boand concurrently served as vicar general of theFreetown and Bo diocese.

After taking sabbatical leave in 1983 he took upparish ministry in the diocese of Down andConor at Ballinlea in Ballycastle. On retiringafter sixteen years of service Bishop PatrickWalsh wrote ‘Fr Moore has given great serviceto our diocese especially since he took on theadministration of the parish. He will be greatlymissed by the parishioners and, indeed, by thelarge number of priests who came to know himand admire him during his years with us.’

In September 2000 Paddy retired to St Joseph’sin Rockwell. Here he continued to read hisfavourite book, the New Testament, declaringthat it was only since retiring that he really heardwhat the Lord was saying in Sacred Scripture.Due to his need of special medical care Fr Paddycame to Marian House, Kimmage Manor, inJanuary of 2006 where he died on 17 August2006. He was buried in the community cemeteryat Rockwell.

August 18th

KILBRIDE, Fr Brian1925-2012

Fr Brian Kilbride was born inClonbalt, Co Longford on 10August 1925. After completinghis secondary education at Blackrock College in1943, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed on the 8 September 1944. Hestudied philosophy in Kimmage Manor and thenprefected in Blackrock College from 1945 to1947, after which he returned to Kimmage tostudy theology. He was ordained to thepriesthood on the 29 June 1952 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

Brian’s first mission appointment was to Trinidad

where he went in 1953 to teach in St Mary’sCollege, Port of Spain. He returned to Ireland in1958 and was appointed to Blackrock Collegewhere he taught Spanish and Latin as well ascoaching senior tennis teams.

In 1969 he moved to Florida where his ministryincluded being chaplain to cruise linerpassengers. He also ministered as a chaplain inDublin’s Blackrock Clinic when he was inIreland.

Ever grateful for the life that he was able to live,Brian’s outlook was always positive. Fr Briandied on Saturday 18 August 2012 in St Vincent’sHospital, Dublin and is buried in ShanganaghCemetery, Co Dublin.

August 21st

LODGE, Fr Seán A.1919-2000

Fr Seán Lodge was born inSandymount, Dublin, on 7 June1919 and attended BelvedereCollege for a short period before transferring in1933 to Blackrock College as a day student. Hisfather, a Science teacher at St Columba’s Collegeand a member of ASTI, was well known to DrMcQuaid who was chairman of the CatholicHeadmasters Association. After completing hisstudies in 1938 Seán served for a year in anaccountant’s office before deciding to enter thecongregation. He professed in 1940 and studiedat UCD where he was awarded a BA in 1943. Hethen prefected for two years in the Burse. He wasordained in 1948 and was appointed to St Mary’sCollege, Trinidad the following year whilestudying for the H.Dip. he also taught at StMichael’s, Ailesbury Road.

Returning to Ireland in 1956 he was thenappointed superior of the juniorate andcommunity at Castlehead, Lancs. In 1961 Seánjoined the teaching staff at Blackrock College.He taught English, French and Religion, and toupdate himself in these disciplines he attendedvarious courses, including a summer course atthe Institut Catholique in Paris. He also took an

AUGUST

104

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 104

Page 113: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

active part as chaplain of the Legion of Mary inthe school and also in the inner city. Gifted witha splendid tenor voice he was a member for aperiod of time of Our Lady’s Choral Society. Hewas also an excellent homilist. Though he wasvery well qualified as a teacher he lacked thepatience to cope with students’ laid backapproach to learning. He embraced withenthusiasm the changes in the liturgy andcatechetical studies that came about in theSecond Vatican Council. This pattern was to berepeated in other areas of his life.

In 1980 he took on pastoral work, helping out forperiods in parishes in England, the West ofIreland and even in Canada. In 1988 he returnedonce more to his Alma Mater and engaged inchaplaincies in the locality. He died in StMichael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, on 21August 2000. He was 81 years of age. Fr Seánwas buried in the family grave in DeansgrangeCemetery, Co Dublin.

August 22nd

MURRAY, Fr Michael1946-2009

Fr Michael Murray (Mick) wasborn in Inchicore, Dublin on 10April 1946. After completing hissecondary school education at O’Connell’sC.B.S., he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1963 and was professed on 8 September 1964.Mick studied philosophy in Kimmage and thenscience at U.C.D. and was awarded a B.Sc. in1969. He studied theology in Kimmage between1969 and 1973. Mick was ordained to thepriesthood on 11 June 1972 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1973.

Mick’s first mission appointment was to theGambia in 1972 where he established a closerelationship with the people which was greatlyhelped by his ability to say Mass in Woloff, thelanguage of Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania. Hewas a member of staff at St Augustine’s HighSchool, Banjul after which he ministered inBasse and Kanifing between 1974 and 1977.Since his death an annual scholarship has been

awarded to the best science student in honour ofhis unique contribution to the country’seducational system. Mick was then appointed tothe seminary at Ihiala, Nigeria where heremained until 1979. Following this he returnedto the Gambia and was appointed to the seminaryat Fajara.

Mick returned to Ireland in 1982 and wasinvolved in the setting up of the NarcoticsAnonymous Centre in Dún Laoighaire. He wasappointed to Spiritan House in 1984 as assistantdirector of first cycle students. Following this hejoined the vocations team in 1986 becomingnational vocations director in 1992. However in1993 he again changed roles and becameengaged in pastoral ministry in Fatima Mansions.In 1999 Mick was appointed assistant director ofSpiritan Asylum Services Initiative (SPIRASI) aposition he held until 2003. He was very keen tomake it a warm and welcoming place for thosewho sought refuge in Ireland. He thereforeinsisted that “coming to SPIRASI should be likefalling into cotton wool”. Following on from thisMick joined the Ardbraccan community in 2004as a member of An Tobar team. His interest inearly Irish Christianity and Celtic Spirituality,and inspired by the 100-mile Christianpilgrimage walks in Scotland and England in thelate 1980s, led him to organise similar walks inIreland in 1991.

Mick’s compassionate and caring heartprofoundly touched all those whose lives hecame in contact with. Fr Mick died in MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor, on 22 August 2009 andis buried Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 25th

SHELLY, Fr Denis1922-2007

Fr Denis Shelly (Donn) was bornin Portlaoise on 12 March, 1922.He completed his secondaryschool education in Portlaoise and Roscrea andentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1941. He wasprofessed on 8 September, 1942. Donn studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor between 1942

AUGUST

105

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 105

active part as chaplain of the Legion of Mary inthe school and also in the inner city. Gifted witha splendid tenor voice he was a member for aperiod of time of Our Lady’s Choral Society. Hewas also an excellent homilist. Though he wasvery well qualified as a teacher he lacked thepatience to cope with students’ laid backapproach to learning. He embraced withenthusiasm the changes in the liturgy andcatechetical studies that came about in theSecond Vatican Council. This pattern was to berepeated in other areas of his life.

In 1980 he took on pastoral work, helping out forperiods in parishes in England, the West ofIreland and even in Canada. In 1988 he returnedonce more to his Alma Mater and engaged inchaplaincies in the locality. He died in StMichael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, on 21August 2000. He was 81 years of age. Fr Seánwas buried in the family grave in DeansgrangeCemetery, Co Dublin.

August 22nd

MURRAY, Fr Michael1946-2009

Fr Michael Murray (Mick) wasborn in Inchicore, Dublin on 10April 1946. After completing hissecondary school education at O’Connell’sC.B.S., he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1963 and was professed on 8 September 1964.Mick studied philosophy in Kimmage and thenscience at U.C.D. and was awarded a B.Sc. in1969. He studied theology in Kimmage between1969 and 1973. Mick was ordained to thepriesthood on 11 June 1972 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1973.

Mick’s first mission appointment was to theGambia in 1972 where he established a closerelationship with the people which was greatlyhelped by his ability to say Mass in Woloff, thelanguage of Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania. Hewas a member of staff at St Augustine’s HighSchool, Banjul after which he ministered inBasse and Kanifing between 1974 and 1977.Since his death an annual scholarship has been

awarded to the best science student in honour ofhis unique contribution to the country’seducational system. Mick was then appointed tothe seminary at Ihiala, Nigeria where heremained until 1979. Following this he returnedto the Gambia and was appointed to the seminaryat Fajara.

Mick returned to Ireland in 1982 and wasinvolved in the setting up of the NarcoticsAnonymous Centre in Dún Laoighaire. He wasappointed to Spiritan House in 1984 as assistantdirector of first cycle students. Following this hejoined the vocations team in 1986 becomingnational vocations director in 1992. However in1993 he again changed roles and becameengaged in pastoral ministry in Fatima Mansions.In 1999 Mick was appointed assistant director ofSpiritan Asylum Services Initiative (SPIRASI) aposition he held until 2003. He was very keen tomake it a warm and welcoming place for thosewho sought refuge in Ireland. He thereforeinsisted that “coming to SPIRASI should be likefalling into cotton wool”. Following on from thisMick joined the Ardbraccan community in 2004as a member of An Tobar team. His interest inearly Irish Christianity and Celtic Spirituality,and inspired by the 100-mile Christianpilgrimage walks in Scotland and England in thelate 1980s, led him to organise similar walks inIreland in 1991.

Mick’s compassionate and caring heartprofoundly touched all those whose lives hecame in contact with. Fr Mick died in MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor, on 22 August 2009 andis buried Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 25th

SHELLY, Fr Denis1922-2007

Fr Denis Shelly (Donn) was bornin Portlaoise on 12 March, 1922.He completed his secondaryschool education in Portlaoise and Roscrea andentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1941. He wasprofessed on 8 September, 1942. Donn studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor between 1942

AUGUST

105

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 105

Page 114: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

and 1944 and prefected in Blackrock Collegebetween 1944 and 1946. After studying theologyin Kimmage, Donn was ordained to thepriesthood on the 10 July, 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 4 August,1950.

Donn’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria in 1950, where he becameengaged in pastoral ministry. Then between 1966and 1968 he ministered in England and Wales. In1969 Donn moved to the USA and was laterappointed to San Mateo in 1976. During the1980’s, he became involved in supply work in anumber of dioceses in both England and Ireland.

Following on from this Donn ministered in thediocese of Limerick from 1990 until 1995, whenhe retired to the Kimmage Community. He had alove of fishing and liked to spend time fixing andrepairing wooden and electrical objects. As astudent Donn was a very fine amateur boxer. Hewas knocked down sometimes but never gave up.He was not a quitter and his confrères inKimmage were witnesses to the bravery andcourage with which he faced his final illness. FrDonn died in Marian House on 25 August, 2007and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

August 28th

BYRNE, Fr Thomas Francis1926-2005

Fr Thomas Byrne (Tom) wasborn at Arnott Street, SouthCircular Road, Dublin, on 3 December 1926.After his secondary school studies at the juniorscholasticate in Rockwell he entered the novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first professionon 8 September 1945. He was conferred with aB.A. Hons degree by U.C.D. in 1948. During theperiod 1948-50 he prefected at BlackrockCollege and while there he also completed aH.Dip. in Ed. in 1949. Tom studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1953 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1954.

In 1954 Tom was appointed to Nigeria. For thenext thirteen years he worked in the Owerriregion teaching at Sacred Heart College, Aba, inUmuahia. In 1967 he was appointed as hospitalchaplain to the Michigan Medical University, inthe U.S.A. In 1971 he moved to Australia wherehe served as chaplain to the Mater Hospital inBrisbane and also worked in parish ministry.

In 1977 he returned to Ireland and was appointedto the Ardbraccan community. In 1978 he wastransferred to Templeogue College to become itsbursar. Tom came to stay in Marian House,Kimmage Manor, in April 2002. His health wasnever robust and perhaps this helped him tobecome self-sufficient – he liked to work thingsout for himself. Fr Tom died in Tallaght hospitalon 28 August, 2005. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 29th

WALSH, Fr John Anselm1923-2004

Fr John Walsh was born in BridgeStreet, Ballylongford, Co Kerry,on 22 April 1923. After his secondary schoolstudies at Rockwell Junior Scholasticate heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 8 September 1942. Johnstudied philosophy at U.C.D. and graduated witha B.A. in 1945. He then prefected in Trinidad forone year before studying theology at KimmageManor 1946-50. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

In 1950 John’s first appointment was to ateaching position in St Mary’s College,Rathmines. During that year he completed aHigher Diploma in Education. Between 1952 and1953 he studied at the Gregorian University inRome and was awarded a Licence in Canon Law.In 1953 he was appointed to Nigeria where hetaught in Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt andalso worked in parish ministry at Mbieri, Owerri.In January 1955 John returned to Ireland and was

AUGUST

106

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 106

and 1944 and prefected in Blackrock Collegebetween 1944 and 1946. After studying theologyin Kimmage, Donn was ordained to thepriesthood on the 10 July, 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on the 4 August,1950.

Donn’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria in 1950, where he becameengaged in pastoral ministry. Then between 1966and 1968 he ministered in England and Wales. In1969 Donn moved to the USA and was laterappointed to San Mateo in 1976. During the1980’s, he became involved in supply work in anumber of dioceses in both England and Ireland.

Following on from this Donn ministered in thediocese of Limerick from 1990 until 1995, whenhe retired to the Kimmage Community. He had alove of fishing and liked to spend time fixing andrepairing wooden and electrical objects. As astudent Donn was a very fine amateur boxer. Hewas knocked down sometimes but never gave up.He was not a quitter and his confrères inKimmage were witnesses to the bravery andcourage with which he faced his final illness. FrDonn died in Marian House on 25 August, 2007and was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

August 28th

BYRNE, Fr Thomas Francis1926-2005

Fr Thomas Byrne (Tom) wasborn at Arnott Street, SouthCircular Road, Dublin, on 3 December 1926.After his secondary school studies at the juniorscholasticate in Rockwell he entered the novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first professionon 8 September 1945. He was conferred with aB.A. Hons degree by U.C.D. in 1948. During theperiod 1948-50 he prefected at BlackrockCollege and while there he also completed aH.Dip. in Ed. in 1949. Tom studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1953 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1954.

In 1954 Tom was appointed to Nigeria. For thenext thirteen years he worked in the Owerriregion teaching at Sacred Heart College, Aba, inUmuahia. In 1967 he was appointed as hospitalchaplain to the Michigan Medical University, inthe U.S.A. In 1971 he moved to Australia wherehe served as chaplain to the Mater Hospital inBrisbane and also worked in parish ministry.

In 1977 he returned to Ireland and was appointedto the Ardbraccan community. In 1978 he wastransferred to Templeogue College to become itsbursar. Tom came to stay in Marian House,Kimmage Manor, in April 2002. His health wasnever robust and perhaps this helped him tobecome self-sufficient – he liked to work thingsout for himself. Fr Tom died in Tallaght hospitalon 28 August, 2005. He was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 29th

WALSH, Fr John Anselm1923-2004

Fr John Walsh was born in BridgeStreet, Ballylongford, Co Kerry,on 22 April 1923. After his secondary schoolstudies at Rockwell Junior Scholasticate heentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 8 September 1942. Johnstudied philosophy at U.C.D. and graduated witha B.A. in 1945. He then prefected in Trinidad forone year before studying theology at KimmageManor 1946-50. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 4 August1950.

In 1950 John’s first appointment was to ateaching position in St Mary’s College,Rathmines. During that year he completed aHigher Diploma in Education. Between 1952 and1953 he studied at the Gregorian University inRome and was awarded a Licence in Canon Law.In 1953 he was appointed to Nigeria where hetaught in Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt andalso worked in parish ministry at Mbieri, Owerri.In January 1955 John returned to Ireland and was

AUGUST

106

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 106

Page 115: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

appointed to the teaching staff in KimmageManor. For the next twenty-five years he taughtcanon law, moral theology, justice studies andphilosophy at Kimmage Manor; was a part-timelecturer at Maynooth College and worked oneday a week in the Dublin Marriage Tribunal.During these years John also continued his ownstudies at U.C.D. and was awarded a B.C.L. in1960, an L.L.B. in 1961 and a Ph.D. in 1966. In1971 he studied for an S.T.L in moral theologyat the Alfonsianum in Rome. John spent the lastten years of his teaching career, 1980-90, at theMission Institute, Kimmage Manor and theMission Institute, Millhill, London.

John walked humbly with his god and wore hislearning lightly. He did not push himself forwardbut was always available for consultation – aconsultation that was always known for itshumanity and kindness. In 1994 Fr John retiredto Mission House, Kimmage Manor but due to adeterioration in his health he was admitted toMarian House, where he died 29 August 2004.He was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 31st

CREAN, Fr Thomas1929-2009

Fr Thomas Crean (Tom) was bornin Aughadriston, Ballaghaderreen,Co Roscommon on 28 September1929. After completing his secondary schooleducation in Rockwell College and SummerhillCollege, Co Sligo, he entered the novitiate in1949 and was professed on the 8 September1950. Tom studied philosophy in U.C.D. and wasawarded a B.A. in 1953. He prefected in Trinidadfrom 1953 to 1956 after which he returned toKimmage Manor to study theology. Tom wasordained to the priesthood on the 12 July 1959and made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1960.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Owerri, Nigeria in 1961. He taught inthe junior seminary there for a year and wasinstrumental in the building of a new high school

at Ngor Okpala, becoming its principal, a post heheld until 1971. After a brief stay in the U.S.A.,he was appointed to Australia in 1972 as parishpriest of Pine Rivers Parish. Tom’s work as groupleader in Australia was greatly appreciated by theconfrères.

After his return to Ireland Tom ministered in thediocese of Elphin where he was held in greataffection by his parishioners, and workedgenerously as co-ordinator of Spiritan confrèresin the region. Fr Tom died peacefully on 31August, 2009 in Marian House, Kimmage Manorand was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

August 31st

O’TOOLE, Fr Lorcan Joseph1929-2013

Fr Lorcan O’Toole was born inBroadstone, Dublin on 23 April1929. After completion of his secondary studiesin O’Connell Schools (CBS) and following ashort spell in the Civil Service, he entered theSpiritan novitiate in Kilshane where he wasprofessed in 1948. He prefected in theMissionary Annals office in Kimmage Manor1949-50 and in St Michael’s College, 1952–3. Hecompleted a B.A. in philosophy in 1952,followed by a Higher Diploma in Education.After completing his theology studies atKimmage Manor, he was ordained to thepriesthood in July 1956.

Lorcan was appointed to Kenya on 1 January1957, working in the archdiocese of Nairobi inthe area that later became the diocese ofMachakos. He served as teacher and dean ofstudies in Kiteta Teacher Training College from1958 to 1967 and then became principal of thecollege, 1967-72. He is remembered as a tirelessworker both in the training centre and in the largeparish attached to it. Always positive, optimisticgenuine and sincere, totally devoid of guile,hypocrisy or cynicism.

In 1972 he was appointed headmaster of Kabaa

AUGUST

107

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 107

appointed to the teaching staff in KimmageManor. For the next twenty-five years he taughtcanon law, moral theology, justice studies andphilosophy at Kimmage Manor; was a part-timelecturer at Maynooth College and worked oneday a week in the Dublin Marriage Tribunal.During these years John also continued his ownstudies at U.C.D. and was awarded a B.C.L. in1960, an L.L.B. in 1961 and a Ph.D. in 1966. In1971 he studied for an S.T.L in moral theologyat the Alfonsianum in Rome. John spent the lastten years of his teaching career, 1980-90, at theMission Institute, Kimmage Manor and theMission Institute, Millhill, London.

John walked humbly with his god and wore hislearning lightly. He did not push himself forwardbut was always available for consultation – aconsultation that was always known for itshumanity and kindness. In 1994 Fr John retiredto Mission House, Kimmage Manor but due to adeterioration in his health he was admitted toMarian House, where he died 29 August 2004.He was buried in the community plot atDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

August 31st

CREAN, Fr Thomas1929-2009

Fr Thomas Crean (Tom) was bornin Aughadriston, Ballaghaderreen,Co Roscommon on 28 September1929. After completing his secondary schooleducation in Rockwell College and SummerhillCollege, Co Sligo, he entered the novitiate in1949 and was professed on the 8 September1950. Tom studied philosophy in U.C.D. and wasawarded a B.A. in 1953. He prefected in Trinidadfrom 1953 to 1956 after which he returned toKimmage Manor to study theology. Tom wasordained to the priesthood on the 12 July 1959and made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1960.

Tom’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Owerri, Nigeria in 1961. He taught inthe junior seminary there for a year and wasinstrumental in the building of a new high school

at Ngor Okpala, becoming its principal, a post heheld until 1971. After a brief stay in the U.S.A.,he was appointed to Australia in 1972 as parishpriest of Pine Rivers Parish. Tom’s work as groupleader in Australia was greatly appreciated by theconfrères.

After his return to Ireland Tom ministered in thediocese of Elphin where he was held in greataffection by his parishioners, and workedgenerously as co-ordinator of Spiritan confrèresin the region. Fr Tom died peacefully on 31August, 2009 in Marian House, Kimmage Manorand was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

August 31st

O’TOOLE, Fr Lorcan Joseph1929-2013

Fr Lorcan O’Toole was born inBroadstone, Dublin on 23 April1929. After completion of his secondary studiesin O’Connell Schools (CBS) and following ashort spell in the Civil Service, he entered theSpiritan novitiate in Kilshane where he wasprofessed in 1948. He prefected in theMissionary Annals office in Kimmage Manor1949-50 and in St Michael’s College, 1952–3. Hecompleted a B.A. in philosophy in 1952,followed by a Higher Diploma in Education.After completing his theology studies atKimmage Manor, he was ordained to thepriesthood in July 1956.

Lorcan was appointed to Kenya on 1 January1957, working in the archdiocese of Nairobi inthe area that later became the diocese ofMachakos. He served as teacher and dean ofstudies in Kiteta Teacher Training College from1958 to 1967 and then became principal of thecollege, 1967-72. He is remembered as a tirelessworker both in the training centre and in the largeparish attached to it. Always positive, optimisticgenuine and sincere, totally devoid of guile,hypocrisy or cynicism.

In 1972 he was appointed headmaster of Kabaa

AUGUST

107

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 107

Page 116: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

High School and became rector and, later, bursarof Pope Paul VI Seminary, Machakos in the early1980s. In 1986 he took charge of the sub-parishof Kataloni and built the new mission ofMakaveti. In 1992 he was transferred to theMasii mission and established the new parish ofKatheka which the Spiritans continue to run. Helater wrote A history of the Catholic diocese ofMachakos, 1912 to 1995.

Having served in Kenya for 39 years, Lorcan

returned to Ireland and in 1996 was appointedchaplain to St Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park. Hethen became leader of the Dublin North Groupof confrères in 1998. He later moved toPeamount Hospital where he served as chaplainfrom July 2000 and became director of MarianHouse, Kimmage, in 2001.

Fr Lorcan died on Saturday, 31 August 2013 inDublin’s Beacon Hospital and is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

AUGUST

108

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 108

High School and became rector and, later, bursarof Pope Paul VI Seminary, Machakos in the early1980s. In 1986 he took charge of the sub-parishof Kataloni and built the new mission ofMakaveti. In 1992 he was transferred to theMasii mission and established the new parish ofKatheka which the Spiritans continue to run. Helater wrote A history of the Catholic diocese ofMachakos, 1912 to 1995.

Having served in Kenya for 39 years, Lorcan

returned to Ireland and in 1996 was appointedchaplain to St Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park. Hethen became leader of the Dublin North Groupof confrères in 1998. He later moved toPeamount Hospital where he served as chaplainfrom July 2000 and became director of MarianHouse, Kimmage, in 2001.

Fr Lorcan died on Saturday, 31 August 2013 inDublin’s Beacon Hospital and is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

AUGUST

108

August Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:38 Page 108

Page 117: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

September 1st

FOLEY, Fr Denis1922-2008

Fr Denis was born in Fermoy, CoCork, on 15 June 1922. Aftercompleting his secondary studiesin CBS Fermoy he worked for the Civil Serviceuntil 1944. He entered the novitiate in 1944 andwas professed on 11 October 1945. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor from 1945 – 48and theology from 1948 – 52. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 15 July 1951 and he madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on the 31 July1952.

Denis’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria, in 1952 where he did parishwork until 1954. He was a pastor in PortHarcourt from 1954–1955 and educationsecretary/procurator from 1956 - 1970. Hereturned to Ireland in 1970 where he wasprovincial procurator until 1979. Following thisDenis was appointed assistant chaplain inBlanchardstown Hospital until 1982 and thenchaplain in St. Michael’s Hospital, DunLaoghaire, until 1998 where he had a wonderfulrapport with the sick and the dying. He wasBursar in Ardbraccan from 1999 – 2007. He wasappointed to the Kimmage community in 2007.Denis was known to have a profound reverencefor the Mass. Even in his last weeks he insistedon being wheeled into the oratory for dailyEucharist. Fr Denis died peacefully at Our Lady’sHospice, Harolds’s Cross, Dublin, on 1September 2008 and is buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 1st

ROCHE, Fr Thomas1913-2001

Fr Thomas Roche was born on 22July 1913 in Kilmanihan,Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick.Thomas was baptised and grew up in Brosna, CoKerry. He completed his secondary studies at St.Michael’s, Listowel, and at the Junior

Scholasticate in Blackrock College. His firstprofession was on 5 September 1936 in Kilshane.Following his novitiate he studied philosophyand theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 22 June, 1941. HisConsecration to the Apostolate was made on 31July 1942.

He was appointed in 1942 to Kenya and workedin what was then known as the vicariate ofZanzibar. His first appointment was to parishwork in Bura. Then from 1945 to 1947 he heldteaching posts at Waa, Kabaa and KilimambogoSeminary. In 1948 he returned to parish work,first at Ngambinyi and then at Giriama. In 1963he took over the management of the farm atKinangop and in 1969 he returned again to parishwork at Chonyi.

He moved to St Brendan’s in the diocese ofMombasa in 1985 and continued with part-timeparish work until 1992. After 49 years ofmissionary work in Kenya Fr Thomas returnedto Ireland retiring to Rockwell College beforemoving to Mission House, Kimmage Manor. InFebruary 2001, due to failing health, hetransferred to Marian House where he died on 1September 2001. His confreres remembered himas a great companion who was kind, perceptiveand witty. Fr Thomas was buried in the Spiritanplot in Dardistown Cemetery, Dublin.

September 2nd

O’HANRAHAN, Fr John Anthony1913-2002

Fr John O’Hanrahan (Jack) wasborn in Limerick city on 27August, 1913. He went to Blackrock as a juniorscholastic and then to the novitiate where he wasprofessed on 12 September, 1934. He wasordained to the priesthood on 23 June, 1940 byBishop Neville in Rockwell. He was appointedto Kenya and set out for there in 1941 going viaIceland to avoid U-boat attacks. Jack worked inLioki, Kilimambogo and Nyeri. He devoted hisentire period in Kenya with great success to theeducation of African youth and it was said he had

SEPTEMBER

109

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 109

September 1st

FOLEY, Fr Denis1922-2008

Fr Denis was born in Fermoy, CoCork, on 15 June 1922. Aftercompleting his secondary studiesin CBS Fermoy he worked for the Civil Serviceuntil 1944. He entered the novitiate in 1944 andwas professed on 11 October 1945. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor from 1945 – 48and theology from 1948 – 52. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 15 July 1951 and he madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on the 31 July1952.

Denis’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria, in 1952 where he did parishwork until 1954. He was a pastor in PortHarcourt from 1954–1955 and educationsecretary/procurator from 1956 - 1970. Hereturned to Ireland in 1970 where he wasprovincial procurator until 1979. Following thisDenis was appointed assistant chaplain inBlanchardstown Hospital until 1982 and thenchaplain in St. Michael’s Hospital, DunLaoghaire, until 1998 where he had a wonderfulrapport with the sick and the dying. He wasBursar in Ardbraccan from 1999 – 2007. He wasappointed to the Kimmage community in 2007.Denis was known to have a profound reverencefor the Mass. Even in his last weeks he insistedon being wheeled into the oratory for dailyEucharist. Fr Denis died peacefully at Our Lady’sHospice, Harolds’s Cross, Dublin, on 1September 2008 and is buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 1st

ROCHE, Fr Thomas1913-2001

Fr Thomas Roche was born on 22July 1913 in Kilmanihan,Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick.Thomas was baptised and grew up in Brosna, CoKerry. He completed his secondary studies at St.Michael’s, Listowel, and at the Junior

Scholasticate in Blackrock College. His firstprofession was on 5 September 1936 in Kilshane.Following his novitiate he studied philosophyand theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 22 June, 1941. HisConsecration to the Apostolate was made on 31July 1942.

He was appointed in 1942 to Kenya and workedin what was then known as the vicariate ofZanzibar. His first appointment was to parishwork in Bura. Then from 1945 to 1947 he heldteaching posts at Waa, Kabaa and KilimambogoSeminary. In 1948 he returned to parish work,first at Ngambinyi and then at Giriama. In 1963he took over the management of the farm atKinangop and in 1969 he returned again to parishwork at Chonyi.

He moved to St Brendan’s in the diocese ofMombasa in 1985 and continued with part-timeparish work until 1992. After 49 years ofmissionary work in Kenya Fr Thomas returnedto Ireland retiring to Rockwell College beforemoving to Mission House, Kimmage Manor. InFebruary 2001, due to failing health, hetransferred to Marian House where he died on 1September 2001. His confreres remembered himas a great companion who was kind, perceptiveand witty. Fr Thomas was buried in the Spiritanplot in Dardistown Cemetery, Dublin.

September 2nd

O’HANRAHAN, Fr John Anthony1913-2002

Fr John O’Hanrahan (Jack) wasborn in Limerick city on 27August, 1913. He went to Blackrock as a juniorscholastic and then to the novitiate where he wasprofessed on 12 September, 1934. He wasordained to the priesthood on 23 June, 1940 byBishop Neville in Rockwell. He was appointedto Kenya and set out for there in 1941 going viaIceland to avoid U-boat attacks. Jack worked inLioki, Kilimambogo and Nyeri. He devoted hisentire period in Kenya with great success to theeducation of African youth and it was said he had

SEPTEMBER

109

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 109

Page 118: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

a profound influence on the lives of the youngAfricans who had the good fortune to be hisstudents. During these years he knew BishopShanahan who was in retirement in St. Austinsin Nairobi. In 1951 Jack took leave of absencefrom the congregation and went to Hong Kongwhere he taught for many years in a Jesuit highschool.

Jack returned to Limerick in the 1970s and wasattached to Kilshane community. In 2000 heretired to Marian House, Kimmage and died on2 September, 2002 in St. James’s Hospital andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 2nd

CURTIN, Fr Maurice1913-2009

Fr Maurice Curtin was born inBallycomane, Tournafulla, CoLimerick, on the 8 January 1913.After completing his secondary studies inBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate andwas professed in Kimmage Manor in 1931.Maurice gained a B.A. (Hons.) degree fromU.C.D. in 1934 after which he prefected inRockwell from 1934-35 and in Blackrock, 1935-36. He studied theology in Fribourg andcompleted an S.T.L. in Theology in 1940. Thefollowing year he was awarded a doctorate intheology, magna cum laude. Mauricesubsequently studied philosophy at theAngelicum in Rome where he gained an S.T.L.in 1967. He was ordained to the priesthood on 23July 1939 in Fribourg by Mons. Le Hunsec,superior general, and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate, also in Fribourg, in 1941.

Maurice’s first appointment was to RockwellCollege in 1941, where he worked as teacher anddean of studies until 1953. He was thenappointed to St Mary’s College, Rathmineswhere he fulfilled similar roles until 1957. From1957-66 he taught philosophy in Kimmage andcatechetics in U.C.D. and in 1967 he wasappointed to the Department of Philosophy atU.C.D. where he taught metaphysics and moralphilosophy. In 1980 Maurice was transferred to

Nigeria, taking up a teaching assignment at theBenedictine Seminary, Ewu. Maurice continuedteaching philosophy, in St Paul’s Seminary,Monrovia, Liberia, between 1981-83 and at theMill Hill, London, 1983-84.

In 1984 Maurice took up residence in BlackrockCollege. Even in his retirement, Maurice wasactively involved in affairs of the community andalways retained an ardent interest indevelopments within the congregation. He had akeen memory, a sharp eye and a warm handshakefor guests, especially for returned missionarieswhose names he never failed to remember. Hewas particularly dedicated to his work ascommunity librarian. Maurice constantlyexercised his priestly ministries in thecommunities in which he lived as well as inparishes and considered this a great privilege. FrMaurice died on 2 September 2009 in TallaghtHospital and is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery.

September 4th

HORRIGAN, Fr Finnbarr1926-2008

Fr Finnbarr Horrigan was born inSkibbereen, Co Cork, on 14September 1926. Following hissecondary school studies in Rockwell, he enteredthe novitiate in 1945 and was professed on 8September 1946. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor from 1946-48 and theologyfrom 1951-55. He was ordained to the priesthoodon 2 January 1955 and he made his Consecrationto the Apostolate on 31 July 1955.

Finnbarr’s first appointment was to the dioceseof Owerri, Nigeria in 1955, and in 1959 hebecame father-in-charge at Ahoada in the Deltaarea. In 1964 he was transferred to the PortHarcourt area and two years later to Ogoni.During this ministry, he developed andsupervised a junior seminary, a girls’ secondarycollege, two teacher training colleges and healso supervised the building of a hospital atOmoku. He was pastor at Our Lady of Mercyparish during the Biafran crisis and set up a rest

SEPTEMBER

110

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 110

a profound influence on the lives of the youngAfricans who had the good fortune to be hisstudents. During these years he knew BishopShanahan who was in retirement in St. Austinsin Nairobi. In 1951 Jack took leave of absencefrom the congregation and went to Hong Kongwhere he taught for many years in a Jesuit highschool.

Jack returned to Limerick in the 1970s and wasattached to Kilshane community. In 2000 heretired to Marian House, Kimmage and died on2 September, 2002 in St. James’s Hospital andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 2nd

CURTIN, Fr Maurice1913-2009

Fr Maurice Curtin was born inBallycomane, Tournafulla, CoLimerick, on the 8 January 1913.After completing his secondary studies inBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate andwas professed in Kimmage Manor in 1931.Maurice gained a B.A. (Hons.) degree fromU.C.D. in 1934 after which he prefected inRockwell from 1934-35 and in Blackrock, 1935-36. He studied theology in Fribourg andcompleted an S.T.L. in Theology in 1940. Thefollowing year he was awarded a doctorate intheology, magna cum laude. Mauricesubsequently studied philosophy at theAngelicum in Rome where he gained an S.T.L.in 1967. He was ordained to the priesthood on 23July 1939 in Fribourg by Mons. Le Hunsec,superior general, and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate, also in Fribourg, in 1941.

Maurice’s first appointment was to RockwellCollege in 1941, where he worked as teacher anddean of studies until 1953. He was thenappointed to St Mary’s College, Rathmineswhere he fulfilled similar roles until 1957. From1957-66 he taught philosophy in Kimmage andcatechetics in U.C.D. and in 1967 he wasappointed to the Department of Philosophy atU.C.D. where he taught metaphysics and moralphilosophy. In 1980 Maurice was transferred to

Nigeria, taking up a teaching assignment at theBenedictine Seminary, Ewu. Maurice continuedteaching philosophy, in St Paul’s Seminary,Monrovia, Liberia, between 1981-83 and at theMill Hill, London, 1983-84.

In 1984 Maurice took up residence in BlackrockCollege. Even in his retirement, Maurice wasactively involved in affairs of the community andalways retained an ardent interest indevelopments within the congregation. He had akeen memory, a sharp eye and a warm handshakefor guests, especially for returned missionarieswhose names he never failed to remember. Hewas particularly dedicated to his work ascommunity librarian. Maurice constantlyexercised his priestly ministries in thecommunities in which he lived as well as inparishes and considered this a great privilege. FrMaurice died on 2 September 2009 in TallaghtHospital and is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetery.

September 4th

HORRIGAN, Fr Finnbarr1926-2008

Fr Finnbarr Horrigan was born inSkibbereen, Co Cork, on 14September 1926. Following hissecondary school studies in Rockwell, he enteredthe novitiate in 1945 and was professed on 8September 1946. He studied philosophy inKimmage Manor from 1946-48 and theologyfrom 1951-55. He was ordained to the priesthoodon 2 January 1955 and he made his Consecrationto the Apostolate on 31 July 1955.

Finnbarr’s first appointment was to the dioceseof Owerri, Nigeria in 1955, and in 1959 hebecame father-in-charge at Ahoada in the Deltaarea. In 1964 he was transferred to the PortHarcourt area and two years later to Ogoni.During this ministry, he developed andsupervised a junior seminary, a girls’ secondarycollege, two teacher training colleges and healso supervised the building of a hospital atOmoku. He was pastor at Our Lady of Mercyparish during the Biafran crisis and set up a rest

SEPTEMBER

110

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 110

Page 119: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

house to accommodate priests, sisters and aidworkers.

In 1969 he left Nigeria and went to the U.S.Awhere his gentleness, sympathy, sincerity andunremitting devotion were to serve him equallywell in this completely different environment. Hedid pastoral ministry and promotional work inCalifornia and became a member of the IrishSpiritans in the San Francisco area. For much ofthis time Finnbarr worked as an associate pastorat St Dunstan’s parish in Millbrae.

In September 2000 Finnbarr was appointed to theRockwell community where he resided untiljoining the Kimmage community towards theend of 2007. Fr Finnbarr died in TallaghtHospital on 4 September 2008 and is buried inthe community cemetery in Rockwell alongsidehis brother Fr Sean.

September 4th

NUGENT, Fr John1926-2012

Fr John Nugent (Jack) was bornin Clonmel, Co Tipperary on 20June 1926. After his secondaryschool studies at Rockwell College, he enteredthe novitiate at Kilshane, where he was professedon 8 September 1945. Following his philosophystudies in Kimmage Manor, Jack prefected inBlackrock College (1948-49) and Rockwell(1949-50), after which he returned to Kimmageto study theology. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1953 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1954.

Fr Jack’s mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1954 where he became engaged inpastoral work and actively pursued a policy ofevangelization. He was also, for a period,assistant at St Columba’s, Moyamba. In 1967 hemoved to Pendembu and ministered at Our Ladyof Fatima Parish for eleven years. In 1978 hebecame pastor in Our Lady of the Rosary inBlama, diocese of Kenema. He returned toPendembu in 1982 and became pastor and vicargeneral of the diocese. When civil war broke out

in the early 1990s he stayed in the area to helpnumerous refugees and in 1994 went to Pangumato assist in the burial of his fellow Irish Spiritan,Felim McAllister. Bishop of the diocese ofKemema, Rt Rev Patrick Koroma, wrote to theIrish Provincialate of how the people of thediocese had fond memories of this quiet and calmpriest who was very helpful to all the displacedpeople who came his way during this brutal civilwar. Fr Jack’s steely determination, totalcommitment and gentleness were evident to allwho met him and worked with him in his fifty-three years of ministry in Sierra Leone.

Jack returned to Ireland in 2007 and wasappointed to the Rockwell community where heremained until his appointment to the Kimmagecommunity in 2009. Fr Jack died on 4 September2012 and is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetary.

September 6th

BROWNE, Fr Kevin1931-2015

Fr Kevin Browne (Kev) was bornin Ballyard, Tralee, Co Kerry, on23 November 1931 to Kathleenand Daniel Joseph Browne. His family re-locatedto Dublin when he was young and he waseducated in Willow Park and then BlackrockCollege from 1937 until 1949. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed in 1950before undertaking philosophy studies inKimmage Manor. He took a B.A. in Economicsand a B. Commerce gaining first class honoursin both, and then a H. Dip. He prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines for two years beforemoving in 1957 to Fribourg to study theologyand he was ordained there three years later.

Kevin’s first appointment was to Umuahia inNigeria in 1961 where he served as a teacher andas director of Umuahia junior seminary. He wasback in Ireland when civil war broke out inNigeria and he managed to return there in 1969but had to leave again after a short period. Heundertook pastoral ministry in London and theU.S.A. in 1970. He then served in Mauritius as

SEPTEMBER

111

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 111

house to accommodate priests, sisters and aidworkers.

In 1969 he left Nigeria and went to the U.S.Awhere his gentleness, sympathy, sincerity andunremitting devotion were to serve him equallywell in this completely different environment. Hedid pastoral ministry and promotional work inCalifornia and became a member of the IrishSpiritans in the San Francisco area. For much ofthis time Finnbarr worked as an associate pastorat St Dunstan’s parish in Millbrae.

In September 2000 Finnbarr was appointed to theRockwell community where he resided untiljoining the Kimmage community towards theend of 2007. Fr Finnbarr died in TallaghtHospital on 4 September 2008 and is buried inthe community cemetery in Rockwell alongsidehis brother Fr Sean.

September 4th

NUGENT, Fr John1926-2012

Fr John Nugent (Jack) was bornin Clonmel, Co Tipperary on 20June 1926. After his secondaryschool studies at Rockwell College, he enteredthe novitiate at Kilshane, where he was professedon 8 September 1945. Following his philosophystudies in Kimmage Manor, Jack prefected inBlackrock College (1948-49) and Rockwell(1949-50), after which he returned to Kimmageto study theology. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 5 July 1953 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 30 July 1954.

Fr Jack’s mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1954 where he became engaged inpastoral work and actively pursued a policy ofevangelization. He was also, for a period,assistant at St Columba’s, Moyamba. In 1967 hemoved to Pendembu and ministered at Our Ladyof Fatima Parish for eleven years. In 1978 hebecame pastor in Our Lady of the Rosary inBlama, diocese of Kenema. He returned toPendembu in 1982 and became pastor and vicargeneral of the diocese. When civil war broke out

in the early 1990s he stayed in the area to helpnumerous refugees and in 1994 went to Pangumato assist in the burial of his fellow Irish Spiritan,Felim McAllister. Bishop of the diocese ofKemema, Rt Rev Patrick Koroma, wrote to theIrish Provincialate of how the people of thediocese had fond memories of this quiet and calmpriest who was very helpful to all the displacedpeople who came his way during this brutal civilwar. Fr Jack’s steely determination, totalcommitment and gentleness were evident to allwho met him and worked with him in his fifty-three years of ministry in Sierra Leone.

Jack returned to Ireland in 2007 and wasappointed to the Rockwell community where heremained until his appointment to the Kimmagecommunity in 2009. Fr Jack died on 4 September2012 and is buried in the Spiritan plot inDardistown Cemetary.

September 6th

BROWNE, Fr Kevin1931-2015

Fr Kevin Browne (Kev) was bornin Ballyard, Tralee, Co Kerry, on23 November 1931 to Kathleenand Daniel Joseph Browne. His family re-locatedto Dublin when he was young and he waseducated in Willow Park and then BlackrockCollege from 1937 until 1949. He entered thenovitiate in Kilshane and was professed in 1950before undertaking philosophy studies inKimmage Manor. He took a B.A. in Economicsand a B. Commerce gaining first class honoursin both, and then a H. Dip. He prefected in StMary’s College, Rathmines for two years beforemoving in 1957 to Fribourg to study theologyand he was ordained there three years later.

Kevin’s first appointment was to Umuahia inNigeria in 1961 where he served as a teacher andas director of Umuahia junior seminary. He wasback in Ireland when civil war broke out inNigeria and he managed to return there in 1969but had to leave again after a short period. Heundertook pastoral ministry in London and theU.S.A. in 1970. He then served in Mauritius as

SEPTEMBER

111

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 111

Page 120: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

a teacher from 1971 to 1972 before returning toIreland due to illness.

He was appointed in 1973 to the Blackrockcommunity where he lived for just under 40years, and taught in Willow Park until 2005.There he thrived and was respected and loved bythe pupils and staff alike. Within the parish ofBooterstown he was constantly visiting the sickand elderly and when asked to preach in theparish church he was known for his clear ad-rem,three point homilies. Having reached retirementage and no longer able to be a full-time teacherin Willow Park, he nonetheless continued oncaring for the sick and elderly and became a part-time chaplain to the Blackrock Clinic. He alsofound time for experiential scripture learning,and organised visits to the Middle East to followin the footsteps of St Paul. Fr Kevin moved toMarian House in 2012 where he died on 6September 2015. He is buried in the communityplot in the cemetery at Deansgrange, Co Dublin.

September 10th

COMERFORD, Fr Francis1920-2012

Fr Francis Comerford (Frank)was born in Urlingford, CoKilkenny, on 23 April 1920. Following hissecondary studies at Rockwell College, heentered the novitiate and was professed on 8September 1939. After doing philosophy inKimmage Manor, he studied classics at U.C.D.and gained a B.A. (Hons.) degree in 1942. Heprefected in Rockwell College between 1942-44and then undertook further studies. He wasawarded an M.A. in classics by U.C.D. in 1946.Frank studied theology in Kimmage between1946-49 and in Rome, 1949-50. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 18 June 1950.

Frank’s mission appointment was to the vicariateof Zanzibar in 1950 and he was first initiated intoAfrica at Makupa Mission, Mombasa. Hismissionary life was spent in the ministries ofpastoral work, education, administration and

journalism: teacher in Mangu High School(1951-55); headmaster in Kabaa (1956-57);headmaster at the Goan School, Nairobi (1957-59); teacher in Kilimambogo (1959-65). Frankserved as secretary in the office of the papalnuncio, Nairobi from 1965-69. During thisperiod he became editor of The Catholic Mirror,a post he held until 1974. After this he served aspastor in the rapidly developing town of Thika,where he remained until 1991. His life touchedso many and his hand scribed so compassionatelyof the human condition and the loving God whoembraced it.

After four decades in Africa he took a sabbatical,and in 1992 headed for Australia to join hisfellow Spiritans who had been working there. FrFrank retired to Kimmage in 2000 where he diedon 10 September 2012 at Marian House and isburied in the Rockwell Community Cemetery.

September 13th

LEHANE, Fr Richard C.1918-1999

Fr Richard Lehane (Dick) wasborn on 22 December 1918 inCrossmahon, Lisarda, Co Cork.Dick completed his secondary studies inRockwell College, 1931-35. Having joined thenovitiate in Kilshane he was professed in 1937.He prefected in Rockwell, 1939-41, and wasordained in 1945.

Appointed the following year to Nigeria, he firstserved in the Owerri region at Adazi, a placefamous for the marvellous devotion of its peopleand the number of priests that came from theparish. Dick was a great trainer of Mass serversand one of the boys he had as an altar server wasFrancis Arinze, later to be appointed Archbishopof Onitsha, and Cardinal. Dick was transferredto Obolli-Eke, and later worked in the Dioceseof Enugu at St Michael’s, Enugu.

While home in Ireland he was appointed farmbursar in Kimmage in 1969. He returned toNigeria while the Biafra war was in progress andwhen he and others had to quit Nigeria at the endof the war he was appointed to St Mary’s

SEPTEMBER

112

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 112

a teacher from 1971 to 1972 before returning toIreland due to illness.

He was appointed in 1973 to the Blackrockcommunity where he lived for just under 40years, and taught in Willow Park until 2005.There he thrived and was respected and loved bythe pupils and staff alike. Within the parish ofBooterstown he was constantly visiting the sickand elderly and when asked to preach in theparish church he was known for his clear ad-rem,three point homilies. Having reached retirementage and no longer able to be a full-time teacherin Willow Park, he nonetheless continued oncaring for the sick and elderly and became a part-time chaplain to the Blackrock Clinic. He alsofound time for experiential scripture learning,and organised visits to the Middle East to followin the footsteps of St Paul. Fr Kevin moved toMarian House in 2012 where he died on 6September 2015. He is buried in the communityplot in the cemetery at Deansgrange, Co Dublin.

September 10th

COMERFORD, Fr Francis1920-2012

Fr Francis Comerford (Frank)was born in Urlingford, CoKilkenny, on 23 April 1920. Following hissecondary studies at Rockwell College, heentered the novitiate and was professed on 8September 1939. After doing philosophy inKimmage Manor, he studied classics at U.C.D.and gained a B.A. (Hons.) degree in 1942. Heprefected in Rockwell College between 1942-44and then undertook further studies. He wasawarded an M.A. in classics by U.C.D. in 1946.Frank studied theology in Kimmage between1946-49 and in Rome, 1949-50. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 10 July 1949 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 18 June 1950.

Frank’s mission appointment was to the vicariateof Zanzibar in 1950 and he was first initiated intoAfrica at Makupa Mission, Mombasa. Hismissionary life was spent in the ministries ofpastoral work, education, administration and

journalism: teacher in Mangu High School(1951-55); headmaster in Kabaa (1956-57);headmaster at the Goan School, Nairobi (1957-59); teacher in Kilimambogo (1959-65). Frankserved as secretary in the office of the papalnuncio, Nairobi from 1965-69. During thisperiod he became editor of The Catholic Mirror,a post he held until 1974. After this he served aspastor in the rapidly developing town of Thika,where he remained until 1991. His life touchedso many and his hand scribed so compassionatelyof the human condition and the loving God whoembraced it.

After four decades in Africa he took a sabbatical,and in 1992 headed for Australia to join hisfellow Spiritans who had been working there. FrFrank retired to Kimmage in 2000 where he diedon 10 September 2012 at Marian House and isburied in the Rockwell Community Cemetery.

September 13th

LEHANE, Fr Richard C.1918-1999

Fr Richard Lehane (Dick) wasborn on 22 December 1918 inCrossmahon, Lisarda, Co Cork.Dick completed his secondary studies inRockwell College, 1931-35. Having joined thenovitiate in Kilshane he was professed in 1937.He prefected in Rockwell, 1939-41, and wasordained in 1945.

Appointed the following year to Nigeria, he firstserved in the Owerri region at Adazi, a placefamous for the marvellous devotion of its peopleand the number of priests that came from theparish. Dick was a great trainer of Mass serversand one of the boys he had as an altar server wasFrancis Arinze, later to be appointed Archbishopof Onitsha, and Cardinal. Dick was transferredto Obolli-Eke, and later worked in the Dioceseof Enugu at St Michael’s, Enugu.

While home in Ireland he was appointed farmbursar in Kimmage in 1969. He returned toNigeria while the Biafra war was in progress andwhen he and others had to quit Nigeria at the endof the war he was appointed to St Mary’s

SEPTEMBER

112

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 112

Page 121: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

College, Rathmines, where he served on the staffand as bursar until 1975. Feeling the call tomission life he returned to Africa, this time toSierra Leone where he worked until 1981. Hethen joined the Rockwell community where hespent the next four years before going back to StMary’s, Rathmines. Renowned during his activeyears in Africa for his physical strength, he hadto endure the cross of ill health in his final years.Suffering from heart trouble he was eventuallymoved to Marian House and later to hospitalwhere he died 13 September 1999 aged 80 years.People applied to him the words used to describethe legendary Irish Fianna: “Neart in ár lámh,Glaine in ár gcroí, agus Beart do réir ármBriathar - Strength in our arm, single-purposeness of heart, and deeds according withour word. Fr Dick was buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 14th

BUTLER, Fr William T.1917-2006

Fr William Butler (Billy) wasborn in Wicklow town on 22 July1917. After completing hissecondary school studies in Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1935 andwas professed on the 5 September 1936. Afterstudying philosophy at Kimmage Manor heprefected for two years in Blackrock Collegefrom 1939 to 1941. He then earned a B.A. degreeand Higher Diploma in Education. Billy studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on the 16 July 1944 and madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on the 3September 1945.

Billy’s first appointment was to Nigeria wherebetween the years 1945 and 1968 he wasemployed as a teacher in C.K.C. College,Onitsha, St Theresa’s College, Nsukka andKalabari National College, Buguma. Between1968 and 1970 Billy was involved in the effortsto provide relief to the people of Biafra. From1971 to 1975 he worked in Papua New Guineaand Australia as a teacher and priest.

He returned to Ireland in 1976 and taught for oneyear in Willow Park School. In 1977 he wentback to Ghana where he became involved inparish ministry and remained there until 1992. Itis not often that a priest has a statue erected inhis honour in his own life time, Billy had two.The first at St Theresa’s Secondary School atNsukka during their silver jubilee anniversay andthe second at Bantama in Kumasi in Ghana, aparish where he had built a mission house, schooland church.

Billy transferred to the diocese of St Augustine,U.S.A. where he worked as both a priest andchaplain until he returned to Ireland in 2000. Dueto failing health Fr Billy was admitted to MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor, in 2001 where he diedon 14 September 2006.

September 14th

CROWLEY,Fr Timothy Joseph1912-2002

Fr Timothy Crowley (Tim) wasborn in Ballingarry, Co Limerick,on 30 August 1912. He completed his secondarystudies in Blackrock College and made his firstprofession on 8 September 1932. He prefected inBlackrock from 1934 to 1936. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 25 June 1939.

After his Consecration to the Apostolate in 1940he was appointed to Nigeria and worked thereuntil 1967 except for one year as chaplain to theHoly Rosary Sister of Killeshandra (1959-60).During his time in Nigeria he worked in thediocese of Owerri and spent several years inOguta where he was involved in parish work. Hisbrother Fr Ned was also working in Nigeria atthe same time.

After 27 years in Nigeria he took up ministry inthe USA and worked in New Orleans for oneyear, and a further three years in the diocese ofBrooklyn. During his time in New York he did aone year diploma in counselling at St John’sUniversity. In 1987, after two years helping outin Askeaton, Limerick, Tim went to Sierra Leone

SEPTEMBER

113

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 113

College, Rathmines, where he served on the staffand as bursar until 1975. Feeling the call tomission life he returned to Africa, this time toSierra Leone where he worked until 1981. Hethen joined the Rockwell community where hespent the next four years before going back to StMary’s, Rathmines. Renowned during his activeyears in Africa for his physical strength, he hadto endure the cross of ill health in his final years.Suffering from heart trouble he was eventuallymoved to Marian House and later to hospitalwhere he died 13 September 1999 aged 80 years.People applied to him the words used to describethe legendary Irish Fianna: “Neart in ár lámh,Glaine in ár gcroí, agus Beart do réir ármBriathar - Strength in our arm, single-purposeness of heart, and deeds according withour word. Fr Dick was buried in the Spiritan plotin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 14th

BUTLER, Fr William T.1917-2006

Fr William Butler (Billy) wasborn in Wicklow town on 22 July1917. After completing hissecondary school studies in Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1935 andwas professed on the 5 September 1936. Afterstudying philosophy at Kimmage Manor heprefected for two years in Blackrock Collegefrom 1939 to 1941. He then earned a B.A. degreeand Higher Diploma in Education. Billy studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on the 16 July 1944 and madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on the 3September 1945.

Billy’s first appointment was to Nigeria wherebetween the years 1945 and 1968 he wasemployed as a teacher in C.K.C. College,Onitsha, St Theresa’s College, Nsukka andKalabari National College, Buguma. Between1968 and 1970 Billy was involved in the effortsto provide relief to the people of Biafra. From1971 to 1975 he worked in Papua New Guineaand Australia as a teacher and priest.

He returned to Ireland in 1976 and taught for oneyear in Willow Park School. In 1977 he wentback to Ghana where he became involved inparish ministry and remained there until 1992. Itis not often that a priest has a statue erected inhis honour in his own life time, Billy had two.The first at St Theresa’s Secondary School atNsukka during their silver jubilee anniversay andthe second at Bantama in Kumasi in Ghana, aparish where he had built a mission house, schooland church.

Billy transferred to the diocese of St Augustine,U.S.A. where he worked as both a priest andchaplain until he returned to Ireland in 2000. Dueto failing health Fr Billy was admitted to MarianHouse, Kimmage Manor, in 2001 where he diedon 14 September 2006.

September 14th

CROWLEY,Fr Timothy Joseph1912-2002

Fr Timothy Crowley (Tim) wasborn in Ballingarry, Co Limerick,on 30 August 1912. He completed his secondarystudies in Blackrock College and made his firstprofession on 8 September 1932. He prefected inBlackrock from 1934 to 1936. He was ordainedto the priesthood on 25 June 1939.

After his Consecration to the Apostolate in 1940he was appointed to Nigeria and worked thereuntil 1967 except for one year as chaplain to theHoly Rosary Sister of Killeshandra (1959-60).During his time in Nigeria he worked in thediocese of Owerri and spent several years inOguta where he was involved in parish work. Hisbrother Fr Ned was also working in Nigeria atthe same time.

After 27 years in Nigeria he took up ministry inthe USA and worked in New Orleans for oneyear, and a further three years in the diocese ofBrooklyn. During his time in New York he did aone year diploma in counselling at St John’sUniversity. In 1987, after two years helping outin Askeaton, Limerick, Tim went to Sierra Leone

SEPTEMBER

113

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 113

Page 122: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

where he was for short periods in Freetown,Serabu and Bo. He showed constant support forthe missions to the end of his long life, retiringin 1988 to the Kimmage community.

Due to failing health he spent his latter years inMarian House where he died on 14 September2002. Fr Tim is buried in the community plot,Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 14th

CAHILL, Fr John N.1922-2012

Fr John Cahill was born inCollege Road, Cork, on 20December 1922. Following hissecondary school studies at Sullivan’s QuayC.B.S. and North Monastery C.B.S. Cork, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1941 and wasprofessed on 20 October 1942. He gained a B.A.(Hons.) in philosophy in 1945 and prefected inRockwell College between 1945–47 beforecompleting his theology studies in KimmageManor. He was ordained to the priesthood on 16July 1950 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1951.

John’s mission appointment was to Owerridistrict in Nigeria where he was to work forfifteen years: in Stella Maris college in PortHarcourt, St Mary’s teacher training college inAzaebulu and as chaplain at St Columba’ssecondary school in Amaimo. Illness forced himto return to Ireland in 1968.

He then spent two years in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, before undertaking pastoral work inthe parish of Athy from 1971 to 1986. He movedto the parish of Carrick Beg in Carrick-on-Suirin 1986 where he ministered until 2003 beforemoving to the Rockwell community. Due todeclining health he moved to Marian House,Kimmage, in 2005 and died in Tallaght Hospitalon 14 September 2012. Fr John is buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

September 19th

FITZPATRICK, Fr William C.1921-2000

Fr William Fitzpatrick (Willie)was born on 1 June 1921 inInchicore, Dublin. Willie worked for six years asan engineer fitter before deciding in 1943 to jointhe Congregation. He spent a year in Rockwellbrushing up his secondary studies and thenentered the novitiate at Kilshane. Professed in1945 he did his philosophy and theology studiesin Kimmage Manor. Ordained in 1950 he wasappointed the following year to the OwerriDistrict in Nigeria.

His first ministry was in Uzoagbu and then earlyin 1952 he was assigned to Obowo in the futurediocese of Umuahia. From late 1952 till 1958 hetaught metal work at St Joseph’s TechnicalSchool at Ahiara in the Owerri diocese. There heused all his previous training in CIE workshopsand was sustained by his enthusiasm, hisimagination, his courage and his trust in God inorder to develop a Trade School to give youngboys the opportunity of education andemployment. He had much to encounter in termsof language, culture, finances and local politics.When the civil war broke out he went toEzinihitte, Onaji and Mbutu. In January 1970 hewas transferred to The Gambia. He taught therefor five years and spent an additional five yearsin pastoral ministry.

Returning to Ireland in 1980 he engaged inreplacement pastoral duties for three years andthen was sent to do pastoral work in England inthe Sheffield area for the following 17 years. Hissimple presence was much appreciated especiallyby the house-bound and those in the NorthernGeneral Hospital. As he did fruitful pastoral workhe was very much at home and was very attachedto the people. The need for serious surgerynecessitated his return to Ireland and toretirement in Marian House where it was obviousthat he had left the worries of active ministryaside and found new freedom, peace andhappiness as he prepared to meet the Lord. FrWillie died on 19 September 2000 aged 80 years.

SEPTEMBER

114

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 114

where he was for short periods in Freetown,Serabu and Bo. He showed constant support forthe missions to the end of his long life, retiringin 1988 to the Kimmage community.

Due to failing health he spent his latter years inMarian House where he died on 14 September2002. Fr Tim is buried in the community plot,Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

September 14th

CAHILL, Fr John N.1922-2012

Fr John Cahill was born inCollege Road, Cork, on 20December 1922. Following hissecondary school studies at Sullivan’s QuayC.B.S. and North Monastery C.B.S. Cork, heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1941 and wasprofessed on 20 October 1942. He gained a B.A.(Hons.) in philosophy in 1945 and prefected inRockwell College between 1945–47 beforecompleting his theology studies in KimmageManor. He was ordained to the priesthood on 16July 1950 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1951.

John’s mission appointment was to Owerridistrict in Nigeria where he was to work forfifteen years: in Stella Maris college in PortHarcourt, St Mary’s teacher training college inAzaebulu and as chaplain at St Columba’ssecondary school in Amaimo. Illness forced himto return to Ireland in 1968.

He then spent two years in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, before undertaking pastoral work inthe parish of Athy from 1971 to 1986. He movedto the parish of Carrick Beg in Carrick-on-Suirin 1986 where he ministered until 2003 beforemoving to the Rockwell community. Due todeclining health he moved to Marian House,Kimmage, in 2005 and died in Tallaght Hospitalon 14 September 2012. Fr John is buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

September 19th

FITZPATRICK, Fr William C.1921-2000

Fr William Fitzpatrick (Willie)was born on 1 June 1921 inInchicore, Dublin. Willie worked for six years asan engineer fitter before deciding in 1943 to jointhe Congregation. He spent a year in Rockwellbrushing up his secondary studies and thenentered the novitiate at Kilshane. Professed in1945 he did his philosophy and theology studiesin Kimmage Manor. Ordained in 1950 he wasappointed the following year to the OwerriDistrict in Nigeria.

His first ministry was in Uzoagbu and then earlyin 1952 he was assigned to Obowo in the futurediocese of Umuahia. From late 1952 till 1958 hetaught metal work at St Joseph’s TechnicalSchool at Ahiara in the Owerri diocese. There heused all his previous training in CIE workshopsand was sustained by his enthusiasm, hisimagination, his courage and his trust in God inorder to develop a Trade School to give youngboys the opportunity of education andemployment. He had much to encounter in termsof language, culture, finances and local politics.When the civil war broke out he went toEzinihitte, Onaji and Mbutu. In January 1970 hewas transferred to The Gambia. He taught therefor five years and spent an additional five yearsin pastoral ministry.

Returning to Ireland in 1980 he engaged inreplacement pastoral duties for three years andthen was sent to do pastoral work in England inthe Sheffield area for the following 17 years. Hissimple presence was much appreciated especiallyby the house-bound and those in the NorthernGeneral Hospital. As he did fruitful pastoral workhe was very much at home and was very attachedto the people. The need for serious surgerynecessitated his return to Ireland and toretirement in Marian House where it was obviousthat he had left the worries of active ministryaside and found new freedom, peace andhappiness as he prepared to meet the Lord. FrWillie died on 19 September 2000 aged 80 years.

SEPTEMBER

114

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 114

Page 123: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

He was buried in Deansgrange Cemetery, CoDublin.

September 21st

SMYTH, Fr Michael1922-2009

Fr Michael Smyth was born inClyduff, Daingean, Co. Offaly onthe 17 January, 1922. Followinghis secondary school studies at KnockbegCollege, Carlow, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1941 and was professed on the 8September 1942. After earning a B.A. first classhonours, in 1945, he prefected for two years atBlackrock College and earned a H. Dip. inEducation in 1947 from UCD. He was then sentto the University of Fribourg where he acquiredthe S.T.L. summa cum laude in 1951. He wasordained to the priesthood on the 23 July 1950and made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1951.

Michael’s mission appointment was to thearchdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria, in 1951. Hetaught there at the Bigard Memorial Seminary inEnugu and subsequently at Our Lady of Lourdesteacher training college in Iwollo Oghe. As ateacher he was known to be clear, correct, preciseand coherent and as a preacher his sermons andhomilies were simple, practical and easilyunderstood.

In 1967 he briefly returned to Ireland beforebecoming engaged in ministry in England until1970. He then was assigned to the Toronto-basedSpiritan district in Canada. Returning to Irelandin 1976, Michael performed hospital chaplainduties at the National Rehabilitation Centre,Rochestown Avenue. Following that he wasappointed to the Ardbraccan Community in 1978where he resided until his retirement to theKimmage community in 1985. Fr Michael diedin Marian House on 21 September 2009 and isburied in the Spiritan plot, Dardistown Cemetery,Co. Dublin.

September 22nd

GIBBONS, Fr Michael Gerard1917-2000

Fr Michael Gibbons (Gerry) wasborn on 11 August 1917 inBallinrobe, Co Mayo. He later moved with thefamily to Belfast. Gerry did his secondary studiesin Blackrock College, 1929-36. Having enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane he was professed in1937. He studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand UCD, 1937-38, followed by three yearsprefecting with the Burse or Promotions Team.He then resumed his university studies qualifyingfor the BA in 1943.

Ordained a priest in 1946 he was appointed thefollowing year to the Promotions Team inKimmage where he worked until 1974. He wasthen appointed bursar at the Mission Housewhere he served until 1980. During the years heworked on the Promotions Team his ministrytouched the lives of so many people throughoutthe country, by letters appeals andcorrespondence. His letters and addresses hadalways a strong spiritual content and messageand because of his gentle manner he was lovedby all. In his quiet way he did so much to fostergood relations throughout the wider Spiritanfamily of mission supporters and, though neverhaving worked on the overseas missions, therewas no doubting his contribution to themissionary Apostolate in the tradition of StThérèse of Lisieux. He then served as bursar inWillow Park School for one year and waschaplain to St Joseph’s community in Tivoli Rd,Dun Laoghaire.

In 1982 he took up the post of Bursar at theProvincialate House where he served till 1994when he retired in ill health to Kimmage Manor.Fr Gerry died on 22 September 2000 aged 83years. Fr Gerry was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

SEPTEMBER

115

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 115

He was buried in Deansgrange Cemetery, CoDublin.

September 21st

SMYTH, Fr Michael1922-2009

Fr Michael Smyth was born inClyduff, Daingean, Co. Offaly onthe 17 January, 1922. Followinghis secondary school studies at KnockbegCollege, Carlow, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1941 and was professed on the 8September 1942. After earning a B.A. first classhonours, in 1945, he prefected for two years atBlackrock College and earned a H. Dip. inEducation in 1947 from UCD. He was then sentto the University of Fribourg where he acquiredthe S.T.L. summa cum laude in 1951. He wasordained to the priesthood on the 23 July 1950and made his Consecration to the Apostolate in1951.

Michael’s mission appointment was to thearchdiocese of Onitsha, Nigeria, in 1951. Hetaught there at the Bigard Memorial Seminary inEnugu and subsequently at Our Lady of Lourdesteacher training college in Iwollo Oghe. As ateacher he was known to be clear, correct, preciseand coherent and as a preacher his sermons andhomilies were simple, practical and easilyunderstood.

In 1967 he briefly returned to Ireland beforebecoming engaged in ministry in England until1970. He then was assigned to the Toronto-basedSpiritan district in Canada. Returning to Irelandin 1976, Michael performed hospital chaplainduties at the National Rehabilitation Centre,Rochestown Avenue. Following that he wasappointed to the Ardbraccan Community in 1978where he resided until his retirement to theKimmage community in 1985. Fr Michael diedin Marian House on 21 September 2009 and isburied in the Spiritan plot, Dardistown Cemetery,Co. Dublin.

September 22nd

GIBBONS, Fr Michael Gerard1917-2000

Fr Michael Gibbons (Gerry) wasborn on 11 August 1917 inBallinrobe, Co Mayo. He later moved with thefamily to Belfast. Gerry did his secondary studiesin Blackrock College, 1929-36. Having enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane he was professed in1937. He studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand UCD, 1937-38, followed by three yearsprefecting with the Burse or Promotions Team.He then resumed his university studies qualifyingfor the BA in 1943.

Ordained a priest in 1946 he was appointed thefollowing year to the Promotions Team inKimmage where he worked until 1974. He wasthen appointed bursar at the Mission Housewhere he served until 1980. During the years heworked on the Promotions Team his ministrytouched the lives of so many people throughoutthe country, by letters appeals andcorrespondence. His letters and addresses hadalways a strong spiritual content and messageand because of his gentle manner he was lovedby all. In his quiet way he did so much to fostergood relations throughout the wider Spiritanfamily of mission supporters and, though neverhaving worked on the overseas missions, therewas no doubting his contribution to themissionary Apostolate in the tradition of StThérèse of Lisieux. He then served as bursar inWillow Park School for one year and waschaplain to St Joseph’s community in Tivoli Rd,Dun Laoghaire.

In 1982 he took up the post of Bursar at theProvincialate House where he served till 1994when he retired in ill health to Kimmage Manor.Fr Gerry died on 22 September 2000 aged 83years. Fr Gerry was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

SEPTEMBER

115

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 115

Page 124: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

September 22nd

O’MAHONY, Fr John Christopher1924-2005

Fr John O’Mahony was born atBlackpool House, Blackpool, CoCork, on 31 December 1924. After his secondaryschool studies at the junior scholasticate inRockwell he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 5 October1944. He received a B.A. in philosophy fromU.C.D. in 1947. During 1947-49 he prefected atRockwell College. John then studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 26 June 1952 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

In 1954 John’s first appointment was to Kenya.For forty three years he worked there teachingand doing parish work. During the first six years1953-59 he taught at Riara school followed byKabaa secondary school and St Mary’s Nairobi.For the next 23 years he did parish work in theMachakos diocese at Kaumoni, Kabaa, Mbooni,Kibwezi, Ndithini, Mwala, Thatha and Kiswezi.He built many churches including those atUtangwa, Kibwezi, Tawa and Iiani. In the Kambalanguage John was affectionately known asMwenda Andu - the Lover of People. He is bestremembered for his kindness and humour, hisinterest in people and life and most especially forhis musical talents.

In 1983 he took a sabbatical at the CarlowLiturgical Centre and in 1984 he returned toKenya and was assigned to the Catholic churchin Karen, Nairobi, where he remained until hereturned to Ireland in 1996. Back in Ireland Johnworked as a curate in Castledermot Parish. Dueto failing health Fr John retired to KimmageManor in the year 2000 and was admitted toMarian House in January 2005 where he died on22 September 2005. He is buried in thecommunity plot in the cemetery at Dardistown,Co Dublin.

September 24th

MAHER, Fr Stephen Camillus1936-2003

Fr Stephen Maher (Steve) wasborn at 21 Árd na Gréine,Waterford City, on 15 July 1936. After hissecondary school studies at Rockwell College(juniorate) he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1955. In 1958 he was awarded a B.A.in philosophy by U.C.D. He then prefected atBlackrock College from 1958- 1960. Followingthis he was ordained to the priesthood on 14 July1963 and then made his Consecration to theApostolate on 4 July 1964.

In 1964 Steve’s first appointment was in Irelandwhere he earned a H. Dip. in Education fromU.C.D. in 1965. In 1966 he was appointed to thediocese of Onitsha in Nigeria. In 1969 hereturned to Ireland and afterwards spent sometime in ministry in the U.S.A. In February of1971 he was appointed to the teaching staff ofBlackrock College. In 1979 Steve returned toAfrica, this time to Malawi. After a year he wasrecalled to Ireland to take up a teaching post atSt Mary’s College, Rathmines. During his timethere he was very involved with the scoutingmovement. At Blackrock College Steve wasknown as a dedicated teacher and dean.

By 1997 Steve’s health had deteriorated and hiscondition was compounded in 1999 by twomajor heart attacks. Fr Steve died on 24September 2003 in Marian House and he isburied in the community plot in ShanganaghCemetery.

SEPTEMBER

116

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 116

September 22nd

O’MAHONY, Fr John Christopher1924-2005

Fr John O’Mahony was born atBlackpool House, Blackpool, CoCork, on 31 December 1924. After his secondaryschool studies at the junior scholasticate inRockwell he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 5 October1944. He received a B.A. in philosophy fromU.C.D. in 1947. During 1947-49 he prefected atRockwell College. John then studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 26 June 1952 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1953.

In 1954 John’s first appointment was to Kenya.For forty three years he worked there teachingand doing parish work. During the first six years1953-59 he taught at Riara school followed byKabaa secondary school and St Mary’s Nairobi.For the next 23 years he did parish work in theMachakos diocese at Kaumoni, Kabaa, Mbooni,Kibwezi, Ndithini, Mwala, Thatha and Kiswezi.He built many churches including those atUtangwa, Kibwezi, Tawa and Iiani. In the Kambalanguage John was affectionately known asMwenda Andu - the Lover of People. He is bestremembered for his kindness and humour, hisinterest in people and life and most especially forhis musical talents.

In 1983 he took a sabbatical at the CarlowLiturgical Centre and in 1984 he returned toKenya and was assigned to the Catholic churchin Karen, Nairobi, where he remained until hereturned to Ireland in 1996. Back in Ireland Johnworked as a curate in Castledermot Parish. Dueto failing health Fr John retired to KimmageManor in the year 2000 and was admitted toMarian House in January 2005 where he died on22 September 2005. He is buried in thecommunity plot in the cemetery at Dardistown,Co Dublin.

September 24th

MAHER, Fr Stephen Camillus1936-2003

Fr Stephen Maher (Steve) wasborn at 21 Árd na Gréine,Waterford City, on 15 July 1936. After hissecondary school studies at Rockwell College(juniorate) he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1955. In 1958 he was awarded a B.A.in philosophy by U.C.D. He then prefected atBlackrock College from 1958- 1960. Followingthis he was ordained to the priesthood on 14 July1963 and then made his Consecration to theApostolate on 4 July 1964.

In 1964 Steve’s first appointment was in Irelandwhere he earned a H. Dip. in Education fromU.C.D. in 1965. In 1966 he was appointed to thediocese of Onitsha in Nigeria. In 1969 hereturned to Ireland and afterwards spent sometime in ministry in the U.S.A. In February of1971 he was appointed to the teaching staff ofBlackrock College. In 1979 Steve returned toAfrica, this time to Malawi. After a year he wasrecalled to Ireland to take up a teaching post atSt Mary’s College, Rathmines. During his timethere he was very involved with the scoutingmovement. At Blackrock College Steve wasknown as a dedicated teacher and dean.

By 1997 Steve’s health had deteriorated and hiscondition was compounded in 1999 by twomajor heart attacks. Fr Steve died on 24September 2003 in Marian House and he isburied in the community plot in ShanganaghCemetery.

SEPTEMBER

116

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 116

Page 125: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

September 25th

McHUGH, Fr Joseph1930-2007

Fr Joseph McHugh (Joe) wasborn in Ahascragh, Ballinasloe,Co Galway on the 7 February,1930. He completed his secondary schooleducation in Blackrock College, 1944-9, afterwhich he entered the novitiate in Kilshane. Hewas professed on 15 September 1950. Joestudied philosophy in Kimmage Manor andprefected in Blackrock between 1951 and 1953.After studying theology in Kimmage he wasordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 31July, 1959.

Joe’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1960, where he worked inpastoral ministry. During this time he had an hourlong programme on the national radio station inEnugu. He remained there until the end of theBiafran war where he attended to nineteenprisoners in one day who faced execution andwas with them until the end. Following this hewas appointed to Papua, New Guinea where heworked in pastoral ministry from 1971 to 1974and during his time there he also made threefund-raising trips to the United States.

Between 1974 and 1976 he ministered inMichigan. He also studied for a master’s degree.The title of his thesis was Mass Media andPublic Morality which was published and usedas a text book in secondary schools in the U.S.A.

Fr Joe was appointed to Sierra Leone in 1976where he became in charge of thecommunications network in the diocese ofKenema. In 1983 he was appointed to thepromotions team in Kimmage. Howeverfollowing a stroke, he retired to Marian House,Kimmage Manor, where he died on 25September, 2007.

September 26th

HEFFERNAN, Fr Gerard Christopher1918-2005

Fr Gerard Heffernan (Gerry) wasborn at Kilmorna, Tralee, CoKerry, on 25 December 1918. After hissecondary school studies at C.B.S. Synge St.,Dublin he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 28October, 1938. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and between 1940 and 1941 heprefected at Blackrock College. Gerry then wenton to study theology at Kimmage Manor. He wasordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1944 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 3August 1945.

The same year Gerry was appointed to thevicariate of Zanzibar, Kenya. For twenty sixyears he worked there as a teacher and in parishministry. Over the years he taught inKilimambogo, Kabaa, Mangu, St Mary’sNairobi. He also administered pastoral care inGiriama, Limuru, Riruta, Kiriku and Gatitu.Whilst stationed in Nairobi, as curate, he sold hisphilatelist collection of rare stamps to procurenew seats for the cathedral. In 1971 he went tothe U.S.A. where he joined the Long IslandSpiritan Community serving as provincialdelelgate during the 1976-9 period. From 1980he served as hospital chaplain in De PaulHospital, Norfolk, Virginia. He retired to Irelandin 1991. All the time he kept a keen interest inthe missions and for many years sent large boxesof books to the various communities for theirlibraries.

Back in Ireland Gerry enjoyed his retirement inMission House Kimmage. However due tofailing health he was admitted to Marian Housein January 2000. Fr Gerry died on 26 September2005. He is buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

SEPTEMBER

117

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 117

September 25th

McHUGH, Fr Joseph1930-2007

Fr Joseph McHugh (Joe) wasborn in Ahascragh, Ballinasloe,Co Galway on the 7 February,1930. He completed his secondary schooleducation in Blackrock College, 1944-9, afterwhich he entered the novitiate in Kilshane. Hewas professed on 15 September 1950. Joestudied philosophy in Kimmage Manor andprefected in Blackrock between 1951 and 1953.After studying theology in Kimmage he wasordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 31July, 1959.

Joe’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria in 1960, where he worked inpastoral ministry. During this time he had an hourlong programme on the national radio station inEnugu. He remained there until the end of theBiafran war where he attended to nineteenprisoners in one day who faced execution andwas with them until the end. Following this hewas appointed to Papua, New Guinea where heworked in pastoral ministry from 1971 to 1974and during his time there he also made threefund-raising trips to the United States.

Between 1974 and 1976 he ministered inMichigan. He also studied for a master’s degree.The title of his thesis was Mass Media andPublic Morality which was published and usedas a text book in secondary schools in the U.S.A.

Fr Joe was appointed to Sierra Leone in 1976where he became in charge of thecommunications network in the diocese ofKenema. In 1983 he was appointed to thepromotions team in Kimmage. Howeverfollowing a stroke, he retired to Marian House,Kimmage Manor, where he died on 25September, 2007.

September 26th

HEFFERNAN, Fr Gerard Christopher1918-2005

Fr Gerard Heffernan (Gerry) wasborn at Kilmorna, Tralee, CoKerry, on 25 December 1918. After hissecondary school studies at C.B.S. Synge St.,Dublin he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 28October, 1938. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor and between 1940 and 1941 heprefected at Blackrock College. Gerry then wenton to study theology at Kimmage Manor. He wasordained to the priesthood on 16 July 1944 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 3August 1945.

The same year Gerry was appointed to thevicariate of Zanzibar, Kenya. For twenty sixyears he worked there as a teacher and in parishministry. Over the years he taught inKilimambogo, Kabaa, Mangu, St Mary’sNairobi. He also administered pastoral care inGiriama, Limuru, Riruta, Kiriku and Gatitu.Whilst stationed in Nairobi, as curate, he sold hisphilatelist collection of rare stamps to procurenew seats for the cathedral. In 1971 he went tothe U.S.A. where he joined the Long IslandSpiritan Community serving as provincialdelelgate during the 1976-9 period. From 1980he served as hospital chaplain in De PaulHospital, Norfolk, Virginia. He retired to Irelandin 1991. All the time he kept a keen interest inthe missions and for many years sent large boxesof books to the various communities for theirlibraries.

Back in Ireland Gerry enjoyed his retirement inMission House Kimmage. However due tofailing health he was admitted to Marian Housein January 2000. Fr Gerry died on 26 September2005. He is buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

SEPTEMBER

117

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 117

Page 126: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

September 29th

CAPLICE, Fr Richard Anthony1916-2004

Fr Richard Caplice (Dick) wasborn in Burncourt, Cahir, Co.Tipperary on 8 December 1916. After hissecondary school studies at Rockwell Junioratehe entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 8 September 1936.He was awarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D.He then prefected in Rockwell College from1939 to 1941. Dick studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on the16 July 1944. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1945.In 1945 Dick’s first appointment was to Nigeriawhere he was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri.He worked in the parishes at Emekuku, Aba,Urualla before taking up a teaching post atBishop Shanahan College in Orlu. In 1950 Dickreturned to Ireland and was appointed as assistantnovice master at Kilshane. In 1959 he returnedto Nigeria to take up parish ministry in AwoOmamina. In 1964 he was again asked to returnto Ireland and was appointed novice master at thebrothers’ novitiate in Ardbraccan.In 1973 Dick studied for a H.Dip in Education atMaynooth. He returned to Africa in 1974 wherehe joined the teaching staff at St Hubert’sSeminary in Ghana. At the age of 58 he learnt anew language, adapted to a new culture andworked in a difficult climate which was a veryheroic decision to make. Following on from thisappointment he spent many years in the parish ofCorpus Christi in New Tafo, Kumasi. One of thesignificant features of his work in Ghana was theinterest he showed in the indigenous Spiritanseminarians. He encouraged and guided them intheir pastoral ministries. One of these seminarians,who later served on the general council of thecongregation in Rome, wrote ‘Dick was one of theheroes of the Spiritan presence in Ghana’.Due to illness Fr Richard returned to Ireland in1991 and took up residence in Marian House,Kimmage Manor. He died on 29 September 2004and was buried in Rockwell College Cemetery.

September 29th

FALLON, Fr John1926-2008

Fr John Fallon (Jack) was born inClara, Co Offaly on the 12November 1926. Aftercompleting his secondary education at theIntermediate School, Clara, Jack worked for atime as manager at the Clara Flour Mills. Familycommitments had prevented Jack from pursinghis dream of becoming a missionary priest untilhis early forties when he felt that he could nolonger ignore the whispers of God. He enteredthe novitiate in 1971 and was professed on the 8September 1972. He studied philosophy andtheology in Kimmage Manor and was awarded adiploma in development education in 1977. Jackwas ordained to the priesthood, in Clara, on the3 June 1976.

Jack’s first appointment was to the archdioceseof Freetown and Bo, Sierra Leone in 1977. Whilethere he worked in St Francis’ Parish, Bo. On hisreturn to Ireland in 1978 he worked for a periodwith the promotions team in Kimmage afterwhich he was appointed to the staff of St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines. In 1981 Jack wastransferred to Rockwell College where heremained until 1988 when he was appointedchaplain to Marian House, a position he retaineduntil 1994. Fr Jack died in Marian House on 29September 2008. As a member of thecongregation he was unceasingly convinced ofits charism which he tried to live and share to thebest of his abilities in his various assisgnments.His funeral Mass was celebrated in St Brigid’sChurch, Clara and he was buried in theMonastery Cemetery.

SEPTEMBER

118

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 118

September 29th

CAPLICE, Fr Richard Anthony1916-2004

Fr Richard Caplice (Dick) wasborn in Burncourt, Cahir, Co.Tipperary on 8 December 1916. After hissecondary school studies at Rockwell Junioratehe entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 8 September 1936.He was awarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D.He then prefected in Rockwell College from1939 to 1941. Dick studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on the16 July 1944. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1945.In 1945 Dick’s first appointment was to Nigeriawhere he was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri.He worked in the parishes at Emekuku, Aba,Urualla before taking up a teaching post atBishop Shanahan College in Orlu. In 1950 Dickreturned to Ireland and was appointed as assistantnovice master at Kilshane. In 1959 he returnedto Nigeria to take up parish ministry in AwoOmamina. In 1964 he was again asked to returnto Ireland and was appointed novice master at thebrothers’ novitiate in Ardbraccan.In 1973 Dick studied for a H.Dip in Education atMaynooth. He returned to Africa in 1974 wherehe joined the teaching staff at St Hubert’sSeminary in Ghana. At the age of 58 he learnt anew language, adapted to a new culture andworked in a difficult climate which was a veryheroic decision to make. Following on from thisappointment he spent many years in the parish ofCorpus Christi in New Tafo, Kumasi. One of thesignificant features of his work in Ghana was theinterest he showed in the indigenous Spiritanseminarians. He encouraged and guided them intheir pastoral ministries. One of these seminarians,who later served on the general council of thecongregation in Rome, wrote ‘Dick was one of theheroes of the Spiritan presence in Ghana’.Due to illness Fr Richard returned to Ireland in1991 and took up residence in Marian House,Kimmage Manor. He died on 29 September 2004and was buried in Rockwell College Cemetery.

September 29th

FALLON, Fr John1926-2008

Fr John Fallon (Jack) was born inClara, Co Offaly on the 12November 1926. Aftercompleting his secondary education at theIntermediate School, Clara, Jack worked for atime as manager at the Clara Flour Mills. Familycommitments had prevented Jack from pursinghis dream of becoming a missionary priest untilhis early forties when he felt that he could nolonger ignore the whispers of God. He enteredthe novitiate in 1971 and was professed on the 8September 1972. He studied philosophy andtheology in Kimmage Manor and was awarded adiploma in development education in 1977. Jackwas ordained to the priesthood, in Clara, on the3 June 1976.

Jack’s first appointment was to the archdioceseof Freetown and Bo, Sierra Leone in 1977. Whilethere he worked in St Francis’ Parish, Bo. On hisreturn to Ireland in 1978 he worked for a periodwith the promotions team in Kimmage afterwhich he was appointed to the staff of St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines. In 1981 Jack wastransferred to Rockwell College where heremained until 1988 when he was appointedchaplain to Marian House, a position he retaineduntil 1994. Fr Jack died in Marian House on 29September 2008. As a member of thecongregation he was unceasingly convinced ofits charism which he tried to live and share to thebest of his abilities in his various assisgnments.His funeral Mass was celebrated in St Brigid’sChurch, Clara and he was buried in theMonastery Cemetery.

SEPTEMBER

118

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 118

Page 127: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

September 30th

CARROLL, Fr Andrew1916-2009

Fr Andrew Carroll (Andy) wasborn in Cootehill, Co Cavan on30 September, 1916. Followinghis secondary school education at BlackrockCollege, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed on 1 September 1935. Heprefected in Blackrock College between 1936and 1938. He was awarded a B.A. Hons. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1940. He then studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on the 11 July 1943. Andy madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on 2 August1944.

The following year he was assigned to theGambia where he taught in Banjul for two yearsbefore being posted to Bwiam from 1947 until

1949. Then following a year spent at RockwellCollege, he returned to the Gambia where he wasappointed as teacher/principal of St Augustine’sSecondary School. In 1960 he was transferred toKartong where he built St Martin’s Church. Hebuilt schools and churches at Bwiam, Sanyang,Siffoe, Berending and Gunjud. In 1992 he wasawarded the Insignia of Officer of the NationalOrder of the Republic of Gambia for his servicesto the country.

By 1995 Andy had worked in the service of theGambian Church for nearly half a century. Bythis time he had helped it develop, in this smalland largely Muslim country, into a thrivingchurch with its own indigenous clergy. Hereturned to Ireland in the late 1990s to live inKimmage Manor. Fr Andy died peacefully on 30September 2009, at the Beacon Hospital, Dublinand was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

SEPTEMBER

119

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 119

September 30th

CARROLL, Fr Andrew1916-2009

Fr Andrew Carroll (Andy) wasborn in Cootehill, Co Cavan on30 September, 1916. Followinghis secondary school education at BlackrockCollege, he entered the novitiate in Kilshane andwas professed on 1 September 1935. Heprefected in Blackrock College between 1936and 1938. He was awarded a B.A. Hons. inphilosophy by U.C.D. in 1940. He then studiedtheology in Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on the 11 July 1943. Andy madehis Consecration to the Apostolate on 2 August1944.

The following year he was assigned to theGambia where he taught in Banjul for two yearsbefore being posted to Bwiam from 1947 until

1949. Then following a year spent at RockwellCollege, he returned to the Gambia where he wasappointed as teacher/principal of St Augustine’sSecondary School. In 1960 he was transferred toKartong where he built St Martin’s Church. Hebuilt schools and churches at Bwiam, Sanyang,Siffoe, Berending and Gunjud. In 1992 he wasawarded the Insignia of Officer of the NationalOrder of the Republic of Gambia for his servicesto the country.

By 1995 Andy had worked in the service of theGambian Church for nearly half a century. Bythis time he had helped it develop, in this smalland largely Muslim country, into a thrivingchurch with its own indigenous clergy. Hereturned to Ireland in the late 1990s to live inKimmage Manor. Fr Andy died peacefully on 30September 2009, at the Beacon Hospital, Dublinand was buried in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

SEPTEMBER

119

September Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:39 Page 119

Page 128: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

October 1st

BUCKLEY, Fr Timothy1924-2007

Fr Timothy Buckley (Tim) wasborn in Cappagh, Kilrush, CoClare on 19 September 1924.Following his secondary school studies inRockwell College from 1939 to 1943 he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane. He was professed on 8September 1944. Tim studied philosophy inKimmage Manor, 1944-6 and prefected inRockwell College from 1946 to 1948. Afterstudying theology in Kimmage, Tim wasordained to the priesthood on 15 July 1951 andmade his consecration to the apostolate on 31July 1952.

Tim’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria, in 1952 where he worked inpastoral ministry and in various schools. Hereturned to Ireland in 1967 and was appointed in1968 to minister in St Patrick’s Church, GlenCove, Long Island in the U.S. In 1969 Timreturned to Nigeria and his main area of workwas in St Patrick’s Parish at Emene where heserved a congregation of over 27,000parishioners. In 1972 he took a break in Irelandand then worked in Ghana; after which hereturned to Nigeria. Tim returned to Ireland inJune 2003 for medical treatment but soonreturned to Nigeria following a plea to theprovincial by the bishop of Enugu,representatives of the Parish Pastoral Counciland the chairman of the Council for Laity: ‘Theentire people of Enugu Diocese humbly requestyou to allow Fr Tim Buckley to come back to us,the children he has nurtured for so many years,and continue to shower on us his fatherly,inspiring spirit of encouragement’.

Fr Timothy died at the Niger FoundationHospital, Enugu, Nigeria, on 1 October, 2007.

October 5th

NOLAN, Mr Patrick M.1952-2011

Mr Patrick Nolan (Pat) made hisfirst profession in 1975 and wasordained at Kimmage in 1982.He prefected in the Gambia and, after ordination,was appointed to Pakistan. He later went onmission to Papua New Guinea and then toHarlem in New York City. He returned to Irelandin 1995 and worked for a time in chaplaincy atMountjoy Prison in Dublin.

In 1996 Pat distanced himself from theCongregation and ministry however he neverformalized this separation. He moved to Londonwhere he worked as an assistant teacher tospecial needs children until he had to resignbecause of ill-health. He died suddenly on 5October 2011. He was cremated at the City ofLondon and Crematorium after a funeral serviceattended by family friends and confrères. Hisashes were interred in his parents’ grave in SuttonCemetery on 23rd December 2011. A memorialservice was held at Kimmage on December 3rd2011.

October 6th

LEWIS,Fr Patrick Joseph1935-2001

Fr Patrick Lewis (Paddy) wasborn in Sandymount, Dublin, on18 July 1935. He completed his secondary schooleducation at Blackrock College, 1947-53. Hemade his first profession on 26 October 1954.Following his noviciate he undertook philosophystudies in Kimmage Manor the following year.In 1955 he was stricken with polio and washospitalised until 1960. During his period inhospital he was an observer at the foundingmeeting, in 1960, of the Irish WheelchairAssociation, an event that was to have a greatinfluence on his later life. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 19 December 1964 – one of thefirst wheelchair-users to be ordained in Ireland.

OCTOBER

120

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 120

October 1st

BUCKLEY, Fr Timothy1924-2007

Fr Timothy Buckley (Tim) wasborn in Cappagh, Kilrush, CoClare on 19 September 1924.Following his secondary school studies inRockwell College from 1939 to 1943 he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane. He was professed on 8September 1944. Tim studied philosophy inKimmage Manor, 1944-6 and prefected inRockwell College from 1946 to 1948. Afterstudying theology in Kimmage, Tim wasordained to the priesthood on 15 July 1951 andmade his consecration to the apostolate on 31July 1952.

Tim’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha, Nigeria, in 1952 where he worked inpastoral ministry and in various schools. Hereturned to Ireland in 1967 and was appointed in1968 to minister in St Patrick’s Church, GlenCove, Long Island in the U.S. In 1969 Timreturned to Nigeria and his main area of workwas in St Patrick’s Parish at Emene where heserved a congregation of over 27,000parishioners. In 1972 he took a break in Irelandand then worked in Ghana; after which hereturned to Nigeria. Tim returned to Ireland inJune 2003 for medical treatment but soonreturned to Nigeria following a plea to theprovincial by the bishop of Enugu,representatives of the Parish Pastoral Counciland the chairman of the Council for Laity: ‘Theentire people of Enugu Diocese humbly requestyou to allow Fr Tim Buckley to come back to us,the children he has nurtured for so many years,and continue to shower on us his fatherly,inspiring spirit of encouragement’.

Fr Timothy died at the Niger FoundationHospital, Enugu, Nigeria, on 1 October, 2007.

October 5th

NOLAN, Mr Patrick M.1952-2011

Mr Patrick Nolan (Pat) made hisfirst profession in 1975 and wasordained at Kimmage in 1982.He prefected in the Gambia and, after ordination,was appointed to Pakistan. He later went onmission to Papua New Guinea and then toHarlem in New York City. He returned to Irelandin 1995 and worked for a time in chaplaincy atMountjoy Prison in Dublin.

In 1996 Pat distanced himself from theCongregation and ministry however he neverformalized this separation. He moved to Londonwhere he worked as an assistant teacher tospecial needs children until he had to resignbecause of ill-health. He died suddenly on 5October 2011. He was cremated at the City ofLondon and Crematorium after a funeral serviceattended by family friends and confrères. Hisashes were interred in his parents’ grave in SuttonCemetery on 23rd December 2011. A memorialservice was held at Kimmage on December 3rd2011.

October 6th

LEWIS,Fr Patrick Joseph1935-2001

Fr Patrick Lewis (Paddy) wasborn in Sandymount, Dublin, on18 July 1935. He completed his secondary schooleducation at Blackrock College, 1947-53. Hemade his first profession on 26 October 1954.Following his noviciate he undertook philosophystudies in Kimmage Manor the following year.In 1955 he was stricken with polio and washospitalised until 1960. During his period inhospital he was an observer at the foundingmeeting, in 1960, of the Irish WheelchairAssociation, an event that was to have a greatinfluence on his later life. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 19 December 1964 – one of thefirst wheelchair-users to be ordained in Ireland.

OCTOBER

120

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 120

Page 129: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

He made his consecration to the apostolate on 3July 1965.

From January 1964 he acted as honorarysecretary of the Irish Wheelchair Associationuntil he became chairperson in 1969. In thefollowing five years, he reorganised theassociation, changing its philosophy. Paddy tookthe view that wheelchair users should be askedwhat they wanted instead of being told. To thatend, he steered through the introduction of ademocratic constitution for the association in1970 which ensured that wheelchair-users wouldhave a major say in their own future.

Having studied commerce for one year at UCDin 1954-5, Paddy returned to UCD and wasawarded the degree B.Soc.Sc. in 1967. During1967 he spent some time in Nairobi, Kenya, andthen returned to join the teaching staff at thescholasticate in Kimmage Manor. He taughtsociology there from 1968 until 1974 and duringthis time, in summer 1972, he went on a roundthe world trip.

In 1974 he went to the United States and wasawarded an M.A. in social work from theUniversity of St Louis, Missouri. From 1976 to1981 he worked with Catholic charities in StLouis, and was also assistant chaplain at StMary’s Hospital. In 1981 Paddy was appointedto the San Francisco regional community. Hewas appointed Vicar for People with SpecialNeeds. He played a leading part in organising forpeople with special needs to attend the papalMass in Candlestick Park, San Francisco. Up to1992 he continued to be prominent in communitywork and made arrangement for wheelchairaccess to churches and other buildings in thearchdiocese. Failing health forced Fr Paddy toreturn to Ireland in June 1992. He retired toMarian House where he died on 6 October 2001and was cremated at Mount Jerome, Dublin.

October 6th

DEVINE, Fr Patrick1932-2009

Fr Patrick Devine (Paddy) wasborn in Ballyglass, Ahascragh,Co Galway, on 16 March 1932.Following his secondary school studies atBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1951. He gained a B.A. in philosophy at U.C.Dand the H. Dip. in education in 1970. Heprefected at Blackrock College, 1954-6 afterwhich he studied theology in Kimmage. Paddywas ordained to the priesthood on 12 July 1959and made his consecration to the apostolate on29 July 1960.

Paddy’s mission appointment was to the OwerriDiocese, Nigeria, where he arrived in 1961. Hetaught at the Junior Seminary Okpala for oneyear and then for three years at the secondaryschool in Amaimo. In 1965 he became principalof the secondary school at Obube, while alsolooking after the local parish.

During the Biafran war Paddy served as secretaryto the Catholic Social Welfare Department of theOwerri Diocese. Towards the end of 1968 hereturned to Ireland and Blackrock College. From1969 until 1992 he held the various positions ofprincipal of Willow Park, teacher, director ofjunior scholastics and dean. In 1992 he wasappointed Superior of the Templeoguecommunity and at the same time he was teachingat the college. In 1998 he was appointed to StMary’s Community, Rathmines, and held theposition of director of the Archconfraternity ofthe Holy Ghost. Paddy had a deep love for Marythe mother of Jesus, so evident in his Masses,meetings, retreats, spiritual direction and theconstant presence of a rosary beads in his hand.Having visited many Marian shrines, he set up amonthly Mass in Blackrock College to honourMary.

In his final years Paddy returned to his AlmaMater, Blackrock College, where he remained inactive retirement until September 2009 when hemoved to Marian House, Kimmage Manor.

OCTOBER

121

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 121

He made his consecration to the apostolate on 3July 1965.

From January 1964 he acted as honorarysecretary of the Irish Wheelchair Associationuntil he became chairperson in 1969. In thefollowing five years, he reorganised theassociation, changing its philosophy. Paddy tookthe view that wheelchair users should be askedwhat they wanted instead of being told. To thatend, he steered through the introduction of ademocratic constitution for the association in1970 which ensured that wheelchair-users wouldhave a major say in their own future.

Having studied commerce for one year at UCDin 1954-5, Paddy returned to UCD and wasawarded the degree B.Soc.Sc. in 1967. During1967 he spent some time in Nairobi, Kenya, andthen returned to join the teaching staff at thescholasticate in Kimmage Manor. He taughtsociology there from 1968 until 1974 and duringthis time, in summer 1972, he went on a roundthe world trip.

In 1974 he went to the United States and wasawarded an M.A. in social work from theUniversity of St Louis, Missouri. From 1976 to1981 he worked with Catholic charities in StLouis, and was also assistant chaplain at StMary’s Hospital. In 1981 Paddy was appointedto the San Francisco regional community. Hewas appointed Vicar for People with SpecialNeeds. He played a leading part in organising forpeople with special needs to attend the papalMass in Candlestick Park, San Francisco. Up to1992 he continued to be prominent in communitywork and made arrangement for wheelchairaccess to churches and other buildings in thearchdiocese. Failing health forced Fr Paddy toreturn to Ireland in June 1992. He retired toMarian House where he died on 6 October 2001and was cremated at Mount Jerome, Dublin.

October 6th

DEVINE, Fr Patrick1932-2009

Fr Patrick Devine (Paddy) wasborn in Ballyglass, Ahascragh,Co Galway, on 16 March 1932.Following his secondary school studies atBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1951. He gained a B.A. in philosophy at U.C.Dand the H. Dip. in education in 1970. Heprefected at Blackrock College, 1954-6 afterwhich he studied theology in Kimmage. Paddywas ordained to the priesthood on 12 July 1959and made his consecration to the apostolate on29 July 1960.

Paddy’s mission appointment was to the OwerriDiocese, Nigeria, where he arrived in 1961. Hetaught at the Junior Seminary Okpala for oneyear and then for three years at the secondaryschool in Amaimo. In 1965 he became principalof the secondary school at Obube, while alsolooking after the local parish.

During the Biafran war Paddy served as secretaryto the Catholic Social Welfare Department of theOwerri Diocese. Towards the end of 1968 hereturned to Ireland and Blackrock College. From1969 until 1992 he held the various positions ofprincipal of Willow Park, teacher, director ofjunior scholastics and dean. In 1992 he wasappointed Superior of the Templeoguecommunity and at the same time he was teachingat the college. In 1998 he was appointed to StMary’s Community, Rathmines, and held theposition of director of the Archconfraternity ofthe Holy Ghost. Paddy had a deep love for Marythe mother of Jesus, so evident in his Masses,meetings, retreats, spiritual direction and theconstant presence of a rosary beads in his hand.Having visited many Marian shrines, he set up amonthly Mass in Blackrock College to honourMary.

In his final years Paddy returned to his AlmaMater, Blackrock College, where he remained inactive retirement until September 2009 when hemoved to Marian House, Kimmage Manor.

OCTOBER

121

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 121

Page 130: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Fr Paddy died on 6 October 2009 and is buriedin the cemetery at Ahascragh, Co Galway.

October 6th

FINUCANE, Fr Aengus1932-2009

Fr Aengus Finucane was born inShelbourne Road, Limerick, on26 April 1932. Following hissecondary school education at C.B.S. Limerick,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1950. He was awardeda B.A. Honours philosophy degree in 1953 andwas also later awarded the Higher Diploma inEducation. He prefected in Rockwell Collegebetween 1953 and 1955 and then studiedtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood on 13 July 1958. Aengus made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1959.

In 1959 his first mission appointment was toNigeria. Aengus was on leave in Ireland whenthe Biafran war broke out in 1967. However hemanaged to return to his base in Onitsha wherethe Irish Spiritans had had a long and substantialpresence. As parish priest of Uli, he and othersensured that the only good road there wasconverted into an airstrip which became thebusiest airport control unit in Africa with fiftyflights a night ferrying in much needed reliefsupplies under cover of darkness.

Aengus spent some time in Gabon after hisexpulsion from Nigeria in 1970. Following thishe attended the University of Swansea where hewas conferred with a Diploma in DevelopmentStudies. He then worked as Concern’s fielddirector in Bangladesh, Thailand and Uganda. Hewas conferred with two Doctorates of Law, bythe National Institute of Higher Education andby the University of Limerick for devoting his‘robust energies’ to caring for the spiritual andmaterial nourishment of the world’sdisadvantaged. In 2005 he was conferred with the‘Freedom of Limerick’.

He was a proud Irishman who loved Irishfolklore, Irish history and the Irish language. He

was also a proud Limerickman who loved hisrugby and who had in his youth played hurlingfor Treaty Sarsfields. He established ConcernU.S. in the mid-1990s and, following hisretirement as its CEO, he devoted his energies todeveloping the organisation in New York, Bostonand Chicago. He was honorary president ofConcern U.S. from 1996 and in this role he madecontact with a number of Irish Americanphilanthropists and encouraged them to take onthe cause of the poor.

Fr Aengus died peacefully on Tuesday 6 October,2009 in Marian House, Kimmage Manor, andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 7th

AGNOLI, Fr Savino1932–2015

Fr Savino was born on 9 January1932 in Fidenza, Parma, Italy toEmma (née Oragano) and RealdoAgnoli. His family later moved to Ireland. Aftercompleting secondary school studies at St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines, he went to UCD where hewas awarded a B.A, B.Mus and L.R.I.A.M. Atthe age of 19, he became deputy violinist in theRadió Éireann Light Symphony Orchestra, andtwo years later he became a teacher of juniorviolin in the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

He entered Kilshane in 1955 and was professedthe following year before moving to KimmageManor where he completed his philosophystudies in 1958 and his theology studies fouryears later. Five years after the ordination of hisolder brother Fr Enzo; Savino was ordained byArchbishop McQuaid in Clonliffe College on 16July 1961 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 7 July, 1962.

Savino’s first appointment was to Nigeria. Heserved in a pastoral role there from 1962 until1970, in Amichi in the archdiocese of Onitsha.Having to leave at the end of the Nigerian civilwar, he was appointed to Ghana in 1971 wherehe served until the late 1990s. Savino put hisqualifications in music at the disposal of Cape

OCTOBER

122

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 122

Fr Paddy died on 6 October 2009 and is buriedin the cemetery at Ahascragh, Co Galway.

October 6th

FINUCANE, Fr Aengus1932-2009

Fr Aengus Finucane was born inShelbourne Road, Limerick, on26 April 1932. Following hissecondary school education at C.B.S. Limerick,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1950. He was awardeda B.A. Honours philosophy degree in 1953 andwas also later awarded the Higher Diploma inEducation. He prefected in Rockwell Collegebetween 1953 and 1955 and then studiedtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood on 13 July 1958. Aengus made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1959.

In 1959 his first mission appointment was toNigeria. Aengus was on leave in Ireland whenthe Biafran war broke out in 1967. However hemanaged to return to his base in Onitsha wherethe Irish Spiritans had had a long and substantialpresence. As parish priest of Uli, he and othersensured that the only good road there wasconverted into an airstrip which became thebusiest airport control unit in Africa with fiftyflights a night ferrying in much needed reliefsupplies under cover of darkness.

Aengus spent some time in Gabon after hisexpulsion from Nigeria in 1970. Following thishe attended the University of Swansea where hewas conferred with a Diploma in DevelopmentStudies. He then worked as Concern’s fielddirector in Bangladesh, Thailand and Uganda. Hewas conferred with two Doctorates of Law, bythe National Institute of Higher Education andby the University of Limerick for devoting his‘robust energies’ to caring for the spiritual andmaterial nourishment of the world’sdisadvantaged. In 2005 he was conferred with the‘Freedom of Limerick’.

He was a proud Irishman who loved Irishfolklore, Irish history and the Irish language. He

was also a proud Limerickman who loved hisrugby and who had in his youth played hurlingfor Treaty Sarsfields. He established ConcernU.S. in the mid-1990s and, following hisretirement as its CEO, he devoted his energies todeveloping the organisation in New York, Bostonand Chicago. He was honorary president ofConcern U.S. from 1996 and in this role he madecontact with a number of Irish Americanphilanthropists and encouraged them to take onthe cause of the poor.

Fr Aengus died peacefully on Tuesday 6 October,2009 in Marian House, Kimmage Manor, andwas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 7th

AGNOLI, Fr Savino1932–2015

Fr Savino was born on 9 January1932 in Fidenza, Parma, Italy toEmma (née Oragano) and RealdoAgnoli. His family later moved to Ireland. Aftercompleting secondary school studies at St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines, he went to UCD where hewas awarded a B.A, B.Mus and L.R.I.A.M. Atthe age of 19, he became deputy violinist in theRadió Éireann Light Symphony Orchestra, andtwo years later he became a teacher of juniorviolin in the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

He entered Kilshane in 1955 and was professedthe following year before moving to KimmageManor where he completed his philosophystudies in 1958 and his theology studies fouryears later. Five years after the ordination of hisolder brother Fr Enzo; Savino was ordained byArchbishop McQuaid in Clonliffe College on 16July 1961 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 7 July, 1962.

Savino’s first appointment was to Nigeria. Heserved in a pastoral role there from 1962 until1970, in Amichi in the archdiocese of Onitsha.Having to leave at the end of the Nigerian civilwar, he was appointed to Ghana in 1971 wherehe served until the late 1990s. Savino put hisqualifications in music at the disposal of Cape

OCTOBER

122

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 122

Page 131: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Coast University in Ghana. However, a militarycoup meant that he never did get to lecture in theuniversity’s new school of music. Instead heserved in a pastoral role in Berekum, beforebecoming parish priest in Mampong in theAshanti region in 1974. By the time he wasleaving the diocese of Kumasi; it was being splitup, his old church became the new diocese’scathedral and his old residence became the newbishop’s house. Mampong had become one of thestrongest parishes in the diocese; this was in nosmall way thanks to Savino’s strong emphasis onthe teaching of catechetics. In his finalappointment in Ghana, to Bantama parish, hisgreat way with people was seen in the advice andcomfort that he offered to many passing visitors.He was a very religious man which hedemonstrated by having composed a homily andprayers of the faithful for every Sunday and holyday of the year.

Fr Savino suffered a stroke while on holidays inIreland and moved to Marian House in 1999where he died on 7 October 2015. He is buriedin the Spiritan plot, Dardistown Cemetery.

October 8th

RODGERS, Fr Denis1923-2010

Fr Denis Rodgers was born inMonkstown, Co Dublin on 22September 1923. Havingcompleted his secondary school studies at C.B.S.Dún Laoghaire, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1942 and was professed on 8September 1943. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor from 1943 to 1946 and, havingreceived his B.A. from U.C.D., he prefected inRockwell for the next two years. He returned toKimmage Manor to study theology from 1948-52. Denis was ordained to the priesthood on 15July 1951, and made his consecration to theapostolate on 31 July 1952.

Denis’s mission appointment was to Nigeria andhe arrived in the Onitsha Archdiocese in 1952. Adeeply spiritual man, he was engaged ineducational work for the next 15 years primarily

at the Abbot secondary college in Ihiala. Duringthe Biafran war he did pastoral and relief workbefore being obliged to leave the country at theend of the war in 1970.

After a spell in Trenton Diocese in the U.S., heministered for well over two decades in the verychallenging environment of Papua New Guinea.He brought immense dedication to his work ofevangelization and pastoral ministry at Mt.Hagen where he built St Paul’s church. He alsobuilt four other mission-churches outside of thetown in the surrounding countryside. He movedto the Gulf province in 1979 where he becamevicar general of the diocese and pastor atKamina, an isolated hinterland mission,accessible only by small plane. With no roads ofany kind in the parish he moved around in asmall aluminium dinghy or by canoe when fuelwas low. He wrote in 1996 that ‘I am the onlyIrish Spiritan working here in the Diocese ofKerema, the last of the team who took up workhere in 1978. I am happy to continue as long as Ican in the hope that somebody might opt for theKerema challenge and all that is implied in that.’

Returning to Ireland in 1999, Fr Denis spent thefirst years of retirement in the Blackrockcommunity before moving to Marian House,Kimmage in 2005. He died on 8 October 2010and is buried in the Spiritan plot, DardistownCemetery.

October 9th

WARD, Fr Cyril A.1916-2006

Fr Cyril was born in Kilbrackey,Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on 22September 1916. After completinghis secondary schooling in St Patrick’s College,Dungannon, he entered the novitiate in Kilshanein 1936 and was professed on 8 September 1937.After studying philosophy at Kimmage in 1939 hewas assigned to St Mary’s college, Trinidad, as aprefect at the beginning of the Second World War.This assignment would last for four years until1943, when he, along with two other prefects,managed to return safely to Ireland. Cyril studied

OCTOBER

123

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 123

Coast University in Ghana. However, a militarycoup meant that he never did get to lecture in theuniversity’s new school of music. Instead heserved in a pastoral role in Berekum, beforebecoming parish priest in Mampong in theAshanti region in 1974. By the time he wasleaving the diocese of Kumasi; it was being splitup, his old church became the new diocese’scathedral and his old residence became the newbishop’s house. Mampong had become one of thestrongest parishes in the diocese; this was in nosmall way thanks to Savino’s strong emphasis onthe teaching of catechetics. In his finalappointment in Ghana, to Bantama parish, hisgreat way with people was seen in the advice andcomfort that he offered to many passing visitors.He was a very religious man which hedemonstrated by having composed a homily andprayers of the faithful for every Sunday and holyday of the year.

Fr Savino suffered a stroke while on holidays inIreland and moved to Marian House in 1999where he died on 7 October 2015. He is buriedin the Spiritan plot, Dardistown Cemetery.

October 8th

RODGERS, Fr Denis1923-2010

Fr Denis Rodgers was born inMonkstown, Co Dublin on 22September 1923. Havingcompleted his secondary school studies at C.B.S.Dún Laoghaire, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1942 and was professed on 8September 1943. He studied philosophy atKimmage Manor from 1943 to 1946 and, havingreceived his B.A. from U.C.D., he prefected inRockwell for the next two years. He returned toKimmage Manor to study theology from 1948-52. Denis was ordained to the priesthood on 15July 1951, and made his consecration to theapostolate on 31 July 1952.

Denis’s mission appointment was to Nigeria andhe arrived in the Onitsha Archdiocese in 1952. Adeeply spiritual man, he was engaged ineducational work for the next 15 years primarily

at the Abbot secondary college in Ihiala. Duringthe Biafran war he did pastoral and relief workbefore being obliged to leave the country at theend of the war in 1970.

After a spell in Trenton Diocese in the U.S., heministered for well over two decades in the verychallenging environment of Papua New Guinea.He brought immense dedication to his work ofevangelization and pastoral ministry at Mt.Hagen where he built St Paul’s church. He alsobuilt four other mission-churches outside of thetown in the surrounding countryside. He movedto the Gulf province in 1979 where he becamevicar general of the diocese and pastor atKamina, an isolated hinterland mission,accessible only by small plane. With no roads ofany kind in the parish he moved around in asmall aluminium dinghy or by canoe when fuelwas low. He wrote in 1996 that ‘I am the onlyIrish Spiritan working here in the Diocese ofKerema, the last of the team who took up workhere in 1978. I am happy to continue as long as Ican in the hope that somebody might opt for theKerema challenge and all that is implied in that.’

Returning to Ireland in 1999, Fr Denis spent thefirst years of retirement in the Blackrockcommunity before moving to Marian House,Kimmage in 2005. He died on 8 October 2010and is buried in the Spiritan plot, DardistownCemetery.

October 9th

WARD, Fr Cyril A.1916-2006

Fr Cyril was born in Kilbrackey,Dungannon, Co Tyrone, on 22September 1916. After completinghis secondary schooling in St Patrick’s College,Dungannon, he entered the novitiate in Kilshanein 1936 and was professed on 8 September 1937.After studying philosophy at Kimmage in 1939 hewas assigned to St Mary’s college, Trinidad, as aprefect at the beginning of the Second World War.This assignment would last for four years until1943, when he, along with two other prefects,managed to return safely to Ireland. Cyril studied

OCTOBER

123

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 123

Page 132: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

theology in Kimmage Manor and was ordained tothe priesthood on 14 July 1946. Following hisconsecration to the apostolate, on 1 August 1947,he was appointed to Trinidad in the same year.

Cyril was appointed initially to Fatima Collegeas dean of discipline and games master but a yearlater he was back in St Mary’s College andremained there until 1956. While at St Mary’s hebegan to help Fr John English at St John’s Parish,Diego Martin, on weekends and in 1957 parishwork won out and Cyril succeeded Fr English asparish priest. While there, he built the Petit Valleyboys primary school and the presbytery of StAnthony’s Church. After six years at St John’s hewas appointed parish priest of St Anthony’s andbuilt the Church of the Nativity at CrystalStream. In 1976 he transferred to Our Lady ofFatima, Curepe Parish, and remained there until1982. He then moved to St Peter’s Parish,Mayaro, where he remained until his retirementin 1985. After 14 years in school work and 28 asa very active parish priest, Cyril became aresident of the Spiritan House community inTrinidad. Before old age began to catch up withhim he could be often seen driving off in his carto help out with retreats, school confessions andmasses in various parishes.

Fr Cyril had the gift of friendship throughout hislife and, up until three months before his death,a constant stream of visitors to his room becamepart of the landscape of Spiritan House. He diedthere peacefully after a long illness on Monday9 October 2006.

October 9th

LEAHY, Fr Francis1921-2012

Fr Francis Leahy (Frank) wasborn in Milltown Malbay, CoClare, on 15 January 1921. Hemoved with his family to Bath in England wherehe spent his early childhood. He moved back toDublin and completed his secondary schoolstudies in St Mary’s College, Rathmines, andClongowes Wood before he entered the Spiritannovitiate at Kilshane, where he was professed on

13 October 1940. Following his philosophystudies in Kimmage Manor, Frank spent threeyears as a prefect in Trinidad – during World WarII – after which he returned to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained to the priesthood on11 July 1948 and made his consecration to theapostolate on 31 July 1949.

Frank’s mission appointment was to the districtof Owerri in Nigeria where he ministered forover twenty years in the parishes of Umuahia,Ogboka and St Paul’s. Expelled in 1970 duringthe Biafran war, after being condemned to sixmonths hard labour, he then spent some time inSierra Leone and in Blackrock College beforemoving to the Gambia in 1974.

When illness forced him to leave Africa he spenta short period in the U.S. before being appointedto the Blackrock Community in January 1980where he would spend the next thirty years. Hisvarious roles included assistant dean, teacher andlibrary assistant. During this period he alsoserved as chaplain in Clonskeagh Hospital whereit is said he was always paratus ad omnia. In2010 he moved to Kimmage Manor where hedied peacefully in Marian House on 9 October2012. Fr Frank is buried in the Spiritan plot,Dardistown Cemetery, Dublin.

October 10th

O’DRISCOLL,Fr Timothy1910-2012

Fr Timothy O’Driscoll (Tim) wasborn on Valentia Island, Co Kerryon 13 March 1910. After his secondary schoolstudies at Blackrock College he entered thenovitiate in Kimmage. He was professed on 3September 1930. Following his philosophystudies in Kimmage, Tim prefected in BlackrockCollege 1933-5 after which he returned toKimmage to study theology. He was ordained tothe priesthood on 11 July 1938 by Bishop FrancisWall and made his consecration to the apostolateon 11 July 1939.

Tim’s mission appointment was to Rockwell

OCTOBER

124

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 124

theology in Kimmage Manor and was ordained tothe priesthood on 14 July 1946. Following hisconsecration to the apostolate, on 1 August 1947,he was appointed to Trinidad in the same year.

Cyril was appointed initially to Fatima Collegeas dean of discipline and games master but a yearlater he was back in St Mary’s College andremained there until 1956. While at St Mary’s hebegan to help Fr John English at St John’s Parish,Diego Martin, on weekends and in 1957 parishwork won out and Cyril succeeded Fr English asparish priest. While there, he built the Petit Valleyboys primary school and the presbytery of StAnthony’s Church. After six years at St John’s hewas appointed parish priest of St Anthony’s andbuilt the Church of the Nativity at CrystalStream. In 1976 he transferred to Our Lady ofFatima, Curepe Parish, and remained there until1982. He then moved to St Peter’s Parish,Mayaro, where he remained until his retirementin 1985. After 14 years in school work and 28 asa very active parish priest, Cyril became aresident of the Spiritan House community inTrinidad. Before old age began to catch up withhim he could be often seen driving off in his carto help out with retreats, school confessions andmasses in various parishes.

Fr Cyril had the gift of friendship throughout hislife and, up until three months before his death,a constant stream of visitors to his room becamepart of the landscape of Spiritan House. He diedthere peacefully after a long illness on Monday9 October 2006.

October 9th

LEAHY, Fr Francis1921-2012

Fr Francis Leahy (Frank) wasborn in Milltown Malbay, CoClare, on 15 January 1921. Hemoved with his family to Bath in England wherehe spent his early childhood. He moved back toDublin and completed his secondary schoolstudies in St Mary’s College, Rathmines, andClongowes Wood before he entered the Spiritannovitiate at Kilshane, where he was professed on

13 October 1940. Following his philosophystudies in Kimmage Manor, Frank spent threeyears as a prefect in Trinidad – during World WarII – after which he returned to Kimmage to studytheology. He was ordained to the priesthood on11 July 1948 and made his consecration to theapostolate on 31 July 1949.

Frank’s mission appointment was to the districtof Owerri in Nigeria where he ministered forover twenty years in the parishes of Umuahia,Ogboka and St Paul’s. Expelled in 1970 duringthe Biafran war, after being condemned to sixmonths hard labour, he then spent some time inSierra Leone and in Blackrock College beforemoving to the Gambia in 1974.

When illness forced him to leave Africa he spenta short period in the U.S. before being appointedto the Blackrock Community in January 1980where he would spend the next thirty years. Hisvarious roles included assistant dean, teacher andlibrary assistant. During this period he alsoserved as chaplain in Clonskeagh Hospital whereit is said he was always paratus ad omnia. In2010 he moved to Kimmage Manor where hedied peacefully in Marian House on 9 October2012. Fr Frank is buried in the Spiritan plot,Dardistown Cemetery, Dublin.

October 10th

O’DRISCOLL,Fr Timothy1910-2012

Fr Timothy O’Driscoll (Tim) wasborn on Valentia Island, Co Kerryon 13 March 1910. After his secondary schoolstudies at Blackrock College he entered thenovitiate in Kimmage. He was professed on 3September 1930. Following his philosophystudies in Kimmage, Tim prefected in BlackrockCollege 1933-5 after which he returned toKimmage to study theology. He was ordained tothe priesthood on 11 July 1938 by Bishop FrancisWall and made his consecration to the apostolateon 11 July 1939.

Tim’s mission appointment was to Rockwell

OCTOBER

124

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 124

Page 133: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

College where he served as dean of disciplinefrom 1939 to 1942 and then as bursar until 1947.The latter was a particularly challenging role asthat period covered the closing years of WorldWar II and its immediate aftermath with itsattendant rationing and shortages. His success inthis difficult and demanding position was suchthat he was then appointed to Kimmage Manorwhere he served as provincial procurator from1948 until 1952 before becoming superior in1956. He was also director of the missionpromotions from 1950-6.

Tim became provincial superior of the IrishProvince in 1956, a position he held until 1965.In the year before he took office, 39 priests wereordained for the province – a record never beforeor since equalled. During his period asprovincial, as well as seeing to the works of theprovince in Ireland, East and West Africa andTrinidad, two new projects were undertaken – theestablishment of the Neil McNeil High School inToronto and the sending of the first Irishconfreres to Brazil in 1963.

After his nine years as provincial he wasappointed superior of the Blackrock Communityand president of the college from 1965 to 1971.When his term of office in Blackrock ended hereturned to Rockwell. He immediately offeredhis services to the school and returned to theclassroom, giving classes in economics andbusiness studies. He taught for several yearsbefore retiring and then returned to one of hisfirst loves – gardening; making his way each dayto the flower gardens where he spent many happyhours.

Although Tim ministered exclusively in Irelandhis concern for the confrères on overseas missionwas deep and sincere. Many Spiritanmissionaries working in isolated and hard toreach places remember the efforts he made tovisit and encourage them in their ministry.

Fr Timothy moved to Kimmage Manor in 2008where he died in Marian House on 10 October2012 at the age of 102. He is buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

October 10th

KEEGAN, Fr Patrick1926–2013

Fr Patrick Keegan (Patsy) wasborn in Cork City on 16 March1926. After his secondary schoolstudies in Sullivan’s Quay C.B.S. in Cork andRockwell College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he was professed in 1945. Heprefected in Rockwell College in 1948-9 and inSt Michael’s College in 1949-50. He completedhis B.A. in philosophy in U.C.D. in 1948, and ahigher diploma in education two years later.

Following completion of his theology studies inKimmage Manor, Patsy was ordained to thepriesthood in Clonliffe College in July 1953. Hisfirst appointment was to Nigeria. In 1954 he wasvice principal of Achina Teacher TrainingCollege in Onitsha and served as principal therefrom 1955 to 1958. The following year heministered in a parish in Enugu before becomingdean and later vice principal in Christ the KingCollege in Onitsha where he served until 1966.

Returning to Ireland in 1966, he was director ofvocations for a short period before moving toTempleogue College as a teacher/counsellor in1967. In 1970 he became director of the BetterWorld Retreat Movement before returning toTempleogue College in the mid 1970s to take upa position in career guidance in which he had justcompleted a diploma in UCD. He also completedan M.A. course in scripture/counselling inChicago’s Loyola University in 1979.

In 1981 Patsy was appointed to Brazil andremained there until 2010. He worked in apastoral role in Vilar dos Teles, in the diocese ofS.J. de Meriti, Rio de Janerio, for over 20 yearsbefore moving to the neighbouring diocese ofItaguai where he ministered principally in theparish of Santa Therese but also for a shorterperiod in the parish of St Paul the Apostle.

He moved back to Ireland in 2010 and spent over ayear in the Templeogue community before retiringto Marian House in November 2011 where he diedon 10 October 2013. Fr Patrick is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

OCTOBER

125

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 125

College where he served as dean of disciplinefrom 1939 to 1942 and then as bursar until 1947.The latter was a particularly challenging role asthat period covered the closing years of WorldWar II and its immediate aftermath with itsattendant rationing and shortages. His success inthis difficult and demanding position was suchthat he was then appointed to Kimmage Manorwhere he served as provincial procurator from1948 until 1952 before becoming superior in1956. He was also director of the missionpromotions from 1950-6.

Tim became provincial superior of the IrishProvince in 1956, a position he held until 1965.In the year before he took office, 39 priests wereordained for the province – a record never beforeor since equalled. During his period asprovincial, as well as seeing to the works of theprovince in Ireland, East and West Africa andTrinidad, two new projects were undertaken – theestablishment of the Neil McNeil High School inToronto and the sending of the first Irishconfreres to Brazil in 1963.

After his nine years as provincial he wasappointed superior of the Blackrock Communityand president of the college from 1965 to 1971.When his term of office in Blackrock ended hereturned to Rockwell. He immediately offeredhis services to the school and returned to theclassroom, giving classes in economics andbusiness studies. He taught for several yearsbefore retiring and then returned to one of hisfirst loves – gardening; making his way each dayto the flower gardens where he spent many happyhours.

Although Tim ministered exclusively in Irelandhis concern for the confrères on overseas missionwas deep and sincere. Many Spiritanmissionaries working in isolated and hard toreach places remember the efforts he made tovisit and encourage them in their ministry.

Fr Timothy moved to Kimmage Manor in 2008where he died in Marian House on 10 October2012 at the age of 102. He is buried in thecommunity cemetery in Rockwell College.

October 10th

KEEGAN, Fr Patrick1926–2013

Fr Patrick Keegan (Patsy) wasborn in Cork City on 16 March1926. After his secondary schoolstudies in Sullivan’s Quay C.B.S. in Cork andRockwell College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he was professed in 1945. Heprefected in Rockwell College in 1948-9 and inSt Michael’s College in 1949-50. He completedhis B.A. in philosophy in U.C.D. in 1948, and ahigher diploma in education two years later.

Following completion of his theology studies inKimmage Manor, Patsy was ordained to thepriesthood in Clonliffe College in July 1953. Hisfirst appointment was to Nigeria. In 1954 he wasvice principal of Achina Teacher TrainingCollege in Onitsha and served as principal therefrom 1955 to 1958. The following year heministered in a parish in Enugu before becomingdean and later vice principal in Christ the KingCollege in Onitsha where he served until 1966.

Returning to Ireland in 1966, he was director ofvocations for a short period before moving toTempleogue College as a teacher/counsellor in1967. In 1970 he became director of the BetterWorld Retreat Movement before returning toTempleogue College in the mid 1970s to take upa position in career guidance in which he had justcompleted a diploma in UCD. He also completedan M.A. course in scripture/counselling inChicago’s Loyola University in 1979.

In 1981 Patsy was appointed to Brazil andremained there until 2010. He worked in apastoral role in Vilar dos Teles, in the diocese ofS.J. de Meriti, Rio de Janerio, for over 20 yearsbefore moving to the neighbouring diocese ofItaguai where he ministered principally in theparish of Santa Therese but also for a shorterperiod in the parish of St Paul the Apostle.

He moved back to Ireland in 2010 and spent over ayear in the Templeogue community before retiringto Marian House in November 2011 where he diedon 10 October 2013. Fr Patrick is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

OCTOBER

125

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 125

Page 134: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

October 11th

McGRANE, Fr Michael Anthony1916-1999

Fr Michael McGrane was born on4 December 1916 in Ballintra,Co. Donegal and completed his secondarystudies in Rockwell College, 1930-35. Havingentered the novitiate in Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1936. He prefected on the Burse,1937-39, and secured the BA degree in 1941.Ordained priest in 1944 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria. Assigned to theOnitsha-Owerri region he served in pastoralwork at Nsukka for two years and was thenappointed inspector of schools while stillstationed at Nsukka. In 1952 he resumed pastoralwork serving at Enugu. On account of the Biafracivil war he returned to Ireland in 1967 and wasappointed in 1968 to serve in parish work inBrighton, England.

After two years he was recalled to Ireland andwas appointed to Greenhills Parish, where heremained until 1974. He then transferred to hisbeloved native diocese of Raphoe and served inBallintra, 1975-77, Glencolumcille, 1978-82. Heformed a successful team with the charismatic FrJames McDyer, who could trust his flock to thisamiable and dependable assistant while he wasable to devote much more time to improving thematerial and social needs of the people of theGlen.

Michael’s final appointment was toMountcharles, 1983-88. In failing health heretired to Kimmage in September 1998 and diedin Marian House on 11 October 1999 aged 83years. He was described as being gentle,courteous, friendly and good-humoured to all hecame in contact with. Fr Michael was buried inBallintra Cemetery, Co. Donegal.

October 11th

WOULFE, Fr Richard1919-2003

Fr Richard Woulfe (Dick) wasborn at Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick,on 9 December 1919. After thecompletion of his secondary school studies atRockwell Juniorate he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on10 September 1938. In 1944 he was awarded aB.A. in philosophy by UCD. He prefected atBlackrock College during the years 1939-42 andwas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1947.The following year he made his consecration tothe apostolate on 30 July 1948.

Dick’s first appointment was to the Gambiawhere he was engaged doing pastoral ministry atBanjul for a decade. Illness took him back toIreland in 1958 and from there he went toMontana, Switzerland, to be treated fortuberculosis. In 1960 when he had recovered hewas appointed to Kenya and his first postingthere was at Kilimambogo Teachers Collegewhere he taught for nine years. In 1969 he beganwork in Nairobi in the parishes of Makadara andBuruburu. During this time he worked onbuilding good relations with Hindus, Sikhs andMuslims. All visitors were made feel welcomeand special. He took enormous interest in thework of those he met and everyone’s storyinterested him.

In 1999, he was appointed chaplain to Nyumbaya Wazee Ruaraka (Little Sisters of the Poor)where he worked until 2001 after which heretired to the Holy Ghost Fathers house inNairobi. He died after a very short illness at theMater Hospital, Nairobi, on 11 October 2003. FrRichard is buried in St Austin’s Cemetery.

OCTOBER

126

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 126

October 11th

McGRANE, Fr Michael Anthony1916-1999

Fr Michael McGrane was born on4 December 1916 in Ballintra,Co. Donegal and completed his secondarystudies in Rockwell College, 1930-35. Havingentered the novitiate in Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1936. He prefected on the Burse,1937-39, and secured the BA degree in 1941.Ordained priest in 1944 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria. Assigned to theOnitsha-Owerri region he served in pastoralwork at Nsukka for two years and was thenappointed inspector of schools while stillstationed at Nsukka. In 1952 he resumed pastoralwork serving at Enugu. On account of the Biafracivil war he returned to Ireland in 1967 and wasappointed in 1968 to serve in parish work inBrighton, England.

After two years he was recalled to Ireland andwas appointed to Greenhills Parish, where heremained until 1974. He then transferred to hisbeloved native diocese of Raphoe and served inBallintra, 1975-77, Glencolumcille, 1978-82. Heformed a successful team with the charismatic FrJames McDyer, who could trust his flock to thisamiable and dependable assistant while he wasable to devote much more time to improving thematerial and social needs of the people of theGlen.

Michael’s final appointment was toMountcharles, 1983-88. In failing health heretired to Kimmage in September 1998 and diedin Marian House on 11 October 1999 aged 83years. He was described as being gentle,courteous, friendly and good-humoured to all hecame in contact with. Fr Michael was buried inBallintra Cemetery, Co. Donegal.

October 11th

WOULFE, Fr Richard1919-2003

Fr Richard Woulfe (Dick) wasborn at Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick,on 9 December 1919. After thecompletion of his secondary school studies atRockwell Juniorate he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on10 September 1938. In 1944 he was awarded aB.A. in philosophy by UCD. He prefected atBlackrock College during the years 1939-42 andwas ordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1947.The following year he made his consecration tothe apostolate on 30 July 1948.

Dick’s first appointment was to the Gambiawhere he was engaged doing pastoral ministry atBanjul for a decade. Illness took him back toIreland in 1958 and from there he went toMontana, Switzerland, to be treated fortuberculosis. In 1960 when he had recovered hewas appointed to Kenya and his first postingthere was at Kilimambogo Teachers Collegewhere he taught for nine years. In 1969 he beganwork in Nairobi in the parishes of Makadara andBuruburu. During this time he worked onbuilding good relations with Hindus, Sikhs andMuslims. All visitors were made feel welcomeand special. He took enormous interest in thework of those he met and everyone’s storyinterested him.

In 1999, he was appointed chaplain to Nyumbaya Wazee Ruaraka (Little Sisters of the Poor)where he worked until 2001 after which heretired to the Holy Ghost Fathers house inNairobi. He died after a very short illness at theMater Hospital, Nairobi, on 11 October 2003. FrRichard is buried in St Austin’s Cemetery.

OCTOBER

126

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 126

Page 135: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

October 12th

McCABE, Fr Francis1922-2014

Fr Francis McCabe (Frank) wasborn on 16 September 1922 inBallybay, Co Monaghan. Hecompleted his secondary school education at StMacarten’s College, Monaghan. He made hisfirst profession on 4 October 1943 and wasordained to the priesthood in 1950. He wasawarded a B.Sc. in chemistry and physics in1942 and M.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1946 fromU.C.D. He also studied for a music teacher’sdiploma at the Leinster School of Music. Inaddition to this he prefected in Rockwell from1943 to 1945 and taught at Blackrock College,1951-2.

Frank was appointed to Nigeria in 1952 wherehe served in the Christ King College, Onitshauntil 1962 and he then held down teachingpositions in Adazi and Ifite Ukpo until 1967.Following this he spent a year engaged in parishministry in Bradford, England before returningto Ireland in 1968 to take up a teachingappointment at St Mary’s College Rathmines.However he was re-assigned to Canada thefollowing year. In Canada he served in HolySpirit Parish, Edmonton, from 1969 until 1971after which he accepted a position in St Ambroseparish in Coaldale and later in Calgary, Carstairsand Bieseker; all Alberta parishes in westernCanada. During this period he also held theposition of director of the Spiritan residence inEdmonton.

He retired in Edmonton in April 1991 but laterreturned to Toronto and was a member of theLaval Community in 2000. Frank was known forhis fondness for reading, the simplicity of his life,his great musical ability and his openness to newtechnology – he took up the iPad at the age of 90!However he had his problems as his eyesightbegan to weaken and he suffered severe deafness.Nonetheless, as a man of prayer, his rosary beadswere never far from his hand. Fr Frank died on12 October 2014 at Bridgepoint Hospital,Toronto, and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto, Canada.

October 14th

WHELAN, Fr William A. 1917-1999

Fr William Whelan (Bill) wasborn on 10 April 1917 inLimerick and completed hissecondary studies at St Munchin’s College,Limerick; he entered the Congregation in 1937.Professed in 1938 he prefected at Blackrock,1940-42.

Ordained priest in 1945 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria. He began work atUmahia and remained there except for a briefinterruption till 1949.

Thereafter he served in the newly formedDiocese of Owerri with Bishop Joe Whelan, hiscousin, in charge. Bill served successively atMbutu-Okalia and Nsu before being appointedpastor of Obowo in 1950 where he served for twoyears. Transferred in 1952 to the new parish ofOsu he worked there until 1955.

Returned to Ireland he took up duties in theMissionary Annals office where he worked till1960. He then received an appointment toArdbraccan where he worked for ten years withthe printing press which was there at the time. Healso spent one year in Mount Melleray. InDecember 1970 he received an appointment tothe USA where he worked until November 1981.During this time he became deeply interested inthe history of the church. He retired to live withhis family in Limerick. It was there he died on14 October 1999 aged 83 years. Friendly andgood- humoured, Bill’s company was lively andplayful. His humour was infectious andchallenging. He had a deep devotion to the Mass.Fr Bill is buried in St Lawrence’s Cemetery,Limerick.

OCTOBER

127

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 127

October 12th

McCABE, Fr Francis1922-2014

Fr Francis McCabe (Frank) wasborn on 16 September 1922 inBallybay, Co Monaghan. Hecompleted his secondary school education at StMacarten’s College, Monaghan. He made hisfirst profession on 4 October 1943 and wasordained to the priesthood in 1950. He wasawarded a B.Sc. in chemistry and physics in1942 and M.Sc. in Biochemistry in 1946 fromU.C.D. He also studied for a music teacher’sdiploma at the Leinster School of Music. Inaddition to this he prefected in Rockwell from1943 to 1945 and taught at Blackrock College,1951-2.

Frank was appointed to Nigeria in 1952 wherehe served in the Christ King College, Onitshauntil 1962 and he then held down teachingpositions in Adazi and Ifite Ukpo until 1967.Following this he spent a year engaged in parishministry in Bradford, England before returningto Ireland in 1968 to take up a teachingappointment at St Mary’s College Rathmines.However he was re-assigned to Canada thefollowing year. In Canada he served in HolySpirit Parish, Edmonton, from 1969 until 1971after which he accepted a position in St Ambroseparish in Coaldale and later in Calgary, Carstairsand Bieseker; all Alberta parishes in westernCanada. During this period he also held theposition of director of the Spiritan residence inEdmonton.

He retired in Edmonton in April 1991 but laterreturned to Toronto and was a member of theLaval Community in 2000. Frank was known forhis fondness for reading, the simplicity of his life,his great musical ability and his openness to newtechnology – he took up the iPad at the age of 90!However he had his problems as his eyesightbegan to weaken and he suffered severe deafness.Nonetheless, as a man of prayer, his rosary beadswere never far from his hand. Fr Frank died on12 October 2014 at Bridgepoint Hospital,Toronto, and was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery,Toronto, Canada.

October 14th

WHELAN, Fr William A. 1917-1999

Fr William Whelan (Bill) wasborn on 10 April 1917 inLimerick and completed hissecondary studies at St Munchin’s College,Limerick; he entered the Congregation in 1937.Professed in 1938 he prefected at Blackrock,1940-42.

Ordained priest in 1945 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria. He began work atUmahia and remained there except for a briefinterruption till 1949.

Thereafter he served in the newly formedDiocese of Owerri with Bishop Joe Whelan, hiscousin, in charge. Bill served successively atMbutu-Okalia and Nsu before being appointedpastor of Obowo in 1950 where he served for twoyears. Transferred in 1952 to the new parish ofOsu he worked there until 1955.

Returned to Ireland he took up duties in theMissionary Annals office where he worked till1960. He then received an appointment toArdbraccan where he worked for ten years withthe printing press which was there at the time. Healso spent one year in Mount Melleray. InDecember 1970 he received an appointment tothe USA where he worked until November 1981.During this time he became deeply interested inthe history of the church. He retired to live withhis family in Limerick. It was there he died on14 October 1999 aged 83 years. Friendly andgood- humoured, Bill’s company was lively andplayful. His humour was infectious andchallenging. He had a deep devotion to the Mass.Fr Bill is buried in St Lawrence’s Cemetery,Limerick.

OCTOBER

127

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 127

Page 136: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

October 15th

COMER, Fr Peter Vincent1933-2002

Fr Peter Comer (Vinny) was bornat Lakefield, Ballina, Co Mayo,on 3 July 1933. After his secondary schoolstudies at C.B.S. Naas, he entered Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1951. He was awarded a B.Sc. in1954 and a B.A. in 1956 by U.C.D. He prefectedin Blackrock College during 1956-7. Vinny thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 10 July 1960. Hemade his consecration to the apostolate on 4August 1960.

Vinny’s first appointment was to the Gambiawhere he was employed as a teacher at StAugustine’s High School in Banjul. In 1973 hereturned to Ireland and studied for the HigherDiploma in Education at Maynooth College. Thefollowing year he spent doing pastoral work inCalifornia, U.S.A. His capacity for rememberingpeople was well known. He maintainedfriendships in a most astonishing and loyal wayfrom boyhood and kept in touch with hundredsby post and annual newsletter. In 1975 hereturned to the Gambia teaching – this time at StPeter’s High School, Lamin. After many years ofteaching Vinny served as a member of theCatholic Secretariat of the Banjul Diocese.

In 1999 Vinny returned to Ireland and, after ashort sabbatical at Marianella, was appointedsuperior of the Ardbraccan community. Due tothe deterioration of his health he retired toMarian House on 6 August 2002 and died thereon 15 October 2002. On hearing of his deathPresident Yahya Jammeh wrote that, with theimmense contribution Vinny made to Gambia’seducational and sports development, both as ateacher and a sport official at almost all nationalathletic meetings, ensured that he became ahousehold name throughout the country. Fr Peteris buried in Dardistown Cemetery. In 2003 hewas awarded, posthumously, the award of theOrder of the Republic of the Gambia, O.R.G. andMember of the Republic of the Gambia M.R.G.

for his service and efforts in promoting social andeconomic development in that country.

October 15th

MORIARTY, Fr John James1928-2014

Fr John Moriarty was born inAughacasla, Castlegregory, CoKerry on 7 January 1928. His family later movedto Kilgraigue, Kilcloon, Co Meath. Hecompleted his secondary school education inO’Connell CBS in Dublin. He then entered theNovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession in 1947. Following this he studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and was awardeda B.A. by UCD in 1950. He then prefected inTrinidad for a three-year period. He returned toKimmage to study theology and was ordained tothe priesthood in Dublin in July 1956.

John’s first appointment was to Nigeria where heworked as a teacher and administrator in StTheresa’s Secondary School, Nsukka from 1957to 1961. He was then appointed principal of thenew St Mary’s High School at Ifite-Ukpo nearOgidi. He subsequently served in pastoralministry in Sacred Heart Parish in Onitsha. In1967 he went to London where he worked as ateacher and chaplain for the next six years.During this period he also completed a diplomain Catechetics in Corpus Christi College. He thenspent a short period as a school chaplain inMontreal. Following on from this John wasappointed to Ghana in the mid-1970s. He wasinitially based in Navrongo near the border withBurkina Faso, where he worked as a teacher andchaplain before moving to Kumasi in 1978. Hewent on to be principal superior in Ghana from1981 to 1985.

John was appointed director of the SpiritanFormation House in Pietermaritzburg in thearchdiocese of Durban in 1986. He was basedthere for a number of years before he moved tothe U.K. After an initial period spent as chaplainto overseas students in London, he worked inpastoral ministry in Carfin Community in

OCTOBER

128

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 128

October 15th

COMER, Fr Peter Vincent1933-2002

Fr Peter Comer (Vinny) was bornat Lakefield, Ballina, Co Mayo,on 3 July 1933. After his secondary schoolstudies at C.B.S. Naas, he entered Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1951. He was awarded a B.Sc. in1954 and a B.A. in 1956 by U.C.D. He prefectedin Blackrock College during 1956-7. Vinny thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 10 July 1960. Hemade his consecration to the apostolate on 4August 1960.

Vinny’s first appointment was to the Gambiawhere he was employed as a teacher at StAugustine’s High School in Banjul. In 1973 hereturned to Ireland and studied for the HigherDiploma in Education at Maynooth College. Thefollowing year he spent doing pastoral work inCalifornia, U.S.A. His capacity for rememberingpeople was well known. He maintainedfriendships in a most astonishing and loyal wayfrom boyhood and kept in touch with hundredsby post and annual newsletter. In 1975 hereturned to the Gambia teaching – this time at StPeter’s High School, Lamin. After many years ofteaching Vinny served as a member of theCatholic Secretariat of the Banjul Diocese.

In 1999 Vinny returned to Ireland and, after ashort sabbatical at Marianella, was appointedsuperior of the Ardbraccan community. Due tothe deterioration of his health he retired toMarian House on 6 August 2002 and died thereon 15 October 2002. On hearing of his deathPresident Yahya Jammeh wrote that, with theimmense contribution Vinny made to Gambia’seducational and sports development, both as ateacher and a sport official at almost all nationalathletic meetings, ensured that he became ahousehold name throughout the country. Fr Peteris buried in Dardistown Cemetery. In 2003 hewas awarded, posthumously, the award of theOrder of the Republic of the Gambia, O.R.G. andMember of the Republic of the Gambia M.R.G.

for his service and efforts in promoting social andeconomic development in that country.

October 15th

MORIARTY, Fr John James1928-2014

Fr John Moriarty was born inAughacasla, Castlegregory, CoKerry on 7 January 1928. His family later movedto Kilgraigue, Kilcloon, Co Meath. Hecompleted his secondary school education inO’Connell CBS in Dublin. He then entered theNovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession in 1947. Following this he studiedphilosophy in Kimmage Manor and was awardeda B.A. by UCD in 1950. He then prefected inTrinidad for a three-year period. He returned toKimmage to study theology and was ordained tothe priesthood in Dublin in July 1956.

John’s first appointment was to Nigeria where heworked as a teacher and administrator in StTheresa’s Secondary School, Nsukka from 1957to 1961. He was then appointed principal of thenew St Mary’s High School at Ifite-Ukpo nearOgidi. He subsequently served in pastoralministry in Sacred Heart Parish in Onitsha. In1967 he went to London where he worked as ateacher and chaplain for the next six years.During this period he also completed a diplomain Catechetics in Corpus Christi College. He thenspent a short period as a school chaplain inMontreal. Following on from this John wasappointed to Ghana in the mid-1970s. He wasinitially based in Navrongo near the border withBurkina Faso, where he worked as a teacher andchaplain before moving to Kumasi in 1978. Hewent on to be principal superior in Ghana from1981 to 1985.

John was appointed director of the SpiritanFormation House in Pietermaritzburg in thearchdiocese of Durban in 1986. He was basedthere for a number of years before he moved tothe U.K. After an initial period spent as chaplainto overseas students in London, he worked inpastoral ministry in Carfin Community in

OCTOBER

128

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 128

Page 137: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Scotland; 1994-6, Doncaster; 1996-2001 andNew Barnet; 2002– 6.

Fr John was appointed to the KimmageCommunity in 2007 and moved to Marian Housethe following year. He died on 15 October 2014and was buried in the Old Cemetery, Kilcloon,Co Meath.

October 16th

THORNTON, Fr Richard1925-2016

Fr Richard Thornton (Dick) wasborn on 26 July 1925 inKenilworth Park, Rathgar,Dublin. He attended St Louis’ National School,Rathmines, and Synge Street C.B.S. beforeleaving in early 1941 to spend over two yearsworking as a draper’s apprentice. Aged 18, hewent to the junior scholasticate in Rockwell fora year and entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1944. He was professed the following year andhe moved to Kimmage to study philosophy andtheology. He was awarded a B.A. in philosophyby U.C.D and prefected in the bursar’s office inKimmage Manor from 1946 to 1948. Dick wasordained in 1953 in Clonliffe College, Dublin.

Dick’s first appointment was to Nigeria where heserved in a number of positions in the diocese ofOwerri. These included in Okpala as a primaryschool inspector, as Brothers’ novice-master inUturu (Okigwe) and subsequently in teachingroles in Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt, andat Bishop Shanahan Teacher-Training College inOrlu. He then spent a year, 1959-60, as assistantnovice-master in Kilshane before returning toNigeria in 1961. In his second stint in the westAfrican country, he became engaged in pastoralministry and also served as rector of UmuowaMinor Seminary in Orlu until his deportation(with many others) in 1970.

After a short period spent in South Africa, Dickmoved to Malawi in mid-1971. Consequentlyother than a year spent in Rome in the early1980s, he remained in this central Africancountry until 1998 combining studying and

teaching in the Pius XII Junior Seminary inLimbe with the additional roles of chaplaincyand parish ministry. He was appointed toBlackrock in late1998, having spent the previousmonths ministering in England. He remainedactive as a chaplain for well over a decade,serving a number of Dublin hospitals. He workedon the photographic collection in the provincialarchives from 2003 to 2010. Fr Richard diedsuddenly on 16 October 2016 in Dublin CityCentre and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

October 17th

O’BOYLE, Fr Anthony Oliver1950-2001

Fr Anthony O’Boyle (Tony) wasborn in Shragraddy, Bangor-Erris, Ballina, Co Mayo, on 8 July 1950. Tonyattended secondary school at St. Muredach’sCollege, Ballina. His first profession was inKilshane on 8 September 1970. Following hisphilosophy studies at Milltown Park he prefectedfor two years in Rockwell College (1972-4).Following this he returned to Kimmage Manorto study theology and was ordained to thepriesthood on 19 June 1977.

The year after his ordination he studieddevelopment education in the DevelopmentStudies Centre at Kimmage Manor. Tony’s firstappointment was in 1978 to Sierra Leone. Hewas employed in parish ministry, first atKailahun, and then at Segbwema and Kenema.In 1990 Tony took a sabbatical year at StAnselm’s in England and then returned to SierraLeone, to serve as spiritual director in the majorseminary at Makeni. He remained at Makeniuntil the seminary was closed due to the civil warand, after 14 years in Sierra Leone Tony returnedto Ireland in 1995. He then joined the pastoralteam of Bawnogue Parish in Dublin. Two yearslater on Sunday 17 August 1997 the people ofBawnogue celebrated a Mass of thanksgivingand mission for Tony as he prepared to leave theparish.

OCTOBER

129

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 129

Scotland; 1994-6, Doncaster; 1996-2001 andNew Barnet; 2002– 6.

Fr John was appointed to the KimmageCommunity in 2007 and moved to Marian Housethe following year. He died on 15 October 2014and was buried in the Old Cemetery, Kilcloon,Co Meath.

October 16th

THORNTON, Fr Richard1925-2016

Fr Richard Thornton (Dick) wasborn on 26 July 1925 inKenilworth Park, Rathgar,Dublin. He attended St Louis’ National School,Rathmines, and Synge Street C.B.S. beforeleaving in early 1941 to spend over two yearsworking as a draper’s apprentice. Aged 18, hewent to the junior scholasticate in Rockwell fora year and entered the novitiate in Kilshane in1944. He was professed the following year andhe moved to Kimmage to study philosophy andtheology. He was awarded a B.A. in philosophyby U.C.D and prefected in the bursar’s office inKimmage Manor from 1946 to 1948. Dick wasordained in 1953 in Clonliffe College, Dublin.

Dick’s first appointment was to Nigeria where heserved in a number of positions in the diocese ofOwerri. These included in Okpala as a primaryschool inspector, as Brothers’ novice-master inUturu (Okigwe) and subsequently in teachingroles in Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt, andat Bishop Shanahan Teacher-Training College inOrlu. He then spent a year, 1959-60, as assistantnovice-master in Kilshane before returning toNigeria in 1961. In his second stint in the westAfrican country, he became engaged in pastoralministry and also served as rector of UmuowaMinor Seminary in Orlu until his deportation(with many others) in 1970.

After a short period spent in South Africa, Dickmoved to Malawi in mid-1971. Consequentlyother than a year spent in Rome in the early1980s, he remained in this central Africancountry until 1998 combining studying and

teaching in the Pius XII Junior Seminary inLimbe with the additional roles of chaplaincyand parish ministry. He was appointed toBlackrock in late1998, having spent the previousmonths ministering in England. He remainedactive as a chaplain for well over a decade,serving a number of Dublin hospitals. He workedon the photographic collection in the provincialarchives from 2003 to 2010. Fr Richard diedsuddenly on 16 October 2016 in Dublin CityCentre and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

October 17th

O’BOYLE, Fr Anthony Oliver1950-2001

Fr Anthony O’Boyle (Tony) wasborn in Shragraddy, Bangor-Erris, Ballina, Co Mayo, on 8 July 1950. Tonyattended secondary school at St. Muredach’sCollege, Ballina. His first profession was inKilshane on 8 September 1970. Following hisphilosophy studies at Milltown Park he prefectedfor two years in Rockwell College (1972-4).Following this he returned to Kimmage Manorto study theology and was ordained to thepriesthood on 19 June 1977.

The year after his ordination he studieddevelopment education in the DevelopmentStudies Centre at Kimmage Manor. Tony’s firstappointment was in 1978 to Sierra Leone. Hewas employed in parish ministry, first atKailahun, and then at Segbwema and Kenema.In 1990 Tony took a sabbatical year at StAnselm’s in England and then returned to SierraLeone, to serve as spiritual director in the majorseminary at Makeni. He remained at Makeniuntil the seminary was closed due to the civil warand, after 14 years in Sierra Leone Tony returnedto Ireland in 1995. He then joined the pastoralteam of Bawnogue Parish in Dublin. Two yearslater on Sunday 17 August 1997 the people ofBawnogue celebrated a Mass of thanksgivingand mission for Tony as he prepared to leave theparish.

OCTOBER

129

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 129

Page 138: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Shortly after this Tony was appointed to Malawiwhere he served as spiritual director at the InterCongregational Seminary at Balaka for a numberof years. In October 2000, suffering from anembolism, Fr Tony was taken to BlantyreHospital where he died on 17 October 2001 andwas buried on the grounds of Balaka Seminarywhere he had worked.

October 18th

KISSANE, Fr Richard1916-2002

Fr Richard Kissane (Dick) wasborn on 13 November 1916, inKilgarvan, Ballylongford, CoKerry. Following his secondary school studies atRockwell College he joined the congregation atKilshane and was professed in 1936. He thenstudied theology in Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood at Clonliffe Collegeon 15 July 1945.

He then travelled to Louvain, Belgium, tocontinue his studies following which he wasappointed to Mauritius where he served until1958. He then returned to Ireland and taught atSt Mary’s College, Rathmines, but returned againto Africa in 1966 to serve on the faculty of theBigard Seminary in Nigeria until the Biafrancivil war forced his withdrawal in 1970. He thenmoved to Kenya where he worked at St ThomasSeminary until 1972. He then went back toMauritius and took up pastoral ministry in StHelene Parish.

In 1976 he went to the United States and servedas chaplain at St Charles Medical Centre inOregon. He joined the western province of theUnited States and was appointed to Our Lady ofthe Valley Church in Hemet, California, asparochial vicar and chaplain of the hospital.From 1980 until 1988 Dick worked in formationat Houston, Texas, then at the Holy Spirit Churchat Marksville, L.A., then at St John theEvangelist Church and the VeteransAdministration Hospital both in Tucson, Arizona.In 1988 he began a very active retirement at CasaLaval in Hemet, C.A., where he taught adult

bible classes and led the San Carlos MissionCircle with enthusiasm and tireless devotion. Asa young student he had been known for hissteadfast character and athletic prowess and laterin life he was cherished for his wisdom andhumility. His kindness and patience werehallmarks of his ministry. Fr Richard died on 18October 2002 after a long illness at the HemetValley Health Care Facility and was buried at theHoly Ghost Cemetery in Hemet, California.

October 20th

McGANN, Fr James1922-2009

Fr James McGann was born inTerenure, Dublin, on 15September 1922. Following hissecondary school studies at Blackrock College,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1942. He prefected inBlackrock College between 1943 and 1945 andwas awarded a B.A. (Hons) philosophy degreeby U.C.D. in 1947. He studied theology inKimmage and was ordained to the priesthood on16 July 1950. James made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 3 August 1951.

James’ first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1951, and he taught in Freetown until1953. He then transferred to Kenya where hetaught through the Kamba language in Kilungu,Machakos, from 1953 to 1963 and in Kabaa HighSchool, 1963–4. During this period he wasappointed by the bishop to be the father in chargebut was happy when the superior returned whichenabled him to return to the work he excelled in,running the school and teaching.

James suffered most of his life from poor healthand returned to Ireland in 1964 and took up aposition at St Michael’s College where he taughtuntil 1970. Following this he moved to theU.S.A. and worked as a hospital chaplain inBrooklyn, New York, from 1970 to 1971. Headministered pastoral care in the parish ofMiami, Florida, from 1972 to 1973. Jamescontinued his ministry with the Irish Spiritangroup, U.S.A. (East), before joining the Irish

OCTOBER

130

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 130

Shortly after this Tony was appointed to Malawiwhere he served as spiritual director at the InterCongregational Seminary at Balaka for a numberof years. In October 2000, suffering from anembolism, Fr Tony was taken to BlantyreHospital where he died on 17 October 2001 andwas buried on the grounds of Balaka Seminarywhere he had worked.

October 18th

KISSANE, Fr Richard1916-2002

Fr Richard Kissane (Dick) wasborn on 13 November 1916, inKilgarvan, Ballylongford, CoKerry. Following his secondary school studies atRockwell College he joined the congregation atKilshane and was professed in 1936. He thenstudied theology in Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood at Clonliffe Collegeon 15 July 1945.

He then travelled to Louvain, Belgium, tocontinue his studies following which he wasappointed to Mauritius where he served until1958. He then returned to Ireland and taught atSt Mary’s College, Rathmines, but returned againto Africa in 1966 to serve on the faculty of theBigard Seminary in Nigeria until the Biafrancivil war forced his withdrawal in 1970. He thenmoved to Kenya where he worked at St ThomasSeminary until 1972. He then went back toMauritius and took up pastoral ministry in StHelene Parish.

In 1976 he went to the United States and servedas chaplain at St Charles Medical Centre inOregon. He joined the western province of theUnited States and was appointed to Our Lady ofthe Valley Church in Hemet, California, asparochial vicar and chaplain of the hospital.From 1980 until 1988 Dick worked in formationat Houston, Texas, then at the Holy Spirit Churchat Marksville, L.A., then at St John theEvangelist Church and the VeteransAdministration Hospital both in Tucson, Arizona.In 1988 he began a very active retirement at CasaLaval in Hemet, C.A., where he taught adult

bible classes and led the San Carlos MissionCircle with enthusiasm and tireless devotion. Asa young student he had been known for hissteadfast character and athletic prowess and laterin life he was cherished for his wisdom andhumility. His kindness and patience werehallmarks of his ministry. Fr Richard died on 18October 2002 after a long illness at the HemetValley Health Care Facility and was buried at theHoly Ghost Cemetery in Hemet, California.

October 20th

McGANN, Fr James1922-2009

Fr James McGann was born inTerenure, Dublin, on 15September 1922. Following hissecondary school studies at Blackrock College,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on 8 September 1942. He prefected inBlackrock College between 1943 and 1945 andwas awarded a B.A. (Hons) philosophy degreeby U.C.D. in 1947. He studied theology inKimmage and was ordained to the priesthood on16 July 1950. James made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 3 August 1951.

James’ first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1951, and he taught in Freetown until1953. He then transferred to Kenya where hetaught through the Kamba language in Kilungu,Machakos, from 1953 to 1963 and in Kabaa HighSchool, 1963–4. During this period he wasappointed by the bishop to be the father in chargebut was happy when the superior returned whichenabled him to return to the work he excelled in,running the school and teaching.

James suffered most of his life from poor healthand returned to Ireland in 1964 and took up aposition at St Michael’s College where he taughtuntil 1970. Following this he moved to theU.S.A. and worked as a hospital chaplain inBrooklyn, New York, from 1970 to 1971. Headministered pastoral care in the parish ofMiami, Florida, from 1972 to 1973. Jamescontinued his ministry with the Irish Spiritangroup, U.S.A. (East), before joining the Irish

OCTOBER

130

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 130

Page 139: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Spiritans in the San Francisco area in 1991,where he continued on in a variety of pastoraland chaplaincy ministries until his retirement toKimmage in 1998. Fr James died on 20 October2009 at Marian House and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 21st

CONWAY, Fr Patrick 1921-2003

Fr Patrick Conway (Pat) wasborn at Coilmore, Claremorris,Co Mayo on 29 April 1921.Following his secondary school education inClaremorris and Blackrock (Juniorate), heentered the novitiate in Kilshane, where he madehis first profession on 8 September 1941. Aftertwo years studying philosophy at KimmageManor, he prefected at Blackrock College for oneyear, 1943-4. Pat was ordained to the priesthoodon 13 July 1947. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 30 July 1948.

Pat’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1948. During the next twenty-six years, Patministered at Bo, Njala Komboya, Pendembu,Blama and Gerihun. Pat’s contemporaries notedthat he had an excellent grasp of the Mendelanguage and a deep understanding of the localculture. In 1974 he returned to Ireland for a shortperiod of time and was then appointed to theU.S.A. He initially worked in the archdiocese ofSeattle before being transferred to California. InCalifornia, he ministered at San Matteo andMillbrae. At the time of his retirement in 1998,he was chaplain at Nazareth House in San Rafael.

Fr Pat returned to Ireland in 1999 and took upresidence in Mission House, Kimmage Manoruntil failing health necessitated his admittance toMarian House in August 2000. He was admittedto St James’s Hospital in 2003 where he died on21 October that year. He was buried in thecommunity plot, Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin

October 23rd

SHEEHAN, Fr Patrick J.1918-1998

Fr Patrick Sheehan (Pat) wasborn on 18 February 1918 inLissamana, Cape Clear (OileánCléire) Island, Baltimore, Co. Cork. He was anative Irish speaker. Having completed hissecondary studies at St Coleman’s, Fermoy, Co.Cork, he entered the Congregation in Kilshaneand made his profession in 1939. AfterPhilosophy studies he prefected for one year atRockwell, 1941-2.

Ordained in 1945 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria. Assigned to the Onitsha districthe worked at Akpu. Obliged to leave Nigeriabecause of the Biafra war he transferred to theUSA where he joined the Spiritan community atLong Island, NY. He engaged for a year inpromotion work, 1966-67, and thereafter inparish work in the New York area at StMalachy’s Rectory, the Catholic Actors’s Chapeland Church of our Lady of the Assumption until1991 when he retired to Kimmage Manor. Fr Patdied on 23 October 1998 aged 80 years. He wasburied in the family grave in Oileán Cléire

October 23rd

CHISHOLM,Fr John Edward1922-2014

Fr John Chisholm was born on 25January 1922 on Stiles Rd,Clontarf. After he completed his secondaryschool studies in O’Connell CBS in Dublin, heentered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane wherehe was professed in 1941. He then studiedphilosophy at Kimmage Manor. He wasconsequently awarded a B.A. in Philosophy byU.C.D. in 1944. Following on from this heprefected in Blackrock College and completedthe H.Dip. in Education He moved to Fribourgin September 1946 to study theology and he wasordained to the priesthood in July 1949 beforegoing on to complete his STL. He returned to

OCTOBER

131

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 131

Spiritans in the San Francisco area in 1991,where he continued on in a variety of pastoraland chaplaincy ministries until his retirement toKimmage in 1998. Fr James died on 20 October2009 at Marian House and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 21st

CONWAY, Fr Patrick 1921-2003

Fr Patrick Conway (Pat) wasborn at Coilmore, Claremorris,Co Mayo on 29 April 1921.Following his secondary school education inClaremorris and Blackrock (Juniorate), heentered the novitiate in Kilshane, where he madehis first profession on 8 September 1941. Aftertwo years studying philosophy at KimmageManor, he prefected at Blackrock College for oneyear, 1943-4. Pat was ordained to the priesthoodon 13 July 1947. He made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 30 July 1948.

Pat’s first appointment was to Sierra Leone in1948. During the next twenty-six years, Patministered at Bo, Njala Komboya, Pendembu,Blama and Gerihun. Pat’s contemporaries notedthat he had an excellent grasp of the Mendelanguage and a deep understanding of the localculture. In 1974 he returned to Ireland for a shortperiod of time and was then appointed to theU.S.A. He initially worked in the archdiocese ofSeattle before being transferred to California. InCalifornia, he ministered at San Matteo andMillbrae. At the time of his retirement in 1998,he was chaplain at Nazareth House in San Rafael.

Fr Pat returned to Ireland in 1999 and took upresidence in Mission House, Kimmage Manoruntil failing health necessitated his admittance toMarian House in August 2000. He was admittedto St James’s Hospital in 2003 where he died on21 October that year. He was buried in thecommunity plot, Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin

October 23rd

SHEEHAN, Fr Patrick J.1918-1998

Fr Patrick Sheehan (Pat) wasborn on 18 February 1918 inLissamana, Cape Clear (OileánCléire) Island, Baltimore, Co. Cork. He was anative Irish speaker. Having completed hissecondary studies at St Coleman’s, Fermoy, Co.Cork, he entered the Congregation in Kilshaneand made his profession in 1939. AfterPhilosophy studies he prefected for one year atRockwell, 1941-2.

Ordained in 1945 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria. Assigned to the Onitsha districthe worked at Akpu. Obliged to leave Nigeriabecause of the Biafra war he transferred to theUSA where he joined the Spiritan community atLong Island, NY. He engaged for a year inpromotion work, 1966-67, and thereafter inparish work in the New York area at StMalachy’s Rectory, the Catholic Actors’s Chapeland Church of our Lady of the Assumption until1991 when he retired to Kimmage Manor. Fr Patdied on 23 October 1998 aged 80 years. He wasburied in the family grave in Oileán Cléire

October 23rd

CHISHOLM,Fr John Edward1922-2014

Fr John Chisholm was born on 25January 1922 on Stiles Rd,Clontarf. After he completed his secondaryschool studies in O’Connell CBS in Dublin, heentered the Spiritan novitiate in Kilshane wherehe was professed in 1941. He then studiedphilosophy at Kimmage Manor. He wasconsequently awarded a B.A. in Philosophy byU.C.D. in 1944. Following on from this heprefected in Blackrock College and completedthe H.Dip. in Education He moved to Fribourgin September 1946 to study theology and he wasordained to the priesthood in July 1949 beforegoing on to complete his STL. He returned to

OCTOBER

131

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 131

Page 140: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Fribourg in the mid-1960s and completeddoctorates in both theology and philosophy.

John’s first appointment was to Kimmage wherehe became professor of theology and philosophyin 1950, a position he held in the lead-up to, andthe transition after, Vatican II. He also led thechoir in Kimmage and expanded its repertoire toinclude old Irish ecclesiastical music. One ofthose he invited to do arrangements for the choirwas Seoirse Bodley, the well-known composer.He enjoyed a close relationship with RTÉ, somuch so that televised broadcasts from Kimmageincluded the annual Christmas Midnight Mass.

In January 1966 John began a twenty two yearteaching career in UCD in the department ofethics and politics and, subsequently, in thedepartment of metaphysics and in the departmentof psychology. In 1976 he was appointedstatutory lecturer in philosophy and was awardeda doctorate in philosophy by the NUI in 1978.

He was the author of a number of books andsome of his work is still cited in academicpublications. He gave public lectures in Oxford– including one at the International Conferencefor Patristic Studies – Ireland, Fribourg andRome. He was vice-chairman of the Irish-ArabSociety in the 1970s and took an active interestin Palestinian issues.

In the early 1980s John took a sabbatical andtravelled to Germany to undertake a researchproject in contemporary philosophy. He retiredin 1988 but remained active up to the time of hisdeath which took place on 23 October 2014whilst he was on pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Hehad visited the Marian Shrine over many yearssometimes staying for months to do research forthe National Medjugorje Council of Ireland andserved as chaplain to the English speakingpilgrims from 2000 and 2006. Fr John was buriedin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 25th

O’CONNOR, Fr Patrick Joseph 1924-2004

Fr Patrick O’Connor (P.J.) wasborn at Ballyferriter, Dingle, CoKerry on 16 July 1924. He completed hissecondary school studies at St Brendan’s,Killarney after which he entered the novitiate inKilshane. He made his first profession on 15September 1943. He studied philosophy inU.C.D. and was awarded a B.A. Hons degree, in1946. He perfected in Rockwell College, 1946 –7. He studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on the 16 July1950. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1951.

In 1951 P. J’s first appointment was to Nigeria.He worked in the parish of Nsu in the Owerriarea. He returned to Ireland in 1952 and spentsome time at the farm in Enfield. In 1953 he wasappointed to Blackrock College. Being a nativespeaker he found it hard to cope with the lowstandard of Irish among his students. He was aperfectionist in all that he undertook. He assistedBro Gerald in the garden in his spare time andbecame very expert in plants and flowers andtook over care of the glass house where he tendedgrapes and some rare plants. He also took upleather work as another hobby and became anexpert in this too. Another of his pastimes wasrepairing rosary beads for confrères. His maininterest for a period was photography and hebecame a member of the Photographic Societyof Ireland. He started a camera club in WillowPark School where again he was seen as aperfectionist. The Vatican Council gave P.J. anew interest as he purchased copies of the officialdocuments, and the best commentaries, which heused for his class work and his homilies. Hewould spend the week preparing his Sundayhomilies while assistant chaplain at the LindenConvalescent Home. His homilies in Irish atMerrion Church were highly appreciated –drawing in people from other parishes once hisexpertise became known.

OCTOBER

132

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 132

Fribourg in the mid-1960s and completeddoctorates in both theology and philosophy.

John’s first appointment was to Kimmage wherehe became professor of theology and philosophyin 1950, a position he held in the lead-up to, andthe transition after, Vatican II. He also led thechoir in Kimmage and expanded its repertoire toinclude old Irish ecclesiastical music. One ofthose he invited to do arrangements for the choirwas Seoirse Bodley, the well-known composer.He enjoyed a close relationship with RTÉ, somuch so that televised broadcasts from Kimmageincluded the annual Christmas Midnight Mass.

In January 1966 John began a twenty two yearteaching career in UCD in the department ofethics and politics and, subsequently, in thedepartment of metaphysics and in the departmentof psychology. In 1976 he was appointedstatutory lecturer in philosophy and was awardeda doctorate in philosophy by the NUI in 1978.

He was the author of a number of books andsome of his work is still cited in academicpublications. He gave public lectures in Oxford– including one at the International Conferencefor Patristic Studies – Ireland, Fribourg andRome. He was vice-chairman of the Irish-ArabSociety in the 1970s and took an active interestin Palestinian issues.

In the early 1980s John took a sabbatical andtravelled to Germany to undertake a researchproject in contemporary philosophy. He retiredin 1988 but remained active up to the time of hisdeath which took place on 23 October 2014whilst he was on pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Hehad visited the Marian Shrine over many yearssometimes staying for months to do research forthe National Medjugorje Council of Ireland andserved as chaplain to the English speakingpilgrims from 2000 and 2006. Fr John was buriedin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 25th

O’CONNOR, Fr Patrick Joseph 1924-2004

Fr Patrick O’Connor (P.J.) wasborn at Ballyferriter, Dingle, CoKerry on 16 July 1924. He completed hissecondary school studies at St Brendan’s,Killarney after which he entered the novitiate inKilshane. He made his first profession on 15September 1943. He studied philosophy inU.C.D. and was awarded a B.A. Hons degree, in1946. He perfected in Rockwell College, 1946 –7. He studied theology at Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on the 16 July1950. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1951.

In 1951 P. J’s first appointment was to Nigeria.He worked in the parish of Nsu in the Owerriarea. He returned to Ireland in 1952 and spentsome time at the farm in Enfield. In 1953 he wasappointed to Blackrock College. Being a nativespeaker he found it hard to cope with the lowstandard of Irish among his students. He was aperfectionist in all that he undertook. He assistedBro Gerald in the garden in his spare time andbecame very expert in plants and flowers andtook over care of the glass house where he tendedgrapes and some rare plants. He also took upleather work as another hobby and became anexpert in this too. Another of his pastimes wasrepairing rosary beads for confrères. His maininterest for a period was photography and hebecame a member of the Photographic Societyof Ireland. He started a camera club in WillowPark School where again he was seen as aperfectionist. The Vatican Council gave P.J. anew interest as he purchased copies of the officialdocuments, and the best commentaries, which heused for his class work and his homilies. Hewould spend the week preparing his Sundayhomilies while assistant chaplain at the LindenConvalescent Home. His homilies in Irish atMerrion Church were highly appreciated –drawing in people from other parishes once hisexpertise became known.

OCTOBER

132

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 132

Page 141: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Due to his failing health Fr Patrick was admittedto Marian House, Kimmage Manor in 2002. Hedied on 25 October 2004 in St James’s Hospital,Dublin and was buried in the community plot inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 26th

McCAFFREY, Bro Luke (Peter)1919-2002

Bro Luke McCaffrey was bornPeter Caffrey in Clogher, CoTyrone on 12 February 1919. He joined thecongregation in 1940 and made his firstprofession on 8 September 1942 taking the nameBro Luke. He made his perpetual vows in thecongregation on 17 March, 1949.

Bro Luke had been a gardener before he joinedthe congregation and it was in this capacity thathe was appointed to Blackrock College in 1950.However he subsequently showed an aptitude forprimary school teaching and he was appointed toWillow Park in 1955. This was to be his missionfor the next forty years.

Over the years Bro Luke taught religion atWillow Park and as a consequence of this he wasvery diligent in arranging class masses. Year afteryear he also took responsibility for thepreparation of holy communion groups. Inaddition to this he taught geography, ran thebookshop, organised pilgrimages to Knock andmuch else. Inside and outside the classroom BroLuke’s day was spent in the service of the boysof Willow Park.

Bro Luke led a deeply sacramental life – he livedwhat he believed. It was not only his teachingskills which educated his pupils but his personalexample of regular prayer and his seeking Godin everyday things. Due to failing health BroLuke was admitted to Marian House, KimmageManor in 2000 where he died on 26 October2002. He was buried at Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

October 29th

LYONS, Fr Bartholomew1917-1999

Fr Bartholomew Lyons (Bertie)was born in Dublin on 5 May1917 and attended Blackrock College between1930 and 1935. Having elected to join thecongregation he was professed in Kilshane in1936. He studied at Kimmage and UCD and wasawarded a BSc. in 1939. He was then called onto go to St Mary’s College, Trinidad, as prefect.Due to the war situation he served there for fouryears. Having studied philosophy at Kimmage hewas among the first group to be sent to Romeafter the war. He was ordained a priest in 1948and qualified for a licentiate in theology in 1949.

Following on from this he was appointed to thevicariate of Zanzibar. Consequently he workedin Riruta, Kenya, 1949-50, Kilimanbogo, 1950-3, St Mary’s School, Nairobi, 1954-5, Pugu,Tazania, 1956-70, Shimba Hills, 1971-2 andMalindi, 1973-9, Changamwe, 1979-96, beforeretiring with ill health to Mikindani, Mombasa,where he died 29 October 1999 aged 82 years.He arrived in Africa just as demands were beingmade of missionaries to become more directlyinvolved in education. Consequently, one of hisgreatest educational achievement must have beenthe role he played in the establishment of PuguHigh School in Tanzania. It was a very importanttime when a generation of African students werebeing prepared for leadership in this newlyemerging African nation. There Bertie workedwith Julius Neyrere, before the latter moved onto occupy a centre-stage role in African post-independence politics.

When Fr Bertie died he was the second last IrishSpiritan in the diocese, with 48 African priestsrunning it – a fitting testimony of how Bertie’sand the Irish Spiritan mission in Mombasa hadbeen blessed. The Lord called Fr Bertie home on29 October 1999. He was buried in the cemeteryin Mombasa

OCTOBER

133

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 133

Due to his failing health Fr Patrick was admittedto Marian House, Kimmage Manor in 2002. Hedied on 25 October 2004 in St James’s Hospital,Dublin and was buried in the community plot inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

October 26th

McCAFFREY, Bro Luke (Peter)1919-2002

Bro Luke McCaffrey was bornPeter Caffrey in Clogher, CoTyrone on 12 February 1919. He joined thecongregation in 1940 and made his firstprofession on 8 September 1942 taking the nameBro Luke. He made his perpetual vows in thecongregation on 17 March, 1949.

Bro Luke had been a gardener before he joinedthe congregation and it was in this capacity thathe was appointed to Blackrock College in 1950.However he subsequently showed an aptitude forprimary school teaching and he was appointed toWillow Park in 1955. This was to be his missionfor the next forty years.

Over the years Bro Luke taught religion atWillow Park and as a consequence of this he wasvery diligent in arranging class masses. Year afteryear he also took responsibility for thepreparation of holy communion groups. Inaddition to this he taught geography, ran thebookshop, organised pilgrimages to Knock andmuch else. Inside and outside the classroom BroLuke’s day was spent in the service of the boysof Willow Park.

Bro Luke led a deeply sacramental life – he livedwhat he believed. It was not only his teachingskills which educated his pupils but his personalexample of regular prayer and his seeking Godin everyday things. Due to failing health BroLuke was admitted to Marian House, KimmageManor in 2000 where he died on 26 October2002. He was buried at Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

October 29th

LYONS, Fr Bartholomew1917-1999

Fr Bartholomew Lyons (Bertie)was born in Dublin on 5 May1917 and attended Blackrock College between1930 and 1935. Having elected to join thecongregation he was professed in Kilshane in1936. He studied at Kimmage and UCD and wasawarded a BSc. in 1939. He was then called onto go to St Mary’s College, Trinidad, as prefect.Due to the war situation he served there for fouryears. Having studied philosophy at Kimmage hewas among the first group to be sent to Romeafter the war. He was ordained a priest in 1948and qualified for a licentiate in theology in 1949.

Following on from this he was appointed to thevicariate of Zanzibar. Consequently he workedin Riruta, Kenya, 1949-50, Kilimanbogo, 1950-3, St Mary’s School, Nairobi, 1954-5, Pugu,Tazania, 1956-70, Shimba Hills, 1971-2 andMalindi, 1973-9, Changamwe, 1979-96, beforeretiring with ill health to Mikindani, Mombasa,where he died 29 October 1999 aged 82 years.He arrived in Africa just as demands were beingmade of missionaries to become more directlyinvolved in education. Consequently, one of hisgreatest educational achievement must have beenthe role he played in the establishment of PuguHigh School in Tanzania. It was a very importanttime when a generation of African students werebeing prepared for leadership in this newlyemerging African nation. There Bertie workedwith Julius Neyrere, before the latter moved onto occupy a centre-stage role in African post-independence politics.

When Fr Bertie died he was the second last IrishSpiritan in the diocese, with 48 African priestsrunning it – a fitting testimony of how Bertie’sand the Irish Spiritan mission in Mombasa hadbeen blessed. The Lord called Fr Bertie home on29 October 1999. He was buried in the cemeteryin Mombasa

OCTOBER

133

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 133

Page 142: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

October 28th

HURLEY, Fr James Joseph 1930-2014

Fr James Hurley (Jim) was born inButlerstown, Bandon, Co Cork on14 February 1930. He completed his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College, CoTipperary. He then entered the Spiritan Novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first profession in1949. He studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand was awarded a B.A. by UCD in 1952. Heprefected in Blackrock from 1952 to 1954.Following on from this he moved to Rome tostudy theology for the next four years at theGregorian University and was awarded a B.D. andan STL. He was ordained in Rome in 1957.

Jim returned to Ireland to undertake a H.Dip inU.C.D. He was appointed to Rockwell Collegein September 1959. He then became director ofSt Joseph’s Junior Scholasticate in July 1960, aposition he held for the next seven years. He tookstudy leave to complete a diploma in Catecheticsin Brussels in 1968. Following this he returnedto Rockwell for a year to take on the role of deanof discipline.

In 1969 Jim was appointed superior andheadmaster of St Mary’s College, Rathmines. Hebecame councillor for education and member ofthe Provincial Council in 1977. He returned toRockwell College in 1980 to accept the positionof headmaster and he was then appointedsuperior of the community in 1986.

In 1993 Jim moved to Rome to become secretarygeneral of the Congregation for where a six-yearperiod. Following on from this he worked inpastoral ministry in Holy Spirit Parish, Strathpinein Brisbane, Australia in 2000 and was laterasked to assist in Melbourne.

He returned to Ireland in 2002 and was appointedto the Rockwell Community He enjoyed hisretirement there until he was transferred to AcornLodge Care Home, Cashel in August 2013. FrJim died there on 28 October 2014 and wasburied in the community cemetery in RockwellCollege.

October 29th

COYNE, Fr Patrick Joseph1931-2004

Fr Patrick Coyne (Paddy) wasborn in Cloonrane, Ballindine,Claremorris, Co Mayo on 21 February, 1931. Hecompleted his secondary school studies atBlackrock Junior Scholasticate from 1944 to1949. He then entered the novitiate in Kilshaneand made his first profession on 8 September1950. He was awarded a B.A. in Latin and Irishfrom U.C.D. in 1953 and a H.Dip. in Ed. in 1954.He prefected in Willow Park, 1953-4. He thenstudied philosophy at Kimmage from 1954 until1956 and theology from 1956 until 1960. Paddywas ordained to the priesthood on 12 July 1959and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on29 July 1960.

Paddy’s first mission appointment was to Kenyain 1961 and he was appointed to the teachertraining college at Kilimambogo. He then taughtfor a few years in the secondary school atGithunguri. In 1974 he accepted a position in thecatholic bookshop, Nairobi. Following on fromthis he served as bursar in St Mary’s CollegeNairobi, 1976-7.

In 1978 Paddy transferred to theUnited States.He worked in California in parishes in Belmont,San Jose, Bakerfield and Los Altos until 1989.He was then appointed director of fund raisingand from 1997 he served as bursar of the SanFrancisco regional community. Fr Paddy died inSan Francisco as a result of a traffic accident on29 October 2004. The funeral Mass andcremation took place in San Francisco. His asheswere interred in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

OCTOBER

134

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 134

October 28th

HURLEY, Fr James Joseph 1930-2014

Fr James Hurley (Jim) was born inButlerstown, Bandon, Co Cork on14 February 1930. He completed his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College, CoTipperary. He then entered the Spiritan Novitiatein Kilshane where he made his first profession in1949. He studied philosophy in Kimmage Manorand was awarded a B.A. by UCD in 1952. Heprefected in Blackrock from 1952 to 1954.Following on from this he moved to Rome tostudy theology for the next four years at theGregorian University and was awarded a B.D. andan STL. He was ordained in Rome in 1957.

Jim returned to Ireland to undertake a H.Dip inU.C.D. He was appointed to Rockwell Collegein September 1959. He then became director ofSt Joseph’s Junior Scholasticate in July 1960, aposition he held for the next seven years. He tookstudy leave to complete a diploma in Catecheticsin Brussels in 1968. Following this he returnedto Rockwell for a year to take on the role of deanof discipline.

In 1969 Jim was appointed superior andheadmaster of St Mary’s College, Rathmines. Hebecame councillor for education and member ofthe Provincial Council in 1977. He returned toRockwell College in 1980 to accept the positionof headmaster and he was then appointedsuperior of the community in 1986.

In 1993 Jim moved to Rome to become secretarygeneral of the Congregation for where a six-yearperiod. Following on from this he worked inpastoral ministry in Holy Spirit Parish, Strathpinein Brisbane, Australia in 2000 and was laterasked to assist in Melbourne.

He returned to Ireland in 2002 and was appointedto the Rockwell Community He enjoyed hisretirement there until he was transferred to AcornLodge Care Home, Cashel in August 2013. FrJim died there on 28 October 2014 and wasburied in the community cemetery in RockwellCollege.

October 29th

COYNE, Fr Patrick Joseph1931-2004

Fr Patrick Coyne (Paddy) wasborn in Cloonrane, Ballindine,Claremorris, Co Mayo on 21 February, 1931. Hecompleted his secondary school studies atBlackrock Junior Scholasticate from 1944 to1949. He then entered the novitiate in Kilshaneand made his first profession on 8 September1950. He was awarded a B.A. in Latin and Irishfrom U.C.D. in 1953 and a H.Dip. in Ed. in 1954.He prefected in Willow Park, 1953-4. He thenstudied philosophy at Kimmage from 1954 until1956 and theology from 1956 until 1960. Paddywas ordained to the priesthood on 12 July 1959and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on29 July 1960.

Paddy’s first mission appointment was to Kenyain 1961 and he was appointed to the teachertraining college at Kilimambogo. He then taughtfor a few years in the secondary school atGithunguri. In 1974 he accepted a position in thecatholic bookshop, Nairobi. Following on fromthis he served as bursar in St Mary’s CollegeNairobi, 1976-7.

In 1978 Paddy transferred to theUnited States.He worked in California in parishes in Belmont,San Jose, Bakerfield and Los Altos until 1989.He was then appointed director of fund raisingand from 1997 he served as bursar of the SanFrancisco regional community. Fr Paddy died inSan Francisco as a result of a traffic accident on29 October 2004. The funeral Mass andcremation took place in San Francisco. His asheswere interred in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

OCTOBER

134

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 134

Page 143: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

October 31st

EGAN, Fr Dermot Patrick1918-1998

Fr Dermot Egan was born on 27April 1918 in Fairview, Dublinand completed his secondary studies in RockwellCollege. Having entered the congregation in1938 he was professed the same year. Heprefected in Rockwell College between 1939-42.He was ordained to the priesthood on 13 July1947.

In 1948 he was appointed to Nigeria. He servedin the Owerri district for two decades inevagelizaion and pastoral ministry; initially as anassistant at the new station of Abonnema and in1961 in Amaigbo. After the new diocese of PortHarcourt was created, he was charged with theAbonnema parish. Due to the Biafran War he leftNigeria altogether in 1968 and worked for a yearin Gibraltar before taking up the position ofchaplain at Bolton Street Technical college,Dublin.

In 1970 he was appointed to Sierra Leone. Heserved there in the diocese of Kenema in StKitzo’s Parish, Panguma and from 1980 in thebishop’s residence while also serving thecathedral parish as an assistant. He was aqualified seaman and much of his ministry bothin Nigeria and Sierra Leone was carried out byboat. For many years he worked his passage toWest Africa as an able seaman, bringing suppliesof large quantities of goods and machinery forthe next tour with him. In 1994 he retired toKimmage Manor where he died on 31 October1998 aged 80 years. Fr Dermot is buried in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

October 31st

O’DONNELL, Fr Michael J.1924-2002

Fr Michael O’Donnell was bornat Castleplunkett, Castlerea, CoRoscommon on 24 April, 1924. After completinghis secondary school education at BlackrockCollege he entered Kilshane and made his firstprofession on 24 September 1945. Afterphilosophy studies at Kimmage Manor heprefected in Blackrock College, 1947-8. He wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegeon 15 July 1951 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 31 July 1952.

Michael’s first appointment, in 1952, was toBlackrock College where he became a memberof the teaching staff. In 1957 he was appointedto Kenya and worked in parish and pastoralministry in Kikuyu Land until 1962 when he thentook up a teaching post in St Mary’s College,Nairobi. In 1969 he returned to parish work at StAustin’s Parish, Nairobi.

Michael was transferred back to Ireland in 1976and shortly after was appointed chaplain to theIrish emigrant community in Luton, England. In1979 he moved to Northampton where hebecame the founding parish priest of St Francisand St Therese Church, Hunsbury Heath in 1989.His desire to bring everyone into God’s kingdommeant that on more than one occasion the parishrooms accommodated the needy overnight. Infact instead of a simple graveside funeral serviceprovided by the state, Michael ensured that thepoor first received requiem Mass and wereburied with the full rites of the church. In 2000,due to failing health, Michael retired and spenthis last two years with the Spiritan Communityat Bickley, England where he died on 31 October2002. Fr Michael was buried in Towcester RoadCemetery, Northampton, England.

OCTOBER

135

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 135

October 31st

EGAN, Fr Dermot Patrick1918-1998

Fr Dermot Egan was born on 27April 1918 in Fairview, Dublinand completed his secondary studies in RockwellCollege. Having entered the congregation in1938 he was professed the same year. Heprefected in Rockwell College between 1939-42.He was ordained to the priesthood on 13 July1947.

In 1948 he was appointed to Nigeria. He servedin the Owerri district for two decades inevagelizaion and pastoral ministry; initially as anassistant at the new station of Abonnema and in1961 in Amaigbo. After the new diocese of PortHarcourt was created, he was charged with theAbonnema parish. Due to the Biafran War he leftNigeria altogether in 1968 and worked for a yearin Gibraltar before taking up the position ofchaplain at Bolton Street Technical college,Dublin.

In 1970 he was appointed to Sierra Leone. Heserved there in the diocese of Kenema in StKitzo’s Parish, Panguma and from 1980 in thebishop’s residence while also serving thecathedral parish as an assistant. He was aqualified seaman and much of his ministry bothin Nigeria and Sierra Leone was carried out byboat. For many years he worked his passage toWest Africa as an able seaman, bringing suppliesof large quantities of goods and machinery forthe next tour with him. In 1994 he retired toKimmage Manor where he died on 31 October1998 aged 80 years. Fr Dermot is buried in theSpiritan plot in Dardistown Cemetery, CoDublin.

October 31st

O’DONNELL, Fr Michael J.1924-2002

Fr Michael O’Donnell was bornat Castleplunkett, Castlerea, CoRoscommon on 24 April, 1924. After completinghis secondary school education at BlackrockCollege he entered Kilshane and made his firstprofession on 24 September 1945. Afterphilosophy studies at Kimmage Manor heprefected in Blackrock College, 1947-8. He wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegeon 15 July 1951 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate on 31 July 1952.

Michael’s first appointment, in 1952, was toBlackrock College where he became a memberof the teaching staff. In 1957 he was appointedto Kenya and worked in parish and pastoralministry in Kikuyu Land until 1962 when he thentook up a teaching post in St Mary’s College,Nairobi. In 1969 he returned to parish work at StAustin’s Parish, Nairobi.

Michael was transferred back to Ireland in 1976and shortly after was appointed chaplain to theIrish emigrant community in Luton, England. In1979 he moved to Northampton where hebecame the founding parish priest of St Francisand St Therese Church, Hunsbury Heath in 1989.His desire to bring everyone into God’s kingdommeant that on more than one occasion the parishrooms accommodated the needy overnight. Infact instead of a simple graveside funeral serviceprovided by the state, Michael ensured that thepoor first received requiem Mass and wereburied with the full rites of the church. In 2000,due to failing health, Michael retired and spenthis last two years with the Spiritan Communityat Bickley, England where he died on 31 October2002. Fr Michael was buried in Towcester RoadCemetery, Northampton, England.

OCTOBER

135

October Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:40 Page 135

Page 144: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

November 1st

MURPHY, Fr Michael Vincent1930-2002

Fr Michael Murphy (Vinny) wasborn at Stonepark, Aclare, CoSligo, on 17 August 1930. After completing hissecondary school studies at Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate at Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 8 September 1952.He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andthen prefected in Blackrock College and StMichael’s College. From 1956 to 1960 Vinnystudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 12 July 1959. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 29July 1960.

Vinny’s first appointment was to Nigeria wherehe was assigned to the diocese of Onitsha. Heworked in Enugu and was parish priest at Iwolloand Owai Imazi until forced to leave in 1967 dueto the Biafran war. Having spent a year workingin Louisiana, U.S.A. he returned to Ireland in1968, for 18 months, to take up promotionalwork in schools around the country. In 1971 hewas appointed to the diocese of Kumasi in Ghanawhere he spent most of his remaining years. Hewas appointed superior in 1974. Whilst in Ghanahe forged deep friendships and strong ties withthe people there. He had a great love and respectfor their culture, and for the vibrancy and colour,which they brought to all pastoral occasions.

In 1997, ill health forced Vinny to return toIreland and following a period of recuperation heworked for six months in St Patrick’s Parish,Wicklow Town. However his greatest wish wasto continue his pastoral work in Ghana and, inOctober 2000, he returned to Kumasi.Unfortunately soon after his return he became illagain and was forced to return home. Due tofailing health, Fr Vinny took up residence inKimmage Manor and died in Marian House on 1November 2002. He is buried in his home parishcemetery at the Holy Rosary Church,Kilmactigue, Aclare, Co Sligo.

November 1st

WOULFE, Fr Cornelius C.1917-2006

Fr Cornelius Woulfe (Con) wasborn in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerickon 11 June 1917. A brother of Frs Michael andRichard, CSSp, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1935 and was professed on 5September, 1936. After studying philosophy atKimmage Manor, he prefected in RockwellCollege from 1937-40. He was awarded a B.A.in 1941. After studying theology, in Kimmage,Con was ordained to the priesthood on 16 July1944 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August, 1945.

Con’s first appointment, in 1945, was to thevicariate of Onitsha-Owerri, Nigeria where heworked for nearly a quarter of a century, mostlyin the field of education. After teaching for oneyear at the College of the ImmaculateConception in Enugu, he worked for a fewmonths in the fields of evangelization andpastoral ministry in the busy parish of Adaziwhich had a combined population of 23,000Catholics and Catechumens.

From 1947 on, he resided at Onitsha’s residencefor Fathers engaged in the oversight of educationin what soon became the archdiocese of Onitsha.He functioned as inspector visiting its schoolsand later as educational secretary when he had todeal with the government on all mattersregarding the many Catholic schools in thearchdiocese.

When the defeat of the secessionists in theBiafran war was approaching, he left the countryin 1969 and went to the U.S.A. He joined theIrish Spiritan group headquartered in LongIsland, NY, and was engaged in parish ministryuntil 1976. He then became a hospital chaplainin Kingston, New York. He became known forthe kindness, compassion and spiritual guidancewith which he served the patients, employees andthe general hospital community; the staff laterpresented him with a plaque declaring him to be‘a good shepherd’. He was provincial delegatefrom 1971 until 1976.

NOVEMBER

136

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 136

November 1st

MURPHY, Fr Michael Vincent1930-2002

Fr Michael Murphy (Vinny) wasborn at Stonepark, Aclare, CoSligo, on 17 August 1930. After completing hissecondary school studies at Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate at Kilshane where hemade his first profession on 8 September 1952.He studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor andthen prefected in Blackrock College and StMichael’s College. From 1956 to 1960 Vinnystudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 12 July 1959. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 29July 1960.

Vinny’s first appointment was to Nigeria wherehe was assigned to the diocese of Onitsha. Heworked in Enugu and was parish priest at Iwolloand Owai Imazi until forced to leave in 1967 dueto the Biafran war. Having spent a year workingin Louisiana, U.S.A. he returned to Ireland in1968, for 18 months, to take up promotionalwork in schools around the country. In 1971 hewas appointed to the diocese of Kumasi in Ghanawhere he spent most of his remaining years. Hewas appointed superior in 1974. Whilst in Ghanahe forged deep friendships and strong ties withthe people there. He had a great love and respectfor their culture, and for the vibrancy and colour,which they brought to all pastoral occasions.

In 1997, ill health forced Vinny to return toIreland and following a period of recuperation heworked for six months in St Patrick’s Parish,Wicklow Town. However his greatest wish wasto continue his pastoral work in Ghana and, inOctober 2000, he returned to Kumasi.Unfortunately soon after his return he became illagain and was forced to return home. Due tofailing health, Fr Vinny took up residence inKimmage Manor and died in Marian House on 1November 2002. He is buried in his home parishcemetery at the Holy Rosary Church,Kilmactigue, Aclare, Co Sligo.

November 1st

WOULFE, Fr Cornelius C.1917-2006

Fr Cornelius Woulfe (Con) wasborn in Abbeyfeale, Co Limerickon 11 June 1917. A brother of Frs Michael andRichard, CSSp, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1935 and was professed on 5September, 1936. After studying philosophy atKimmage Manor, he prefected in RockwellCollege from 1937-40. He was awarded a B.A.in 1941. After studying theology, in Kimmage,Con was ordained to the priesthood on 16 July1944 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August, 1945.

Con’s first appointment, in 1945, was to thevicariate of Onitsha-Owerri, Nigeria where heworked for nearly a quarter of a century, mostlyin the field of education. After teaching for oneyear at the College of the ImmaculateConception in Enugu, he worked for a fewmonths in the fields of evangelization andpastoral ministry in the busy parish of Adaziwhich had a combined population of 23,000Catholics and Catechumens.

From 1947 on, he resided at Onitsha’s residencefor Fathers engaged in the oversight of educationin what soon became the archdiocese of Onitsha.He functioned as inspector visiting its schoolsand later as educational secretary when he had todeal with the government on all mattersregarding the many Catholic schools in thearchdiocese.

When the defeat of the secessionists in theBiafran war was approaching, he left the countryin 1969 and went to the U.S.A. He joined theIrish Spiritan group headquartered in LongIsland, NY, and was engaged in parish ministryuntil 1976. He then became a hospital chaplainin Kingston, New York. He became known forthe kindness, compassion and spiritual guidancewith which he served the patients, employees andthe general hospital community; the staff laterpresented him with a plaque declaring him to be‘a good shepherd’. He was provincial delegatefrom 1971 until 1976.

NOVEMBER

136

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 136

Page 145: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Fr Cornelius was admitted to Marian House,Kimmage Manor, on 16 August 2002 and diedthere peacefully on 1 November 2006. He isburied in Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 3rd

McDONALD, Fr Vincent Patrick1925-2006

Fr Vincent McDonald (Vinny)was born in Knocktomcoyle,Tinahely, Co Wicklow on 2 October 1925. Hecompleted his secondary studies in BlackrockCollege in 1944. He then entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1945 and was professed on 8September 1946. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D and prefected in Blackrock, 1949 – 50.After studying theology in Kimmage Manor,Vinny was ordained to the priesthood on 5 July1953 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 30 July 1954.

Vincent’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria, in 1954 and later to the newdiocese of Port Harcourt where he worked until1970. In the Rivers State he pursued a career inboth secondary school education and parishministry. However, in this region, missionstations and schools were isolated as there werefew roads and a boat was more useful than a car.Vinnie’s vision, tireless work and cheerfulpositive outlook laid a solid foundation for boththe church and education system in what wasthen a remote part of Nigeria.

In 1971 he was appointed to Kenya, where heministered in a variety of parishes in thearchdiocese of Nairobi until 1993. On returningto Ireland in 1993, Vinnie went to work in thediocese of Kildare and Leighlin and was in 1966eventually posted to his home parish ofClonmore & Ballyconnell. Convinced of thevalue of collaborative ministry and of the placeof the laity in the church, Vinnie set abouteducating and organising the parish so that ‘theycan carry on when we are gone’. He was apeoples’ man and, on Christmas morning, hemade a point of visiting the local Church of

Ireland parish to greet the people at the end oftheir service. Fr Vincent died tragically in a roadtraffic accident on 3 November 2006 and isburied in Clonmore Cemetery.

November 5th

CROWLEY, Fr Edward T.1922-2002

Fr Edward Crowley was born atWest Square, Askeaton, CoLimerick, on 11 January 1922. After hissecondary school education at RockwellJuniorate he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1941. In 1944 he was awarded a B.A.in philosophy by U.C.D. and then prefected at StMary’s, Port of Spain, Trinidad, from 1944-7.From 1947 to 1951 Edward studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood in Clonliffe College on 23 December1950. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 August 1951.

Edward’s first appointment was to Nigeria wherehe was assigned to the diocese of Owerri. From1950 to 1960 he held many teaching postsincluding school principal at Owerri, Abonnema,Ahiara, Bende, Ohafia and Umuahia. In 1961 hemoved to Aba and then on to Ugiri and followingthis, in 1963, he held a position at the teachertraining college in Mbulu Newa.

Due to ill health, Edward returned to Ireland in1965. From 1966 to 1970 he was assigned toparish ministry in England, first at Scunthorpe inthe diocese of Nottingham for one year and thento Dartford, in the diocese of Southward for threeyears. He went to the U.S.A. in 1970 to receivetreatment for recurring illnesses contracted inAfrica. After serving in parish ministry atIncarnate Word Church in New Orleans,(Louisiana), from 1970 until 1973, he was thentransferred to the Western Province.

He served his remaining years of his religiousmissionary life in diverse parish ministries, firstat the immense Latino parish of Our Lady of

NOVEMBER

137

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 137

Fr Cornelius was admitted to Marian House,Kimmage Manor, on 16 August 2002 and diedthere peacefully on 1 November 2006. He isburied in Shanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 3rd

McDONALD, Fr Vincent Patrick1925-2006

Fr Vincent McDonald (Vinny)was born in Knocktomcoyle,Tinahely, Co Wicklow on 2 October 1925. Hecompleted his secondary studies in BlackrockCollege in 1944. He then entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1945 and was professed on 8September 1946. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D and prefected in Blackrock, 1949 – 50.After studying theology in Kimmage Manor,Vinny was ordained to the priesthood on 5 July1953 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 30 July 1954.

Vincent’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria, in 1954 and later to the newdiocese of Port Harcourt where he worked until1970. In the Rivers State he pursued a career inboth secondary school education and parishministry. However, in this region, missionstations and schools were isolated as there werefew roads and a boat was more useful than a car.Vinnie’s vision, tireless work and cheerfulpositive outlook laid a solid foundation for boththe church and education system in what wasthen a remote part of Nigeria.

In 1971 he was appointed to Kenya, where heministered in a variety of parishes in thearchdiocese of Nairobi until 1993. On returningto Ireland in 1993, Vinnie went to work in thediocese of Kildare and Leighlin and was in 1966eventually posted to his home parish ofClonmore & Ballyconnell. Convinced of thevalue of collaborative ministry and of the placeof the laity in the church, Vinnie set abouteducating and organising the parish so that ‘theycan carry on when we are gone’. He was apeoples’ man and, on Christmas morning, hemade a point of visiting the local Church of

Ireland parish to greet the people at the end oftheir service. Fr Vincent died tragically in a roadtraffic accident on 3 November 2006 and isburied in Clonmore Cemetery.

November 5th

CROWLEY, Fr Edward T.1922-2002

Fr Edward Crowley was born atWest Square, Askeaton, CoLimerick, on 11 January 1922. After hissecondary school education at RockwellJuniorate he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1941. In 1944 he was awarded a B.A.in philosophy by U.C.D. and then prefected at StMary’s, Port of Spain, Trinidad, from 1944-7.From 1947 to 1951 Edward studied theology atKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood in Clonliffe College on 23 December1950. He made his Consecration to theApostolate on 31 August 1951.

Edward’s first appointment was to Nigeria wherehe was assigned to the diocese of Owerri. From1950 to 1960 he held many teaching postsincluding school principal at Owerri, Abonnema,Ahiara, Bende, Ohafia and Umuahia. In 1961 hemoved to Aba and then on to Ugiri and followingthis, in 1963, he held a position at the teachertraining college in Mbulu Newa.

Due to ill health, Edward returned to Ireland in1965. From 1966 to 1970 he was assigned toparish ministry in England, first at Scunthorpe inthe diocese of Nottingham for one year and thento Dartford, in the diocese of Southward for threeyears. He went to the U.S.A. in 1970 to receivetreatment for recurring illnesses contracted inAfrica. After serving in parish ministry atIncarnate Word Church in New Orleans,(Louisiana), from 1970 until 1973, he was thentransferred to the Western Province.

He served his remaining years of his religiousmissionary life in diverse parish ministries, firstat the immense Latino parish of Our Lady of

NOVEMBER

137

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 137

Page 146: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Guadalupe Church in Bakersfield for sevenyears, and then in 1980 at St John the EvangelistChurch and the Veterans Administration Hospitalin Tucson (Arizona). In 1982 he began hisministry among the African-American faithcommunities in the south when he was appointedpastor first of St Anthony’s church inNatchitoches, LA, then in 1984 at St JamesChurch in Alexandria, LA. In 1986 he was askedto serve as parochial vicar of St Joseph’s Churchin Conway, (Arkansas). It was there that hecontributed to a thriving parish life while alwaysreaching out to the sick, the poor, the lonely andthe aged. Although having officially retired in1988, he continued to serve the Spiritancommunity in Conway as bursar, and he alsocontinued to support the mission throughout theprovince through the power of intercessoryprayer. On the occasion of the golden jubilee ofhis ordination he wrote ‘I went where I was sentand did the best I could and feel fulfilled for that.Up to two years ago I visited the sick everymorning; now, some visit me.’ Fr Edwardreturned to Ireland, on holiday, in September2002 but died in Limerick hospital shortlyafterwards on 5 November that same year andwas buried in Askeaton, Co Limerick.

November 9th

DALY, Fr Michael 1931-1998

Fr Michael Daly was born on 18March 1931 in Kildoney,Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal andentered the Brothers’ novitiate inKilshane where he was professed in 1958, takingthe name Christopher. He worked in Kilshaneuntil 1972 when he was transferred to Blackrock.Of this period it was said: “He was devoted tothe house staff and his services were available tothose in ill health or those who needed specialattention.”

Afterwards he was appointed to The Gambiawhere he served till 1978. On returning to Irelandhe studied for one year at the DevelopmentStudies Centre and then began his studies for thepriesthood. Ordained priest in 1982 he was

appointed to Ghana where he worked until 1990.He then took up an appointment in Australia.Due to ill health he returned to Ireland in 1997and was cared for in Marian House where he died9 November 1998 aged 67 years. At his funeralmass it was said of him by one who had workedwith him: “As a religious brother and later as apriest, Michael endeared himself to everyonebecause of his humble and unassuming ways. Hewas a type of person who could easily sit withkings yet not lose the common touch. The poorpeople with whom he worked found in hispresence a listening ear and a compassionateheart. He knew the sufferings of those he servedbecause he was never without his own crosses,which gave him a big heart.

He was a simple but humble priest whopossessed great wisdom that is not gleaned frombooks but comes from being close to the soil. Hismany years working the land and turning the soilin such places as Kilshane in Tipperary were likethe ‘hidden life’ in Nazareth in which the Lordwas preparing his soul for great things.” Fr Michael is buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 9th

McBRIDE, Fr Charles1923-2008

Fr Charles McBride (Charlie)was born in Newtownsteward,Co Tyrone, on 15 November1923. After completing his secondary educationin Omagh in 1941, he studied electricalengineering at Queen’s University, Belfast,where he was awarded the B.Sc. in 1944.Following a period of employment in England,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1945 andwas professed on 8 September 1946. Charliestudied philosophy and theology in KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 15July 1951. He made his consecration to theapostolate in 1952.

Charlie’s first appointment was to the diocese ofMombasa, Kenya, in 1952 and he worked thereas assistant pastor until 1953 when he was

NOVEMBER

138

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 138

Guadalupe Church in Bakersfield for sevenyears, and then in 1980 at St John the EvangelistChurch and the Veterans Administration Hospitalin Tucson (Arizona). In 1982 he began hisministry among the African-American faithcommunities in the south when he was appointedpastor first of St Anthony’s church inNatchitoches, LA, then in 1984 at St JamesChurch in Alexandria, LA. In 1986 he was askedto serve as parochial vicar of St Joseph’s Churchin Conway, (Arkansas). It was there that hecontributed to a thriving parish life while alwaysreaching out to the sick, the poor, the lonely andthe aged. Although having officially retired in1988, he continued to serve the Spiritancommunity in Conway as bursar, and he alsocontinued to support the mission throughout theprovince through the power of intercessoryprayer. On the occasion of the golden jubilee ofhis ordination he wrote ‘I went where I was sentand did the best I could and feel fulfilled for that.Up to two years ago I visited the sick everymorning; now, some visit me.’ Fr Edwardreturned to Ireland, on holiday, in September2002 but died in Limerick hospital shortlyafterwards on 5 November that same year andwas buried in Askeaton, Co Limerick.

November 9th

DALY, Fr Michael 1931-1998

Fr Michael Daly was born on 18March 1931 in Kildoney,Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal andentered the Brothers’ novitiate inKilshane where he was professed in 1958, takingthe name Christopher. He worked in Kilshaneuntil 1972 when he was transferred to Blackrock.Of this period it was said: “He was devoted tothe house staff and his services were available tothose in ill health or those who needed specialattention.”

Afterwards he was appointed to The Gambiawhere he served till 1978. On returning to Irelandhe studied for one year at the DevelopmentStudies Centre and then began his studies for thepriesthood. Ordained priest in 1982 he was

appointed to Ghana where he worked until 1990.He then took up an appointment in Australia.Due to ill health he returned to Ireland in 1997and was cared for in Marian House where he died9 November 1998 aged 67 years. At his funeralmass it was said of him by one who had workedwith him: “As a religious brother and later as apriest, Michael endeared himself to everyonebecause of his humble and unassuming ways. Hewas a type of person who could easily sit withkings yet not lose the common touch. The poorpeople with whom he worked found in hispresence a listening ear and a compassionateheart. He knew the sufferings of those he servedbecause he was never without his own crosses,which gave him a big heart.

He was a simple but humble priest whopossessed great wisdom that is not gleaned frombooks but comes from being close to the soil. Hismany years working the land and turning the soilin such places as Kilshane in Tipperary were likethe ‘hidden life’ in Nazareth in which the Lordwas preparing his soul for great things.” Fr Michael is buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 9th

McBRIDE, Fr Charles1923-2008

Fr Charles McBride (Charlie)was born in Newtownsteward,Co Tyrone, on 15 November1923. After completing his secondary educationin Omagh in 1941, he studied electricalengineering at Queen’s University, Belfast,where he was awarded the B.Sc. in 1944.Following a period of employment in England,he entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1945 andwas professed on 8 September 1946. Charliestudied philosophy and theology in KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 15July 1951. He made his consecration to theapostolate in 1952.

Charlie’s first appointment was to the diocese ofMombasa, Kenya, in 1952 and he worked thereas assistant pastor until 1953 when he was

NOVEMBER

138

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 138

Page 147: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

transferred to the archdiocese of Nairobi assecretary to the archbishop. From 1954 until1975 he was engaged in various pastoral andeducation ministries in Nairobi. He then spenttwo years in California, U.S.A., where he wasassociate pastor in St Mel’s Parish and St CharlesParish, San Carlos. During this time he attendedSanta Clara University and obtained a degree incounselling. After this he returned to Kenya andfrom 1979 until 1981 he held the position ofchancellor and procurator for the archdiocese ofNairobi.

In 1982 Charlie was appointed associate pastorin Assumption Parish, Jacksonville, Florida. Heheld similar positions in Epiphany Parish in LakeCity and in Immaculate Conception Parish,Jacksonville. In 1990 Fr Charles retired toKimmage Manor where he died in Marian Houseon 9 November 2008 and is buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 9th

MULVIHILL, Fr Michael J.1937-2017

Fr Michael Mulvihill was born on26 January 1937 in Dublin. Heattended St Joseph’s C.B.S.,Fairview and completed hissecondary school education as a boarder inBlackrock College from 1953 to 1955. Heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1956. He wasawarded a B.A. in history by U.C.D in 1959 andthen studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor until1961. He spent the following two years as aprefect in Port of Spain, Trinidad. In 1963Michael returned to Kimmage to study theologyand he was ordained to the priesthood in 1966.He moved to Rome for further studies andgraduated from St Anselm’s with a Licentiate inLiturgical Theology in 1970.

Michael’s first mission appointment was toTanzania in 1970 where he taught at KiboshoSenior Seminary in Moshi. He also gave shortcourses and seminars in liturgy to diocesanclergy and Spiritan novices in Usa River. His

commentaries on the daily readings weretranslated into Swahili and were widelydisseminated. He returned to Ireland in 1974 andtaught for over a decade in Kimmage. Heresponded to requests from many dioceses togive seminars and courses in adult faith-formation and liturgy for diocesan and parishgroups. He became a member of staff at TheMissionary Institute in London from 1985 to2003 and also served as chaplain to TyburnConvent. He later spent some months teaching atthe Spiritan International School of Theology(SIST), Nigeria.

He regularly visited a parish in Brooklyn duringsummer breaks and subsequently moved to theUSA permanently in 2004 becoming part of theLong Island Regional Community. During thisperiod he was attached to St Kevin’s, Flushingand the Queen of Angels Parish in New York. FrMichael retired to Kimmage in 2011 and latermoved to Marian House where he died on 9November 2017. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 10th

DUIGNAN, Fr Gerard1910-2001

Fr Gerard Duignan as born inDrumshambo, Co Leitrim, on 23May 1910. He attendedsecondary school at the juniorate in Blackrock.Gerry made his first profession on 19 October1931 in Kilshane. He prefected in BlackrockCollege during the years 1933-4. He also studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 20 June 1937. Following onfrom this, he made his Consecration to theApostolate on 2 July 1938.

His first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria where he worked in Umuahia,Okigwi and Ahiara. In 1961 he was appointed aspastor to Ekwerazu; a parish of some 20,000Catholics. Gerry ministered in Nigeria for thirty-one years until the civil war there forced him toreturn to Ireland in 1969. In 1970 he was sent tothe U.S.A. and served at San Josè Church,

NOVEMBER

139

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 139

transferred to the archdiocese of Nairobi assecretary to the archbishop. From 1954 until1975 he was engaged in various pastoral andeducation ministries in Nairobi. He then spenttwo years in California, U.S.A., where he wasassociate pastor in St Mel’s Parish and St CharlesParish, San Carlos. During this time he attendedSanta Clara University and obtained a degree incounselling. After this he returned to Kenya andfrom 1979 until 1981 he held the position ofchancellor and procurator for the archdiocese ofNairobi.

In 1982 Charlie was appointed associate pastorin Assumption Parish, Jacksonville, Florida. Heheld similar positions in Epiphany Parish in LakeCity and in Immaculate Conception Parish,Jacksonville. In 1990 Fr Charles retired toKimmage Manor where he died in Marian Houseon 9 November 2008 and is buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 9th

MULVIHILL, Fr Michael J.1937-2017

Fr Michael Mulvihill was born on26 January 1937 in Dublin. Heattended St Joseph’s C.B.S.,Fairview and completed hissecondary school education as a boarder inBlackrock College from 1953 to 1955. Heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1956. He wasawarded a B.A. in history by U.C.D in 1959 andthen studied philosophy at Kimmage Manor until1961. He spent the following two years as aprefect in Port of Spain, Trinidad. In 1963Michael returned to Kimmage to study theologyand he was ordained to the priesthood in 1966.He moved to Rome for further studies andgraduated from St Anselm’s with a Licentiate inLiturgical Theology in 1970.

Michael’s first mission appointment was toTanzania in 1970 where he taught at KiboshoSenior Seminary in Moshi. He also gave shortcourses and seminars in liturgy to diocesanclergy and Spiritan novices in Usa River. His

commentaries on the daily readings weretranslated into Swahili and were widelydisseminated. He returned to Ireland in 1974 andtaught for over a decade in Kimmage. Heresponded to requests from many dioceses togive seminars and courses in adult faith-formation and liturgy for diocesan and parishgroups. He became a member of staff at TheMissionary Institute in London from 1985 to2003 and also served as chaplain to TyburnConvent. He later spent some months teaching atthe Spiritan International School of Theology(SIST), Nigeria.

He regularly visited a parish in Brooklyn duringsummer breaks and subsequently moved to theUSA permanently in 2004 becoming part of theLong Island Regional Community. During thisperiod he was attached to St Kevin’s, Flushingand the Queen of Angels Parish in New York. FrMichael retired to Kimmage in 2011 and latermoved to Marian House where he died on 9November 2017. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 10th

DUIGNAN, Fr Gerard1910-2001

Fr Gerard Duignan as born inDrumshambo, Co Leitrim, on 23May 1910. He attendedsecondary school at the juniorate in Blackrock.Gerry made his first profession on 19 October1931 in Kilshane. He prefected in BlackrockCollege during the years 1933-4. He also studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 20 June 1937. Following onfrom this, he made his Consecration to theApostolate on 2 July 1938.

His first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria where he worked in Umuahia,Okigwi and Ahiara. In 1961 he was appointed aspastor to Ekwerazu; a parish of some 20,000Catholics. Gerry ministered in Nigeria for thirty-one years until the civil war there forced him toreturn to Ireland in 1969. In 1970 he was sent tothe U.S.A. and served at San Josè Church,

NOVEMBER

139

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 139

Page 148: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Jacksonville, Florida, until he retired to MissionHouse at Kimmage in 1975.

Due to failing health and old age Fr Gerardtransferred to Marian House in early 2000 whereit was noted that he was very contented andindependent. He suffered a fatal stroke on 9November 2001 and died in Tallaght hospital thenext day on 10 November. He is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Dublin.

November 11th

DOWLING, Bro Oliver (James)1919-2009

Bro Oliver Dowling (James) wasborn in Gurthahile, Carlow, on 20October 1919. After working on his family farmOliver entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1939and was professed on 18 November 1941. Hetook his final vows on 18 November 1950 inKimmage Manor and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in 1952.

Bro Oliver’s first appointment was to Kilshanein 1939 and he remained there, supervising thekitchen and acting as cook and baker until 1950.He was then appointed to Kimmage and wasagain in charge of the supervision of the kitchenand stores. Oliver never allowed himself to belimited by a job description and so he involvedhimself with diligence and enthusiasm in amyriad of other jobs at the service of thecommunity and the maintenance of the premises.He was devoted to the well-being of thescholastics and was meticulous in husbanding theoften scarce resources available.

Oliver did not have the opportunity of workingon the overseas missions but in later life some ofthe confrères were privileged to welcome him onshort visits to their mission stations. He returnedwith a new spring in his step and spokeglowingly of the work of the Spiritan missionsthere.

He loved gardening, and the daffodils along thePoddle River bear special testimony to this. Thisabiding interest was a particular source of joy for

him, especially in his latter years. Oliver wasknown as a saintly and devoutly faithful religiousman, always courteous and ready to help. Inlatter years he put pen to paper and wrote abouthis experiences of being a member of theKimmage Spiritan community. His memoir iscalled Memories of the Manor and it makes agreat contribution to the history of the province,bringing back to mind old customs and the hugenumber of changes that took place in Kimmageover a 50 year period.

Bro Oliver died on 11 November 2009 at StJames’ Hospital, Dublin and is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 12th

HOLLY, Fr Patrick J. 1914-1999

Fr Patrick Holly (Paddy) wasborn on 20 May 1914 in Tarbert,Co. Limerick, Paddy did hissecondary schooling in Rockwell College, 1929-32. Having joined the Congregation he wasprofessed in Kimmage Manor in 1933. Whileresiding in the Castle, Blackrock, he studied atUCD for the BA, which he gained in 1936. Aftertwo years prefecting in Rockwell he entered thenewly opened seminary in Kimmage Manor in1938.

Ordained in 1941 he was appointed the followingyear to Sierra Leone. It was a perilous time forthose travelling by sea because of the menace ofsubmarines. Appointed to St Edward’s secondaryschool in Brookfields, Freetown, he taught theretill 1948. Returning to Ireland he taught for ayear in St Mary’s, Rathmines, qualifying for theH.Dip. Ed. Back in Sierra Leone he wasappointed Principal of St Edward’s. In 1952 hetransferred to Rockwell where he taught for oneyear before receiving his appointment toBlackrock College. There he proved an excellentteacher of English and History much appreciatedby his students. The prefects also appreciatedhim as he was seen to take a special interest inthem personally. He was recalled as speakingeloquently from time to time about missionary

NOVEMBER

140

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 140

Jacksonville, Florida, until he retired to MissionHouse at Kimmage in 1975.

Due to failing health and old age Fr Gerardtransferred to Marian House in early 2000 whereit was noted that he was very contented andindependent. He suffered a fatal stroke on 9November 2001 and died in Tallaght hospital thenext day on 10 November. He is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Dublin.

November 11th

DOWLING, Bro Oliver (James)1919-2009

Bro Oliver Dowling (James) wasborn in Gurthahile, Carlow, on 20October 1919. After working on his family farmOliver entered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1939and was professed on 18 November 1941. Hetook his final vows on 18 November 1950 inKimmage Manor and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in 1952.

Bro Oliver’s first appointment was to Kilshanein 1939 and he remained there, supervising thekitchen and acting as cook and baker until 1950.He was then appointed to Kimmage and wasagain in charge of the supervision of the kitchenand stores. Oliver never allowed himself to belimited by a job description and so he involvedhimself with diligence and enthusiasm in amyriad of other jobs at the service of thecommunity and the maintenance of the premises.He was devoted to the well-being of thescholastics and was meticulous in husbanding theoften scarce resources available.

Oliver did not have the opportunity of workingon the overseas missions but in later life some ofthe confrères were privileged to welcome him onshort visits to their mission stations. He returnedwith a new spring in his step and spokeglowingly of the work of the Spiritan missionsthere.

He loved gardening, and the daffodils along thePoddle River bear special testimony to this. Thisabiding interest was a particular source of joy for

him, especially in his latter years. Oliver wasknown as a saintly and devoutly faithful religiousman, always courteous and ready to help. Inlatter years he put pen to paper and wrote abouthis experiences of being a member of theKimmage Spiritan community. His memoir iscalled Memories of the Manor and it makes agreat contribution to the history of the province,bringing back to mind old customs and the hugenumber of changes that took place in Kimmageover a 50 year period.

Bro Oliver died on 11 November 2009 at StJames’ Hospital, Dublin and is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 12th

HOLLY, Fr Patrick J. 1914-1999

Fr Patrick Holly (Paddy) wasborn on 20 May 1914 in Tarbert,Co. Limerick, Paddy did hissecondary schooling in Rockwell College, 1929-32. Having joined the Congregation he wasprofessed in Kimmage Manor in 1933. Whileresiding in the Castle, Blackrock, he studied atUCD for the BA, which he gained in 1936. Aftertwo years prefecting in Rockwell he entered thenewly opened seminary in Kimmage Manor in1938.

Ordained in 1941 he was appointed the followingyear to Sierra Leone. It was a perilous time forthose travelling by sea because of the menace ofsubmarines. Appointed to St Edward’s secondaryschool in Brookfields, Freetown, he taught theretill 1948. Returning to Ireland he taught for ayear in St Mary’s, Rathmines, qualifying for theH.Dip. Ed. Back in Sierra Leone he wasappointed Principal of St Edward’s. In 1952 hetransferred to Rockwell where he taught for oneyear before receiving his appointment toBlackrock College. There he proved an excellentteacher of English and History much appreciatedby his students. The prefects also appreciatedhim as he was seen to take a special interest inthem personally. He was recalled as speakingeloquently from time to time about missionary

NOVEMBER

140

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 140

Page 149: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

life in Sierra Leone. He also took charge ofLiturgy for some years.

Suffering from ill health he eventuallytransferred to Kimmage and his final years werespent in Marian House where he died on 12November 1999 aged 85 years. Paddy was abrother of Fr Con. CSSp, and a nephew of ConColbert, the youngest of the 1916 leadersexecuted for their part in the Rebellion. FrPatrick was buried in the Spiritan plot inShanganagh Cemetery, Co. Dublin.

November 13th

WALSH, Fr Patrick J.1919-2003

Fr Patrick Walsh (Pat) was bornin Kilmurry House, Cordal,Castleisland, Co Kerry on 9October 1919. After his secondary school studiesat Rockwell Juniorate, he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1940. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. and then prefected inRockwell College from 1943-5. Pat studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 11 July 1948. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1949.

His first appointment was to Nigeria in 1949where he was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri.He taught at Bishop Shanahan College in Orlu.Later he became principal of the teacher trainingschool at Ogutu and in 1969 he was appointedprincipal of Trinity High School in Ogboli. At theend of the Biafra war in 1970 he went to theU.S.A. for one year and then volunteered forwork in Sierra Leone, where he spent a furtherthirty-one years. He became the principal of StJoseph’s Secondary and Agricultural School atBlama. After five years, the school wasconsidered one of the best in the country.

He transferred to the Holy Trinity SecondarySchool, Kenema, where he was appointedprincipal. In 1993 Pat moved into pastoral workat St Paul’s, the diocesan cathedral in Kenema.What impressed all about Pat was his availability

and love of the people with whom he worked. Hespoke with them as equals, had time for them andenjoyed their company.

In 2001, after spending twenty-one years inNigeria and thirty-one years in Sierra Leone, Patreturned to Ireland. In September 2002 he had hisfirst heart attack and was transferred fromMission House to Marian House. Fr Pat diedthere on 13 November 2003 and is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 15th

RYAN, Fr John Joseph1937-1998

Fr John Ryan (Seán) was born inDundrum, Co. Tipperary, on 11December 1937 and completedhis secondary studies in C.B.S. Thurles where hewon three Munster Cup Medals - the Harty Cup,the Dean Ryan Cup and the Croke Cup. Havingopted to join the Congregation he was professedin 1958 and prefected for two years, 1961-63, atSt Michael’s. Sean had a keen interest in and loveof music, song and poetry. During his studentdays he experimented with various instruments -accordion, guitar and mandolin. He settled forthe guitar and it became his life’s companionboth on social occasions and on pastoral ministry.

Ordained priest in 1965 he was appointed toBrazil in 1966 where he worked in parishministry at Mirandópolis, SP, followed by SâoSebastiâo in the same town. In 1989 he went tothe USA studying for a diploma called Focus onLeadership in Denver CO and and for an MA inCreation-Centred Spirituality in Chicago. Afterhis return to Brazil he served in Ceilândia, oneof the eight satellite towns to which people fromBrasilia’s slums had been deported. He engagedin parish work there and the formation ofBrazilian candidates for the Congregation until1989.

Seán learned the skill of making musicalinstruments. He made a Paraguayan harp andwhile working with the novices in Brazilia hehad them making their own musical instruments

NOVEMBER

141

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 141

life in Sierra Leone. He also took charge ofLiturgy for some years.

Suffering from ill health he eventuallytransferred to Kimmage and his final years werespent in Marian House where he died on 12November 1999 aged 85 years. Paddy was abrother of Fr Con. CSSp, and a nephew of ConColbert, the youngest of the 1916 leadersexecuted for their part in the Rebellion. FrPatrick was buried in the Spiritan plot inShanganagh Cemetery, Co. Dublin.

November 13th

WALSH, Fr Patrick J.1919-2003

Fr Patrick Walsh (Pat) was bornin Kilmurry House, Cordal,Castleisland, Co Kerry on 9October 1919. After his secondary school studiesat Rockwell Juniorate, he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on8 September 1940. He was awarded a B.A. inphilosophy by U.C.D. and then prefected inRockwell College from 1943-5. Pat studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordainedto the priesthood on 11 July 1948. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 31 July 1949.

His first appointment was to Nigeria in 1949where he was assigned to the vicariate of Owerri.He taught at Bishop Shanahan College in Orlu.Later he became principal of the teacher trainingschool at Ogutu and in 1969 he was appointedprincipal of Trinity High School in Ogboli. At theend of the Biafra war in 1970 he went to theU.S.A. for one year and then volunteered forwork in Sierra Leone, where he spent a furtherthirty-one years. He became the principal of StJoseph’s Secondary and Agricultural School atBlama. After five years, the school wasconsidered one of the best in the country.

He transferred to the Holy Trinity SecondarySchool, Kenema, where he was appointedprincipal. In 1993 Pat moved into pastoral workat St Paul’s, the diocesan cathedral in Kenema.What impressed all about Pat was his availability

and love of the people with whom he worked. Hespoke with them as equals, had time for them andenjoyed their company.

In 2001, after spending twenty-one years inNigeria and thirty-one years in Sierra Leone, Patreturned to Ireland. In September 2002 he had hisfirst heart attack and was transferred fromMission House to Marian House. Fr Pat diedthere on 13 November 2003 and is buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

November 15th

RYAN, Fr John Joseph1937-1998

Fr John Ryan (Seán) was born inDundrum, Co. Tipperary, on 11December 1937 and completedhis secondary studies in C.B.S. Thurles where hewon three Munster Cup Medals - the Harty Cup,the Dean Ryan Cup and the Croke Cup. Havingopted to join the Congregation he was professedin 1958 and prefected for two years, 1961-63, atSt Michael’s. Sean had a keen interest in and loveof music, song and poetry. During his studentdays he experimented with various instruments -accordion, guitar and mandolin. He settled forthe guitar and it became his life’s companionboth on social occasions and on pastoral ministry.

Ordained priest in 1965 he was appointed toBrazil in 1966 where he worked in parishministry at Mirandópolis, SP, followed by SâoSebastiâo in the same town. In 1989 he went tothe USA studying for a diploma called Focus onLeadership in Denver CO and and for an MA inCreation-Centred Spirituality in Chicago. Afterhis return to Brazil he served in Ceilândia, oneof the eight satellite towns to which people fromBrasilia’s slums had been deported. He engagedin parish work there and the formation ofBrazilian candidates for the Congregation until1989.

Seán learned the skill of making musicalinstruments. He made a Paraguayan harp andwhile working with the novices in Brazilia hehad them making their own musical instruments

NOVEMBER

141

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 141

Page 150: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

- flutes of various types made from nativematerial and sometimes with a mixture of Irishand local material. Everywhere he worked hepassed on his gift of music to others, alwaysleaving behind him a little band of buddingsingers and musicians. After a two yearsabbatical he took an appointment to Ardbraccan,Co. Meath and worked there until 1996. He wasthen appointed to Mexico where he worked untilforced by ill health to return to Ireland in 1998.He died 15 November 1998. Fr Seán is buried inthe community cemetery at Rockwell College.

November 16th

CROWLEY, Fr William1927-2008

Fr William Crowley (Bill) wasborn in Midleton, Co Cork on 5May 1927. After completing hissecondary school education at the C.B.S.Midleton, he worked as a pharmaceuticalassistant between 1947 and 1953 and qualifiedas a pharmacist in 1954. Later that year heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on the 15 October 1955. Bill studiedphilosophy and theology in Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on the 10 July1960. He made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1961.

Bill’s first appointment was to the diocese ofMombasa, Kenya in 1961 where he spenteighteen years. His main assignments were inpastoral ministry in the following areas: TanaRiver, Voi, Ndavaya, Changamwe, Kongowea,Timbila and Kinango. In 1974 he established anew parish at Tudor and ministered there for fiveyears. He then returned to Ireland, in 1980, wherehe completed a diploma in mission studies inMaynooth. Following this he worked with theSpiritan Promotions Team for a year.

Bill joined the Irish group of confrères in the SanFrancisco area in 1981 and worked in a varietyof hospital chaplaincies and parish ministries inthe city and in the greater Bay Area. He isremembered as a tremendous worker who had agreat way with people and who established

lasting friendships. Due to ailing health hereturned to Ireland in 2004 and resided in MarianHouse, Kimmage. Fr William died on 16November 2008 in Tallaght Hospital and wasburied in Midleton, Co Cork.

November 17th

EGAN, Fr John1939-2015

Fr John Egan (Seán) was born on14 October 1939 in LowerBaggot Street, Dublin. Heattended secondary school in Blackrock Collegefrom 1953 to 1957. He entered Kilshane in 1957and was professed the following year. Hecompleted a course in philosophy at KimmageManor in 1961 and then studied theology there.He was awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. and heprefected in Trinidad from 1961 to 1964. He wasordained in Clonliffe College in 1967 byArchbishop Mc Quaid.

Seán’s first appointment was to Mauritius in1968 where he taught until he moved toCalifornia in 1972. He served as a chaplain /teacher in the diocese of Oakland and completedhis M.A. in Education at the University of SanFrancisco in 1975. Seán was chaplain major withthe U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan, for someyears before moving to San Antonio, Texas,where he ministered from 1982 to 1991. Hemoved to England in 1992 and was ateacher/chaplain in Thornton College, MiltonKeynes which was run by the Sisters of Jesus andMary congregation.

Returning to Ireland, Seán was appointed toKimmage in 2005. A player of a number ofmusical instruments, and from a strong musicalfamily, he pursued an M.A. in the University ofLimerick in 2006 with a focus on Irish churchliturgy and traditional Irish music. Fr Seán diedsuddenly on the morning of 17 November 2015in the Parke House Nursing Home, Kilcock, CoKildare, where he had spent his final days. Hewas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

142

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 142

- flutes of various types made from nativematerial and sometimes with a mixture of Irishand local material. Everywhere he worked hepassed on his gift of music to others, alwaysleaving behind him a little band of buddingsingers and musicians. After a two yearsabbatical he took an appointment to Ardbraccan,Co. Meath and worked there until 1996. He wasthen appointed to Mexico where he worked untilforced by ill health to return to Ireland in 1998.He died 15 November 1998. Fr Seán is buried inthe community cemetery at Rockwell College.

November 16th

CROWLEY, Fr William1927-2008

Fr William Crowley (Bill) wasborn in Midleton, Co Cork on 5May 1927. After completing hissecondary school education at the C.B.S.Midleton, he worked as a pharmaceuticalassistant between 1947 and 1953 and qualifiedas a pharmacist in 1954. Later that year heentered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed on the 15 October 1955. Bill studiedphilosophy and theology in Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood on the 10 July1960. He made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1961.

Bill’s first appointment was to the diocese ofMombasa, Kenya in 1961 where he spenteighteen years. His main assignments were inpastoral ministry in the following areas: TanaRiver, Voi, Ndavaya, Changamwe, Kongowea,Timbila and Kinango. In 1974 he established anew parish at Tudor and ministered there for fiveyears. He then returned to Ireland, in 1980, wherehe completed a diploma in mission studies inMaynooth. Following this he worked with theSpiritan Promotions Team for a year.

Bill joined the Irish group of confrères in the SanFrancisco area in 1981 and worked in a varietyof hospital chaplaincies and parish ministries inthe city and in the greater Bay Area. He isremembered as a tremendous worker who had agreat way with people and who established

lasting friendships. Due to ailing health hereturned to Ireland in 2004 and resided in MarianHouse, Kimmage. Fr William died on 16November 2008 in Tallaght Hospital and wasburied in Midleton, Co Cork.

November 17th

EGAN, Fr John1939-2015

Fr John Egan (Seán) was born on14 October 1939 in LowerBaggot Street, Dublin. Heattended secondary school in Blackrock Collegefrom 1953 to 1957. He entered Kilshane in 1957and was professed the following year. Hecompleted a course in philosophy at KimmageManor in 1961 and then studied theology there.He was awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. and heprefected in Trinidad from 1961 to 1964. He wasordained in Clonliffe College in 1967 byArchbishop Mc Quaid.

Seán’s first appointment was to Mauritius in1968 where he taught until he moved toCalifornia in 1972. He served as a chaplain /teacher in the diocese of Oakland and completedhis M.A. in Education at the University of SanFrancisco in 1975. Seán was chaplain major withthe U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan, for someyears before moving to San Antonio, Texas,where he ministered from 1982 to 1991. Hemoved to England in 1992 and was ateacher/chaplain in Thornton College, MiltonKeynes which was run by the Sisters of Jesus andMary congregation.

Returning to Ireland, Seán was appointed toKimmage in 2005. A player of a number ofmusical instruments, and from a strong musicalfamily, he pursued an M.A. in the University ofLimerick in 2006 with a focus on Irish churchliturgy and traditional Irish music. Fr Seán diedsuddenly on the morning of 17 November 2015in the Parke House Nursing Home, Kilcock, CoKildare, where he had spent his final days. Hewas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

142

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 142

Page 151: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

November 17th

STEELE, Fr Joseph1940-2012

Fr Joseph Steele was born in theNew Lodge district of Belfast onthe 5 June 1940. He attendedsecondary school as St Malachy’s College,Belfast and Blackrock College, Dublin. Heentered the novitiate at Kilshane, Co Tipperaryon 7 September 1957 and made his firstprofession there on 8 September 1958. He thenstudied philosophy and theology at KimmageManor, Dublin from 1958 to 1960. He wasordained to the priesthood by Bishop P. Dunne atAll Hallows College, Dublin on 21 June 1964and he made his Consecration to the Apostolateat Kimmage on the 4 July 1964.

His first mission appointment was to Kenya in1964 but due to ill health he was forced to returnto Ireland in 1969. Following on from this herequested a temporary transfer to work in hisnative city of Belfast in the diocese of Down andConnor. This appointment was made permanentthe following year. He consequently, worked forthe next twenty-two years in the Belfast parishesof St Teresa, St Joseph (Ballyhackmore), BelfastCity Hospital and the Good Shepherd Centre onthe Ormeau Road. He was then, reappointed toRotherham, England where he served from 1991to 1995.

Fr Joseph returned to Ireland on the 1 April 1995to live and work in the Spiritan Community atKimmage Manor, Dublin. He suffered from poorhealth in his later years and spent some time inMarian House where he died on the 17November 2012.

November 18th

CASEY, Fr Seán Francis1938-2015

Fr Seán was born on 21 August1938 in Church Street,Charlestown, Co Mayo. After thecompletion of his secondary school studies in

Rockwell College and St Patrick’s College,Swinford, Co Mayo, he entered Kilshane in 1957and was professed the following year. He latermoved to Kimmage Manor where he studiedphilosophy and theology he completedphilosophy studies in 1960 and theology in 1966.Along with some two dozen other Spiritans, hewas ordained in 1965 by Archbishop Lefebvre. Seán’s first appointment was to BlackrockCollege, where he had already completed a two-year period as prefect and where he then servedbriefly as dean of junior day boys. A nine yearperiod in Kimmage as director of vocationsfollowed, during which time he travelledextensively, giving retreats in schools anddioceses across Ireland which proved fruitful asthey welcomed many new vocations to thecongregation.Graduating with a B.D. from Maynooth in 1977,Seán moved to Fordham University and wasawarded an M.S. Ed. He also served as pastor inSt Francis de Sales Parish, Manhattan, during hisyear in New York. He returned to Blackrock in1978 where he served for one year as spiritualdirector to the students and another as dean.Subsequently he completed his H. Dip. Ed. inTrinity College, undertook studies in St Bueno’s,Wales, and was a member of the Irish Institute ofGuidance Counsellors and the AmericanGuidance and Personnel Association. Seán was again appointed as director ofvocations from 1980 to 1985. He lived in SpiritanHouse as formation director from 1986 to 1992.After a sabbatical, he was appointed to RockwellCollege in 1994, serving as superior andpresident/manager of the college. He was againin Blackrock from 1999, initially aspresident/manager of the college and later asschool chaplain. He remained a member ofBlackrock Community until he moved to MarianHouse in 2012. He is remembered as ‘a dedicatedpriest who lived a life of goodness and whoseemed happy because he was a priest’. Fr Seándied on 18 November 2015 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

143

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 143

November 17th

STEELE, Fr Joseph1940-2012

Fr Joseph Steele was born in theNew Lodge district of Belfast onthe 5 June 1940. He attendedsecondary school as St Malachy’s College,Belfast and Blackrock College, Dublin. Heentered the novitiate at Kilshane, Co Tipperaryon 7 September 1957 and made his firstprofession there on 8 September 1958. He thenstudied philosophy and theology at KimmageManor, Dublin from 1958 to 1960. He wasordained to the priesthood by Bishop P. Dunne atAll Hallows College, Dublin on 21 June 1964and he made his Consecration to the Apostolateat Kimmage on the 4 July 1964.

His first mission appointment was to Kenya in1964 but due to ill health he was forced to returnto Ireland in 1969. Following on from this herequested a temporary transfer to work in hisnative city of Belfast in the diocese of Down andConnor. This appointment was made permanentthe following year. He consequently, worked forthe next twenty-two years in the Belfast parishesof St Teresa, St Joseph (Ballyhackmore), BelfastCity Hospital and the Good Shepherd Centre onthe Ormeau Road. He was then, reappointed toRotherham, England where he served from 1991to 1995.

Fr Joseph returned to Ireland on the 1 April 1995to live and work in the Spiritan Community atKimmage Manor, Dublin. He suffered from poorhealth in his later years and spent some time inMarian House where he died on the 17November 2012.

November 18th

CASEY, Fr Seán Francis1938-2015

Fr Seán was born on 21 August1938 in Church Street,Charlestown, Co Mayo. After thecompletion of his secondary school studies in

Rockwell College and St Patrick’s College,Swinford, Co Mayo, he entered Kilshane in 1957and was professed the following year. He latermoved to Kimmage Manor where he studiedphilosophy and theology he completedphilosophy studies in 1960 and theology in 1966.Along with some two dozen other Spiritans, hewas ordained in 1965 by Archbishop Lefebvre. Seán’s first appointment was to BlackrockCollege, where he had already completed a two-year period as prefect and where he then servedbriefly as dean of junior day boys. A nine yearperiod in Kimmage as director of vocationsfollowed, during which time he travelledextensively, giving retreats in schools anddioceses across Ireland which proved fruitful asthey welcomed many new vocations to thecongregation.Graduating with a B.D. from Maynooth in 1977,Seán moved to Fordham University and wasawarded an M.S. Ed. He also served as pastor inSt Francis de Sales Parish, Manhattan, during hisyear in New York. He returned to Blackrock in1978 where he served for one year as spiritualdirector to the students and another as dean.Subsequently he completed his H. Dip. Ed. inTrinity College, undertook studies in St Bueno’s,Wales, and was a member of the Irish Institute ofGuidance Counsellors and the AmericanGuidance and Personnel Association. Seán was again appointed as director ofvocations from 1980 to 1985. He lived in SpiritanHouse as formation director from 1986 to 1992.After a sabbatical, he was appointed to RockwellCollege in 1994, serving as superior andpresident/manager of the college. He was againin Blackrock from 1999, initially aspresident/manager of the college and later asschool chaplain. He remained a member ofBlackrock Community until he moved to MarianHouse in 2012. He is remembered as ‘a dedicatedpriest who lived a life of goodness and whoseemed happy because he was a priest’. Fr Seándied on 18 November 2015 and was buried inDardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

143

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 143

Page 152: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

November 18th

NOLAN, Fr Patrick Joseph1910-1999

Fr Patrick Nolan (Paddy) wasborn on 9 August 1910 in Cahir,Co. Tipperary and completed his secondarystudies in nearby Rockwell, 1924-29. He enteredthe novitiate at Kimmage Manor and wasprofessed in 1930. After Philosophy in theCastle, Blackrock, he prefected for two years inRockwell, 1932-34. He did Theology inKimmage and was ordained priest in Daingean,Co. Offaly, in 1937.

The following year he was appointed topromotion work where he served for two yearsbefore being appointed in 1940 to succeed FrMichael Comerford as Director of the Junioratein Rockwell. After nine years service in this posthe was transferred to the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he worked for one year. In 1950 he wasappointed bursar in Willow Park PreparatorySchool, Blackrock, where he served for elevenyears.

In 1961 he was appointed Director of StMichael’s Preparatory School, then attached toBlackrock. Fr Paddy was to see St Michael’sdevelop into a fully-fledged separate secondaryschool under the direction of Fr Seamus Galvin,who became its first superior in 1971. Fr Nolanremained at St Michael’s until 1996 when hemoved to Marian House where he died on 18November 1999 aged 89 years. He was a muchloved member of the Spiritan communities inwhich he lived, and was seen to be very close tohis own extended family where he was inattendance for all special occasions, looking afterfamily christenings, weddings and funerals, andwas especially attentive to the sick and the dying.He was himself a fine singer - his party piecesbeing “Bless this house” and “Keep right on tothe end of the road”. A former studentcommented: “Like so many of his generation FrPat’s faith and values were deeply rooted andclear and he communicated them by example anda process of osmosis. He was a man who wasgentle, generous, kind and humble…”

Fr Patrick was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

November 21st

SMITH, Bro Senan (James)1926-2009

Bro Senan Smith (James) wasborn in Ennis, Co Clare on 7February 1926. Before entering the congregationhe worked in the building and constructionindustry. He entered the postulancy atArdbraccan in 1956, received the soutane in 1957and was professed on 15 March, 1958. He tookhis final vows on 15 March 1964 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1965.

Following his first profession, Senan remainedin Ardbraccan for four years where he wasresponsible for the development of the brothersliving accommodation. This resulted in theconstruction of what is now known as An Tobar.

In 1962 Senan was appointed to RockwellCollege where, again, he was heavily involvedin the development of the campus buildings. Hesupervised the building of the chapel at StJosephs, the swimming pool, the agriculturalcollege and the gymnasium. For a number ofyears he acted as assistant bursar, a function hecombined with teaching duties in the agriculturalcollege.

Senan was also interested in calligraphyevidenced by his production for the chapel hallof a framed record of all the Rockwellcommunity members since 1864. A capable andtalented man, Senan was unfailingly courteousand even tempered. Following forty seven yearsof devoted service in the Rockwell Community,Bro Senan moved to Marian House, KimmageManor, in July 2009 where he died on 21November 2009. He was buried in thecommunity plot in Rockwell College.

NOVEMBER

144

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 144

November 18th

NOLAN, Fr Patrick Joseph1910-1999

Fr Patrick Nolan (Paddy) wasborn on 9 August 1910 in Cahir,Co. Tipperary and completed his secondarystudies in nearby Rockwell, 1924-29. He enteredthe novitiate at Kimmage Manor and wasprofessed in 1930. After Philosophy in theCastle, Blackrock, he prefected for two years inRockwell, 1932-34. He did Theology inKimmage and was ordained priest in Daingean,Co. Offaly, in 1937.

The following year he was appointed topromotion work where he served for two yearsbefore being appointed in 1940 to succeed FrMichael Comerford as Director of the Junioratein Rockwell. After nine years service in this posthe was transferred to the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he worked for one year. In 1950 he wasappointed bursar in Willow Park PreparatorySchool, Blackrock, where he served for elevenyears.

In 1961 he was appointed Director of StMichael’s Preparatory School, then attached toBlackrock. Fr Paddy was to see St Michael’sdevelop into a fully-fledged separate secondaryschool under the direction of Fr Seamus Galvin,who became its first superior in 1971. Fr Nolanremained at St Michael’s until 1996 when hemoved to Marian House where he died on 18November 1999 aged 89 years. He was a muchloved member of the Spiritan communities inwhich he lived, and was seen to be very close tohis own extended family where he was inattendance for all special occasions, looking afterfamily christenings, weddings and funerals, andwas especially attentive to the sick and the dying.He was himself a fine singer - his party piecesbeing “Bless this house” and “Keep right on tothe end of the road”. A former studentcommented: “Like so many of his generation FrPat’s faith and values were deeply rooted andclear and he communicated them by example anda process of osmosis. He was a man who wasgentle, generous, kind and humble…”

Fr Patrick was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

November 21st

SMITH, Bro Senan (James)1926-2009

Bro Senan Smith (James) wasborn in Ennis, Co Clare on 7February 1926. Before entering the congregationhe worked in the building and constructionindustry. He entered the postulancy atArdbraccan in 1956, received the soutane in 1957and was professed on 15 March, 1958. He tookhis final vows on 15 March 1964 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1965.

Following his first profession, Senan remainedin Ardbraccan for four years where he wasresponsible for the development of the brothersliving accommodation. This resulted in theconstruction of what is now known as An Tobar.

In 1962 Senan was appointed to RockwellCollege where, again, he was heavily involvedin the development of the campus buildings. Hesupervised the building of the chapel at StJosephs, the swimming pool, the agriculturalcollege and the gymnasium. For a number ofyears he acted as assistant bursar, a function hecombined with teaching duties in the agriculturalcollege.

Senan was also interested in calligraphyevidenced by his production for the chapel hallof a framed record of all the Rockwellcommunity members since 1864. A capable andtalented man, Senan was unfailingly courteousand even tempered. Following forty seven yearsof devoted service in the Rockwell Community,Bro Senan moved to Marian House, KimmageManor, in July 2009 where he died on 21November 2009. He was buried in thecommunity plot in Rockwell College.

NOVEMBER

144

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 144

Page 153: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

November 22nd

O’RIORDAN, BishopJohn Christopher 1924–2016

Bishop John O’Riordan was bornon 6 January 1924 in UpperEffin, Kilmallock, Co Limerick. He completedhis secondary school education in BlackrockCollege before entering Kilshane. He wasprofessed in 1944 and moved to KimmageManor where he studied philosophy andtheology. He prefected there from 1945 to 1947in the Promotions Office.

One of twenty seven Spiritans ordained in 1952,John was appointed to Sierra Leone thefollowing year and served in this west Africancountry for nearly 50 years. His first missionappointment was as assistant in Our Lady of theRosary, Blama followed by St Paul’s, Kenema in1961 and St Kizito Mission, Panguma in 1965.In 1972 John was appointed vicar general of thediocese of Kenema, apostolic administrator ofthe diocese of Kenema in 1980 and then bishopof Kenema. He was ordained bishop byarchbishop Joseph Ganda of Freetown and Bo.To his family he was John, but in Sierra Leonehe was Bishop Johnny and his mission hadhighly practical aspects. In addition to tending tothe spiritual welfare of his flock, and trainingcommunity workers, he built schools, hospitalsand pastoral centres. He was not afraid to speakout against the war, challenging high-rankingarmy officers to use their power and influence tostop the killing when he met them at the funeralsthat were an inevitable consequence of theconflict.

Bishop John was awarded Sierra Leone’sCommander of the Order of the Rokel for hisoutstanding pastoral and humanitarian servicesto the people of Kenema in 2001. The followingyear he returned to Ireland for good and wasappointed to Kimmage Manor. He moved toMarian House in 2012 where he died on 22November 2016 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 23rd

FULLEN, Fr Joseph T.1916-1999

Fr Joseph Fullen (Joe) was bornon 8 December 1916 inCoalisland, Co. Tyrone andfollowed in the footsteps of his brothers Fred andPaddy in going to Blackrock College, 1929-35,with the intention of joining the Congregation.In sport he proved to be an excellent scrumhalf,winning cup medals at junior and senior levels.He was a good singer and took part in the firstGilbert and Sullivan Opera in 1934. Professed in1936 he did one year at UCD and then wasappointed to St Mary’s, Trinidad, as prefect. Heserved there for five years because of thedifficulty in travelling home during the war. Heresumed studies at UCD gaining the BA in 1944.Ordained in 1947 he was appointed the followingyear to Zanzibar Vicariate, but before taking uphis post did one year teaching at Blackrock whilequalifying for the H.Dip.Ed.

Arrived in Kenya he did parish work for one yearand was then appointed to St Mary’s School,Nairobi where he taught until 1957 when he wasre-appointed to Blackrock. There he was to servefor the rest of his life, teaching mainly Religion,French and History. He proved to be an excellentteacher and was very popular with his students.To improve his fluency in French he followed asummer course in the Institut Catholique in Pariswhere he gained ‘premier au mond’ among theforeign students. He took an active part inextracurricular activities in the College -conducting a Legion of Mary Praesidium, actingas coach to the Under-14 rugby team and asmanager of the Golf team, which under hisdirection won the All Ireland Schools League.Even after retiring from the classroom heremained close to school activities. In the lastfew months he was cared for in Marian Housewhere he died on 23 November 1999. Fr Joe isburied in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

145

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 145

November 22nd

O’RIORDAN, BishopJohn Christopher 1924–2016

Bishop John O’Riordan was bornon 6 January 1924 in UpperEffin, Kilmallock, Co Limerick. He completedhis secondary school education in BlackrockCollege before entering Kilshane. He wasprofessed in 1944 and moved to KimmageManor where he studied philosophy andtheology. He prefected there from 1945 to 1947in the Promotions Office.

One of twenty seven Spiritans ordained in 1952,John was appointed to Sierra Leone thefollowing year and served in this west Africancountry for nearly 50 years. His first missionappointment was as assistant in Our Lady of theRosary, Blama followed by St Paul’s, Kenema in1961 and St Kizito Mission, Panguma in 1965.In 1972 John was appointed vicar general of thediocese of Kenema, apostolic administrator ofthe diocese of Kenema in 1980 and then bishopof Kenema. He was ordained bishop byarchbishop Joseph Ganda of Freetown and Bo.To his family he was John, but in Sierra Leonehe was Bishop Johnny and his mission hadhighly practical aspects. In addition to tending tothe spiritual welfare of his flock, and trainingcommunity workers, he built schools, hospitalsand pastoral centres. He was not afraid to speakout against the war, challenging high-rankingarmy officers to use their power and influence tostop the killing when he met them at the funeralsthat were an inevitable consequence of theconflict.

Bishop John was awarded Sierra Leone’sCommander of the Order of the Rokel for hisoutstanding pastoral and humanitarian servicesto the people of Kenema in 2001. The followingyear he returned to Ireland for good and wasappointed to Kimmage Manor. He moved toMarian House in 2012 where he died on 22November 2016 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 23rd

FULLEN, Fr Joseph T.1916-1999

Fr Joseph Fullen (Joe) was bornon 8 December 1916 inCoalisland, Co. Tyrone andfollowed in the footsteps of his brothers Fred andPaddy in going to Blackrock College, 1929-35,with the intention of joining the Congregation.In sport he proved to be an excellent scrumhalf,winning cup medals at junior and senior levels.He was a good singer and took part in the firstGilbert and Sullivan Opera in 1934. Professed in1936 he did one year at UCD and then wasappointed to St Mary’s, Trinidad, as prefect. Heserved there for five years because of thedifficulty in travelling home during the war. Heresumed studies at UCD gaining the BA in 1944.Ordained in 1947 he was appointed the followingyear to Zanzibar Vicariate, but before taking uphis post did one year teaching at Blackrock whilequalifying for the H.Dip.Ed.

Arrived in Kenya he did parish work for one yearand was then appointed to St Mary’s School,Nairobi where he taught until 1957 when he wasre-appointed to Blackrock. There he was to servefor the rest of his life, teaching mainly Religion,French and History. He proved to be an excellentteacher and was very popular with his students.To improve his fluency in French he followed asummer course in the Institut Catholique in Pariswhere he gained ‘premier au mond’ among theforeign students. He took an active part inextracurricular activities in the College -conducting a Legion of Mary Praesidium, actingas coach to the Under-14 rugby team and asmanager of the Golf team, which under hisdirection won the All Ireland Schools League.Even after retiring from the classroom heremained close to school activities. In the lastfew months he was cared for in Marian Housewhere he died on 23 November 1999. Fr Joe isburied in the Spiritan plot in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

145

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 145

Page 154: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

November 24th

JENKINSON,Fr William A.1923-2016

Fr William Jenkinson (Willie)was born in Lusk, Co Dublin on25 June 1923. Following his secondary schooleducation at O’Connell Schools (CBS) inDublin’s north inner-city, he entered the novitiatein Kilshane and was professed in September1944. After studying philosophy in Kimmage, hewas awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. in 1946. For thefollowing two years he prefected in St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines during which time hecompleted a H. Dip. Ed. Willie then studiedtheology in Fribourg and was ordained there inMarch 1952. Willie was appointed to Kenya where he held avariety of positions in education and pastoralministry. He served as education secretary, in thediocese of Mombasa until 1966. In theimmediate aftermath of Vatican II, the directionof which he fully embraced, he urged others todo likewise. Throughout his ordained life, he wasconsistently vocal on the issue of an inclusivechurch and the crucial role of women and thelaity in it. On his return to Ireland, he served asdirector of theology in Kimmage Manor for afour-year period. In 1970 he became the firstexecutive secretary of the Irish Missionary Union(IMU). Three years later he became the Spiritanprovincial.In 1978 Willie took a sabbatical in India and inthe U.S. He was awarded an M.A. in 1980 byBerkeley University. This was followed by atwelve-year period as executive secretary ofSEDOS, based in Rome. He spent six furtheryears in Rome, as superior of the GeneralateCommunity.Returning to Ireland, in 2000, Willie wasappointed leader of the Spiritan HouseCommunity and also became the ‘Gardener’ inSPIRASI – Spiritan Refugee and AsylumServices Initiative. Spending much time in thefront garden of Spiritan House he was often thefirst person SPIRASI visitors, many of whomwere in distress, would meet. His work was

recognised by his receipt of the overall winneraward by Dublin City Council on World RefugeeDay 2008. In 2011 he was appointed toKimmage, moving to Marian House thefollowing year, where he died on 24 November2016. Fr William was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 26th

ENRIGHT, Fr John B.1917-1999

Fr John Enright was born on 26May 1917 in Ballyline,Ballylongford, Co. Kerry andcompleted his secondary studies at Rockwell1935. Professed in Kilshane in 1936 he qualifiedfor the BA degree in 1939 and did one year asprefect in Rockwell, 1939-40. Ordained to thepriesthood in 1943 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria.

He was sent to Northern Nigeria where hereplaced German priests uprooted from theirministry by the Second World War. He workedin education for the next ten years. He was thentransferred back to Owerri where he waseducation secretary. In this post he hadhundreds of teachers under his management,and in an emerging country there was alwaysthe danger of conflict. His own strength and hisrespect for people carried him through. He alsoacted as Principal of Holy Ghost College,Owerri, where he was an immediate successwith staff and students. He was destined tospend most of his years occupied with educationat a time when Catholic education was reachingits greatest expansion under the direction of FrJohn Jordan in particular. After being Principalof Mt St Mary’s Teacher Training College atOturpo in the Prefecture of Benue for threeyears, he was transferred to a similar post atBishop Shanahan Teacher Training College,Owerri. In 1966 he undertook the duties ofEducational Supervisor.

Obliged to leave Nigeria because of the civil warhe returned to Ireland and was appointed toparish work in the Diocese of Ardagh and

NOVEMBER

146

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 146

November 24th

JENKINSON,Fr William A.1923-2016

Fr William Jenkinson (Willie)was born in Lusk, Co Dublin on25 June 1923. Following his secondary schooleducation at O’Connell Schools (CBS) inDublin’s north inner-city, he entered the novitiatein Kilshane and was professed in September1944. After studying philosophy in Kimmage, hewas awarded a B.A. by U.C.D. in 1946. For thefollowing two years he prefected in St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines during which time hecompleted a H. Dip. Ed. Willie then studiedtheology in Fribourg and was ordained there inMarch 1952. Willie was appointed to Kenya where he held avariety of positions in education and pastoralministry. He served as education secretary, in thediocese of Mombasa until 1966. In theimmediate aftermath of Vatican II, the directionof which he fully embraced, he urged others todo likewise. Throughout his ordained life, he wasconsistently vocal on the issue of an inclusivechurch and the crucial role of women and thelaity in it. On his return to Ireland, he served asdirector of theology in Kimmage Manor for afour-year period. In 1970 he became the firstexecutive secretary of the Irish Missionary Union(IMU). Three years later he became the Spiritanprovincial.In 1978 Willie took a sabbatical in India and inthe U.S. He was awarded an M.A. in 1980 byBerkeley University. This was followed by atwelve-year period as executive secretary ofSEDOS, based in Rome. He spent six furtheryears in Rome, as superior of the GeneralateCommunity.Returning to Ireland, in 2000, Willie wasappointed leader of the Spiritan HouseCommunity and also became the ‘Gardener’ inSPIRASI – Spiritan Refugee and AsylumServices Initiative. Spending much time in thefront garden of Spiritan House he was often thefirst person SPIRASI visitors, many of whomwere in distress, would meet. His work was

recognised by his receipt of the overall winneraward by Dublin City Council on World RefugeeDay 2008. In 2011 he was appointed toKimmage, moving to Marian House thefollowing year, where he died on 24 November2016. Fr William was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

November 26th

ENRIGHT, Fr John B.1917-1999

Fr John Enright was born on 26May 1917 in Ballyline,Ballylongford, Co. Kerry andcompleted his secondary studies at Rockwell1935. Professed in Kilshane in 1936 he qualifiedfor the BA degree in 1939 and did one year asprefect in Rockwell, 1939-40. Ordained to thepriesthood in 1943 he was appointed thefollowing year to Nigeria.

He was sent to Northern Nigeria where hereplaced German priests uprooted from theirministry by the Second World War. He workedin education for the next ten years. He was thentransferred back to Owerri where he waseducation secretary. In this post he hadhundreds of teachers under his management,and in an emerging country there was alwaysthe danger of conflict. His own strength and hisrespect for people carried him through. He alsoacted as Principal of Holy Ghost College,Owerri, where he was an immediate successwith staff and students. He was destined tospend most of his years occupied with educationat a time when Catholic education was reachingits greatest expansion under the direction of FrJohn Jordan in particular. After being Principalof Mt St Mary’s Teacher Training College atOturpo in the Prefecture of Benue for threeyears, he was transferred to a similar post atBishop Shanahan Teacher Training College,Owerri. In 1966 he undertook the duties ofEducational Supervisor.

Obliged to leave Nigeria because of the civil warhe returned to Ireland and was appointed toparish work in the Diocese of Ardagh and

NOVEMBER

146

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 146

Page 155: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Clonmacnoise. He served in Gowla, 1968-74,and in Arigna, 1975-96. The gentleness of hisapproach made a deep impression on people andbrought him a host of friends. He was looked onas an exceptional host. He was always seen to bea man of peace. Due to a fall in 1996 he was nolonger able to climb the steep approach to thechurch. Strong men offered to carry him up thathill while he was still able to stand at the altar.Eventually he had to retire from his belovedparish ministry and went to live with his familyin Co. Kerry. Fr John died in Tralee Hospital on26 November 1999 aged 82 years. He was buriedwith his family in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry.

November 27th

TOBIN, Fr Joseph Gerard1919-1998

Fr Joseph Tobin (Joe) was bornon 20 November 1919 inBrigown, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, he did hissecondary studies at Rockwell, 1935-37. Havingentered the Congregation at Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1938. He prefected at Rockwell,1939-42, and secured the BA at UCD in 1944.Ordained in 1947 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria.

He is listed as teaching in the junior seminary inthe Onitsha vicariate in 1949, as an assistant atObowo in the Diocese of Owerri in 1952, asPrincipal of the Madonna High School at Ihite inthe Diocese of Umahia in 1961, and as principalof the Our Lady High School at Ihite in theArchdiocese of Onitsha in 1968. He spent ninemonths in Sierra Leone during the Biafra War.

Transferred to the USA he worked with theAmerican confrères in the Western Province.In1973 he was appointed to Mexico where heworked mostly with the Indians in the SanAntonio region of the San Luis Potosi State. Dueto failing health Joe returned to Ireland in 1997and joined the Kimmage community. Fr Joeanswered the Lord’s final call 27 November1998. During his seminary days, and after, Joewas loved as a jovial confrère. Joe loved a good

laugh and for that reason he liked when at homein Ireland to reread the Irish books he hadenjoyed as a school boy, Jimín and An Baile seoAgainne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam saontascléipiúil. Fr Joe is buried in DardistownCemetery.

November 30th

HUGHES, Fr John F.1921-2000

Fr John Hughes was born on 17December 1921 and completedhis secondary studies inKnockbeg College, Co Carlow. He had been afine athlete at Knockbeg where he was ‘Victorludorum’, captain of the gaelic team and playedon the Leinster schools’ inter-provincial team.Having entered the congregation at Kilshane hewas professed in 1942. Following his BA inphilosophy in 1945 John prefected in theBursar’s office for one year, 1945-46. Ordainedpriest in 1949 his first appointment the followingyear was to the Promotions team.

Getting promoters and gathering funds was adifficult apostolate but his easy manner andaffability won him friends all over Dublin andbeyond. In 1954 he was appointed Bursar of thefarm at Kimmage, and in 1957 he took over asBursar of Kimmage Manor. John was a shrewdbusinessman. This was to be seen even in hisdealings with himself in his two capacities -selling vegetables from the farm to himself asCommunity Bursar at a definite profit to himselfas Farm Bursar! And as usual he saw the humourof the situation. In 1964 in fulfilment of hisardent wish John was appointed to Kenya. Forthe next 30 years he served successively in theQueen of the Apostles Junior Seminary, Kiambu,in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Nairobi, in Karen,Kilimanbogo, and finally in Thika. While inNairobi - apart from his pastoral work – he wasin charge of the Catholic Bookshop. He gainedfor the bookshop the lucrative agency for themuch-in-demand coloured pictorial cards ofKenya published by the well-known Irishphotographic company, John Hinde Studio.While serving in Karen he ministered to a mixed

NOVEMBER

147

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 147

Clonmacnoise. He served in Gowla, 1968-74,and in Arigna, 1975-96. The gentleness of hisapproach made a deep impression on people andbrought him a host of friends. He was looked onas an exceptional host. He was always seen to bea man of peace. Due to a fall in 1996 he was nolonger able to climb the steep approach to thechurch. Strong men offered to carry him up thathill while he was still able to stand at the altar.Eventually he had to retire from his belovedparish ministry and went to live with his familyin Co. Kerry. Fr John died in Tralee Hospital on26 November 1999 aged 82 years. He was buriedwith his family in Ballylongford, Co. Kerry.

November 27th

TOBIN, Fr Joseph Gerard1919-1998

Fr Joseph Tobin (Joe) was bornon 20 November 1919 inBrigown, Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, he did hissecondary studies at Rockwell, 1935-37. Havingentered the Congregation at Kilshane he wasprofessed in 1938. He prefected at Rockwell,1939-42, and secured the BA at UCD in 1944.Ordained in 1947 he was appointed the followingyear to Nigeria.

He is listed as teaching in the junior seminary inthe Onitsha vicariate in 1949, as an assistant atObowo in the Diocese of Owerri in 1952, asPrincipal of the Madonna High School at Ihite inthe Diocese of Umahia in 1961, and as principalof the Our Lady High School at Ihite in theArchdiocese of Onitsha in 1968. He spent ninemonths in Sierra Leone during the Biafra War.

Transferred to the USA he worked with theAmerican confrères in the Western Province.In1973 he was appointed to Mexico where heworked mostly with the Indians in the SanAntonio region of the San Luis Potosi State. Dueto failing health Joe returned to Ireland in 1997and joined the Kimmage community. Fr Joeanswered the Lord’s final call 27 November1998. During his seminary days, and after, Joewas loved as a jovial confrère. Joe loved a good

laugh and for that reason he liked when at homein Ireland to reread the Irish books he hadenjoyed as a school boy, Jimín and An Baile seoAgainne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam saontascléipiúil. Fr Joe is buried in DardistownCemetery.

November 30th

HUGHES, Fr John F.1921-2000

Fr John Hughes was born on 17December 1921 and completedhis secondary studies inKnockbeg College, Co Carlow. He had been afine athlete at Knockbeg where he was ‘Victorludorum’, captain of the gaelic team and playedon the Leinster schools’ inter-provincial team.Having entered the congregation at Kilshane hewas professed in 1942. Following his BA inphilosophy in 1945 John prefected in theBursar’s office for one year, 1945-46. Ordainedpriest in 1949 his first appointment the followingyear was to the Promotions team.

Getting promoters and gathering funds was adifficult apostolate but his easy manner andaffability won him friends all over Dublin andbeyond. In 1954 he was appointed Bursar of thefarm at Kimmage, and in 1957 he took over asBursar of Kimmage Manor. John was a shrewdbusinessman. This was to be seen even in hisdealings with himself in his two capacities -selling vegetables from the farm to himself asCommunity Bursar at a definite profit to himselfas Farm Bursar! And as usual he saw the humourof the situation. In 1964 in fulfilment of hisardent wish John was appointed to Kenya. Forthe next 30 years he served successively in theQueen of the Apostles Junior Seminary, Kiambu,in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Nairobi, in Karen,Kilimanbogo, and finally in Thika. While inNairobi - apart from his pastoral work – he wasin charge of the Catholic Bookshop. He gainedfor the bookshop the lucrative agency for themuch-in-demand coloured pictorial cards ofKenya published by the well-known Irishphotographic company, John Hinde Studio.While serving in Karen he ministered to a mixed

NOVEMBER

147

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 147

Page 156: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

population of Africans and expatriates. There toohe got to know the nomadic Massai tribe inwhom he maintained a special interest. His housethere was a haven of hospitality to a long list ofvisitors.

To update himself in pastoral theology andpreaching methods John did a sabbatical year atMaynooth College. He returned to his pastoralwork with renewed spirit and enthusiasm. In theups and downs of life he never lost his sense ofhumour; he was known to be a practical jokerand loved to make a shrewd bargain. He madefriends easily and those who knew him wellloved his manner. In 1997 John returned toIreland and lived with his family inGraignamanagh. When he developed a seriousillness he was cared for in Marian House,Kimmage, where he died on 30 November 2000.Fr John was buried in Abbey Cemetery atGraignamanagh.

November 30th

O’CONNOR, Fr David1926-2013

Fr David O’Connor was born in Feenagh, Kilmallock, CoLimerick, on 12 September 1926.Following the completion of his secondaryschool education in Mungret College, Limerick,he followed his brother Liam into the Spiritannovitiate in Kilshane where he was professed in1946. He prefected in Rockwell College from1949 to 1950 and in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, the following year. He completed a

B.A. in philosophy in U.C.D. in 1949 and, aftercompleting a course in theology at KimmageManor, he was ordained to the priesthood in July1954 by Archbishop McQuaid.

In 1955 Dave was appointed to Nigeria andserved for fourteen years in the Owerri district.He worked as a curate in Emekuku until 1959.He was appointed school principal the followingyear, initially at Our Lady of Good Counsel inImerienwe and later in Enyiogugu. During thecivil war he worked in Uli airport receivingplanes with relief aid.

In 1971, having been expelled from Nigeria atthe end of the war, he volunteered to be part ofthe team that was sent to the new Spiritanmission of Malawi. He spent the next twentyeight years there. He became superior in 1974while also ministering to the very poor in theparish of Ndirande in Blantyre and learned thelocal language, Chichewa. Dave was a man ofgood judgement and had the right qualities forleadership – he was approachable, affable, easyto get on with and a great listener. ArchbishopJames Chiona of Blantyre had great confidencein him and made him a member of his council.

He returned to Ireland in 1999 and was appointedto the Kimmage community. He was diagnosedwith macular degeneration and his sightdeteriorated rapidly until he could no longer read.Good friends would read the papers to him everymorning and the radio became his other sourceof news. Fr David died in Marian House on 30November 2013 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

148

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 148

population of Africans and expatriates. There toohe got to know the nomadic Massai tribe inwhom he maintained a special interest. His housethere was a haven of hospitality to a long list ofvisitors.

To update himself in pastoral theology andpreaching methods John did a sabbatical year atMaynooth College. He returned to his pastoralwork with renewed spirit and enthusiasm. In theups and downs of life he never lost his sense ofhumour; he was known to be a practical jokerand loved to make a shrewd bargain. He madefriends easily and those who knew him wellloved his manner. In 1997 John returned toIreland and lived with his family inGraignamanagh. When he developed a seriousillness he was cared for in Marian House,Kimmage, where he died on 30 November 2000.Fr John was buried in Abbey Cemetery atGraignamanagh.

November 30th

O’CONNOR, Fr David1926-2013

Fr David O’Connor was born in Feenagh, Kilmallock, CoLimerick, on 12 September 1926.Following the completion of his secondaryschool education in Mungret College, Limerick,he followed his brother Liam into the Spiritannovitiate in Kilshane where he was professed in1946. He prefected in Rockwell College from1949 to 1950 and in St Mary’s College,Rathmines, the following year. He completed a

B.A. in philosophy in U.C.D. in 1949 and, aftercompleting a course in theology at KimmageManor, he was ordained to the priesthood in July1954 by Archbishop McQuaid.

In 1955 Dave was appointed to Nigeria andserved for fourteen years in the Owerri district.He worked as a curate in Emekuku until 1959.He was appointed school principal the followingyear, initially at Our Lady of Good Counsel inImerienwe and later in Enyiogugu. During thecivil war he worked in Uli airport receivingplanes with relief aid.

In 1971, having been expelled from Nigeria atthe end of the war, he volunteered to be part ofthe team that was sent to the new Spiritanmission of Malawi. He spent the next twentyeight years there. He became superior in 1974while also ministering to the very poor in theparish of Ndirande in Blantyre and learned thelocal language, Chichewa. Dave was a man ofgood judgement and had the right qualities forleadership – he was approachable, affable, easyto get on with and a great listener. ArchbishopJames Chiona of Blantyre had great confidencein him and made him a member of his council.

He returned to Ireland in 1999 and was appointedto the Kimmage community. He was diagnosedwith macular degeneration and his sightdeteriorated rapidly until he could no longer read.Good friends would read the papers to him everymorning and the radio became his other sourceof news. Fr David died in Marian House on 30November 2013 and was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

NOVEMBER

148

November Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:41 Page 148

Page 157: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

December 4th

O’KEEFFE, Bro Augustine (Patrick)1938-2000

Bro Augustine O’Keeffe(Patrick) was born on 14 April1938 in Milestown, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Aftertwo years of secondary school at Fethard heentered the Juniorate at Kimmage in 1953. In1957 he made his first profession in Ardbraccantaking the religious name Augustine. He madehis Perpetual Vows and Consecration to theApostolate in 1963.

During his training and afterwards Bro Gusworked on the farm at Kimmage Manor.Appointed to Nigeria in 1969 he was forced toreturn to Ireland within eight months due to thecivil war there. For two years he studiedCommunity Development at St FrancisUniversity, Antigonish, Canada. In 1972 togetherwith Fr Henry Mullin he was appointed to thenewly founded mission in Ethiopia. NonGovernment Organisations and Church Reliefbodies formed an organisation, Christian Reliefand Development Association, to cope with thesituation and in 1977 Bro Gus was appointed itsExecutive Director. When he took over it was asmall organisation with three on the staff, withlimited resources, operating out of a small office.Over the years under the guidance of Bro Gus itdeveloped to a point where it had a staff of over260 and a convoy of 53 trucks for the distributionof famine relief to the different parts of thecountry. Gus’ skills as a manager and a bridgebuilder between all the agencies involved proveda godsend as he had the total trust of the overseasagencies and saw to it that indigenous workerswere trained to help in the operation.

He returned to Ireland in 1997 he was put incharge of the Mission Procure and acted asProvincial Projects Officer. In 1999 he also tookon the role of Director of Marian House where hewas himself cared for when afflicted with seriousillness in 2000. Transferred to Our Lady’sHospice, Harold’s Cross, he died there on 4December 2000. Bro Augustine was buried in theparish cemetery Clooneen, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

December 5th

CLEARY, Fr Thomas Joseph1924-2001

Fr Thomas Cleary (Tom) wasborn in Annacarty, Kilfeacle, CoTipperary, on 9 June 1924. He completed hissecondary school studies in Rockwell College in1944. Following in the footsteps of his relatives,Fr Edward Cleary and Fr Denis Fahey, he joinedthe Spiritan congregation being professed inKilshane in 1944. Having studied philosophy inKimmage he prefected for two years in RockwellCollege, 1945-7, and then returned to Kimmageto study theology. Tom was ordained in 1952 inKimmage; being the centenary year of theVenerable Libermann’s death, the archbishopdecided to hold the ordinations in Kimmage andnot Clonliffe College.

In 1953 Tom was appointed to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria, where he served for fourteenyears. While serving in the parish of theImmaculate Heart of Mary in Onitsha he becamea member of a three-man team who ministeredto nearly 19,000 people. As a consequence of theconflict in Biafra he had to leave Nigeria and wasreassigned to the USA where he joined the IrishSpiritan group centred in Long Island, NY. Helater moved to the archdiocese of Miami.

Suffering from ill health he returned to Ireland in1991 and was assigned to Rockwell College.During this time he took up a new ministryorganising prayer groups linked with the Marianmovement of priests. Another work he engagedin was the translation from French of the earlyvolumes of the community journal - a work heundertook with great care and which wasappreciated by those who were not familiar withFrench. Plagued with ill health he had to retire toMarian House, Kimmage where he suffered aheart attack and died rather unexpectedly on 5December 2001 aged 76 years. Fr Tom wasburied in the community cemetery in RockwellCollege.

DECEMBER

149

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 149

December 4th

O’KEEFFE, Bro Augustine (Patrick)1938-2000

Bro Augustine O’Keeffe(Patrick) was born on 14 April1938 in Milestown, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Aftertwo years of secondary school at Fethard heentered the Juniorate at Kimmage in 1953. In1957 he made his first profession in Ardbraccantaking the religious name Augustine. He madehis Perpetual Vows and Consecration to theApostolate in 1963.

During his training and afterwards Bro Gusworked on the farm at Kimmage Manor.Appointed to Nigeria in 1969 he was forced toreturn to Ireland within eight months due to thecivil war there. For two years he studiedCommunity Development at St FrancisUniversity, Antigonish, Canada. In 1972 togetherwith Fr Henry Mullin he was appointed to thenewly founded mission in Ethiopia. NonGovernment Organisations and Church Reliefbodies formed an organisation, Christian Reliefand Development Association, to cope with thesituation and in 1977 Bro Gus was appointed itsExecutive Director. When he took over it was asmall organisation with three on the staff, withlimited resources, operating out of a small office.Over the years under the guidance of Bro Gus itdeveloped to a point where it had a staff of over260 and a convoy of 53 trucks for the distributionof famine relief to the different parts of thecountry. Gus’ skills as a manager and a bridgebuilder between all the agencies involved proveda godsend as he had the total trust of the overseasagencies and saw to it that indigenous workerswere trained to help in the operation.

He returned to Ireland in 1997 he was put incharge of the Mission Procure and acted asProvincial Projects Officer. In 1999 he also tookon the role of Director of Marian House where hewas himself cared for when afflicted with seriousillness in 2000. Transferred to Our Lady’sHospice, Harold’s Cross, he died there on 4December 2000. Bro Augustine was buried in theparish cemetery Clooneen, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

December 5th

CLEARY, Fr Thomas Joseph1924-2001

Fr Thomas Cleary (Tom) wasborn in Annacarty, Kilfeacle, CoTipperary, on 9 June 1924. He completed hissecondary school studies in Rockwell College in1944. Following in the footsteps of his relatives,Fr Edward Cleary and Fr Denis Fahey, he joinedthe Spiritan congregation being professed inKilshane in 1944. Having studied philosophy inKimmage he prefected for two years in RockwellCollege, 1945-7, and then returned to Kimmageto study theology. Tom was ordained in 1952 inKimmage; being the centenary year of theVenerable Libermann’s death, the archbishopdecided to hold the ordinations in Kimmage andnot Clonliffe College.

In 1953 Tom was appointed to the diocese ofOwerri, Nigeria, where he served for fourteenyears. While serving in the parish of theImmaculate Heart of Mary in Onitsha he becamea member of a three-man team who ministeredto nearly 19,000 people. As a consequence of theconflict in Biafra he had to leave Nigeria and wasreassigned to the USA where he joined the IrishSpiritan group centred in Long Island, NY. Helater moved to the archdiocese of Miami.

Suffering from ill health he returned to Ireland in1991 and was assigned to Rockwell College.During this time he took up a new ministryorganising prayer groups linked with the Marianmovement of priests. Another work he engagedin was the translation from French of the earlyvolumes of the community journal - a work heundertook with great care and which wasappreciated by those who were not familiar withFrench. Plagued with ill health he had to retire toMarian House, Kimmage where he suffered aheart attack and died rather unexpectedly on 5December 2001 aged 76 years. Fr Tom wasburied in the community cemetery in RockwellCollege.

DECEMBER

149

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 149

Page 158: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

December 6th

FRAWLEY, Fr Michael F.1925-1999

Fr Michael Frawley was born on16 February 1925 in Wolfhill,Mountrath, Co. Laois andcompleted his secondary studies in CBS,Baldoyle, Dublin, 1938-40, and PatricianCollege, Ballyfin, Co.Laois, 1940-43. Havingopted to join the Congregation he was professedin Kilshane in 1944. After having qualified forthe BA degree at UCD in 1947 he was assignedto Trinidad as prefect. He served for three yearsin St Mary’s, Port of Spain. Returned to Irelandin 1950 he did Theology in Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood in 1953.

In 1954 on having completed his pastoral year hewas appointed to Nigeria. Assigned to OwerriDistrict he served at St Peter Claver’s JuniorSeminary in Okpala, teaching 230 students whilealso taking pastoral care of a congregation of4,000 living in the area. Later he taught at StCharles’ Secondary School in Enyiogugu.

Having to leave Nigeria in 1967 because of thecivil war he returned to Ireland and wasappointed to parish work in the Diocese ofWaterford. He served in the parishes of St John’sNew Street, 1968-72, and in Carrickbeg, Carrick-on-Suir, 1973-77. Fr Michael then moved to theparish of Kilrossanty and Fews where he wasappointed parish priest in 1986. He tookseriously ill in 1999 and died on 6 December1999 aged 74 years. In the funeral homily theBishop of Waterford, Dr William Lee, said:“When the name of Fr Michael Frawley ismentioned the same word keeps cropping up –that he was a gentleman. I, personally rememberhim as a courteous and, of course, kind man –those qualities that God has with us and thequalities that we should have with Him and witheach other. He believed, so strongly, in beingkind to people, his parishioners, and he borewitness to that lovely quality in any person andparticularly in any priest, the quality of one whocares”. Fr Michael was buried ‘amongst thepeople who meant so much to him’ in the parishcemetery in Kilrossanty.

December 6th

PRENDERGAST,Fr Joseph Stanislaus1928-2015

Fr Joseph Prendergast (Joe) wasborn in Limerick City on 16 July1928 and lived briefly in Cork before moving,aged 7, to Dublin and attending O’ConnellC.B.S., North Richmond Street. He enteredKilshane in 1945 and was professed thefollowing year. He completed a course inphilosophy in Kimmage Manor in 1949. He thenprefected in Blackrock for two years and,following on from this, he graduated with a B.A.from U.C.D. He was ordained in 1954 andcompleted his theological studies in 1955.Joe’s first appointment was to Onitsha in Nigeria.From 1956 to 1960, he taught at the Holy GhostJuniorate, Ihiala, and for the next seven years inEmene where he was principal of the new StPatrick’s Secondary School. During the Nigeriancivil war, his tasks included distributingresources sent by the superior general to themany refugee camps located there. Between1967 and 1970, he served in Uli where one of hisroles was to unload Caritas relief planes. Heplayed a prominent role in distributing supplies,opening feeding stations and sickbays andkeeping up the morale of the people. In a 1968Life magazine article on Biafra, the author wrote‘we were met by Father Joseph Prendergast,whom the mercenaries call “the airport priest” …a Dubliner, and he is tough’.After leaving Nigeria, he moved to the U.S. inresponse to a request from Catholic ReliefServices for a priest to help raise funds forBiafra. He soon found himself in the first ofseveral pastoral ministries in California. Theseincluded St Athanasius (Mountain View) – aSpiritan parish in which he was parish priest fornine years – St Patrick’s (Larkspur), StMatthew’s (San Mateo), St Francis Cabrini (SanJosé) and St Justin’s (Santa Clara). Although he was known to be a shy and humbleman, in 2011 he received the Pro Ecclesia etPontifice award for distinguished service to thechurch. His last appointment was to Kimmage in

DECEMBER

150

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 150

December 6th

FRAWLEY, Fr Michael F.1925-1999

Fr Michael Frawley was born on16 February 1925 in Wolfhill,Mountrath, Co. Laois andcompleted his secondary studies in CBS,Baldoyle, Dublin, 1938-40, and PatricianCollege, Ballyfin, Co.Laois, 1940-43. Havingopted to join the Congregation he was professedin Kilshane in 1944. After having qualified forthe BA degree at UCD in 1947 he was assignedto Trinidad as prefect. He served for three yearsin St Mary’s, Port of Spain. Returned to Irelandin 1950 he did Theology in Kimmage Manor andwas ordained to the priesthood in 1953.

In 1954 on having completed his pastoral year hewas appointed to Nigeria. Assigned to OwerriDistrict he served at St Peter Claver’s JuniorSeminary in Okpala, teaching 230 students whilealso taking pastoral care of a congregation of4,000 living in the area. Later he taught at StCharles’ Secondary School in Enyiogugu.

Having to leave Nigeria in 1967 because of thecivil war he returned to Ireland and wasappointed to parish work in the Diocese ofWaterford. He served in the parishes of St John’sNew Street, 1968-72, and in Carrickbeg, Carrick-on-Suir, 1973-77. Fr Michael then moved to theparish of Kilrossanty and Fews where he wasappointed parish priest in 1986. He tookseriously ill in 1999 and died on 6 December1999 aged 74 years. In the funeral homily theBishop of Waterford, Dr William Lee, said:“When the name of Fr Michael Frawley ismentioned the same word keeps cropping up –that he was a gentleman. I, personally rememberhim as a courteous and, of course, kind man –those qualities that God has with us and thequalities that we should have with Him and witheach other. He believed, so strongly, in beingkind to people, his parishioners, and he borewitness to that lovely quality in any person andparticularly in any priest, the quality of one whocares”. Fr Michael was buried ‘amongst thepeople who meant so much to him’ in the parishcemetery in Kilrossanty.

December 6th

PRENDERGAST,Fr Joseph Stanislaus1928-2015

Fr Joseph Prendergast (Joe) wasborn in Limerick City on 16 July1928 and lived briefly in Cork before moving,aged 7, to Dublin and attending O’ConnellC.B.S., North Richmond Street. He enteredKilshane in 1945 and was professed thefollowing year. He completed a course inphilosophy in Kimmage Manor in 1949. He thenprefected in Blackrock for two years and,following on from this, he graduated with a B.A.from U.C.D. He was ordained in 1954 andcompleted his theological studies in 1955.Joe’s first appointment was to Onitsha in Nigeria.From 1956 to 1960, he taught at the Holy GhostJuniorate, Ihiala, and for the next seven years inEmene where he was principal of the new StPatrick’s Secondary School. During the Nigeriancivil war, his tasks included distributingresources sent by the superior general to themany refugee camps located there. Between1967 and 1970, he served in Uli where one of hisroles was to unload Caritas relief planes. Heplayed a prominent role in distributing supplies,opening feeding stations and sickbays andkeeping up the morale of the people. In a 1968Life magazine article on Biafra, the author wrote‘we were met by Father Joseph Prendergast,whom the mercenaries call “the airport priest” …a Dubliner, and he is tough’.After leaving Nigeria, he moved to the U.S. inresponse to a request from Catholic ReliefServices for a priest to help raise funds forBiafra. He soon found himself in the first ofseveral pastoral ministries in California. Theseincluded St Athanasius (Mountain View) – aSpiritan parish in which he was parish priest fornine years – St Patrick’s (Larkspur), StMatthew’s (San Mateo), St Francis Cabrini (SanJosé) and St Justin’s (Santa Clara). Although he was known to be a shy and humbleman, in 2011 he received the Pro Ecclesia etPontifice award for distinguished service to thechurch. His last appointment was to Kimmage in

DECEMBER

150

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 150

Page 159: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

2012 but he moved to Marian House thefollowing year where he died on 6 December2015. Fr Joseph is buried in DardistownCemetery, Dublin.

December 7th

FLOOD, Fr Patrick Aloysius1932-2013

Fr Patrick Flood (Alo) was bornin Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo on 30May 1932. After he completed his secondaryschool studies at Blackrock College. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 4 October 1951. Heprefected for two years in St Mary’s College,Rathmines from 1954 to 1956. He was awardeda B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1954. He wasordained to the priesthood on 1959 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 29 July 1960.

Alo’s first mission appointment was to WillowPark School as a teacher in 1960. He wasconferred with a H.Dip by U.C.D. in 1961. Hewas appointed director of the scholasticate atBlackrock College in 1963. He returned toWillow Park School in 1969 to work as a teacherand dean of discipline. He was appointedprincipal of St Michael’s in 1977 and returned toBlackrock College in 1983 as dean of theboarding school. He joined the St Mary’s CollegeCommunity in 1989 and became its chaplain. Hespent a number of years as curate in DalkeyParish before taking up the position of librarianof Kimmage Mission Institute in 1996.

Fr Patrick died on 7 December 2013 in MarianHouse and was buried at Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 9th

DUNNE, Fr James W.1939-2001

Fr James Dunne (Jimmy) wasborn in Dalkey, Co Dublin, on 24January 1939. He completed hissecondary school education at C.B.S.Monkstown. He then entered the novitiate atKilshane where he made his first profession in1957 and prefected in Rockwell College; 1962-4. Jimmy then studied theology in Kimmage andwas ordained in 1967.

Jimmy’s first appointment was to Sierra Leonein 1968. He worked at Gerihun and Moyambabefore establishing the Njala UniversitySecondary School. He returned to Ireland in 1975to become assistant novice master. In 1977 hereturned to the west coast of Africa and workedin Sierra Leone and Liberia. During this timeJimmy completed his doctoral dissertationentitled: ‘Creoles and Catholics in Freetown,1864-1896’ which documents the history of theCatholic mission to the Creoles of Freetown,West Africa. In 1992 he was appointed to theWest African Foundation at Ejisu, Ghana.

Described as a sincere man who possessedqualities of authhenticity, earthiness, generosityand fraternal concern, his laugh and humour werealways refreshing as his take on any givensituation or event. An excellent footballer in hisearlier life he continued to be a keen sportsmanand fisherman all his life. Fr Jimmy returned toIreland in August 2000 and was appointed to theposition of Irish provincial archivist whileattached to the Blackrock Community. Howeverhe suffered from a heart condition and diedsuddenly on 9 December 2001 and was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

DECEMBER

151

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 151

2012 but he moved to Marian House thefollowing year where he died on 6 December2015. Fr Joseph is buried in DardistownCemetery, Dublin.

December 7th

FLOOD, Fr Patrick Aloysius1932-2013

Fr Patrick Flood (Alo) was bornin Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo on 30May 1932. After he completed his secondaryschool studies at Blackrock College. He thenentered the novitiate in Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 4 October 1951. Heprefected for two years in St Mary’s College,Rathmines from 1954 to 1956. He was awardeda B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1954. He wasordained to the priesthood on 1959 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 29 July 1960.

Alo’s first mission appointment was to WillowPark School as a teacher in 1960. He wasconferred with a H.Dip by U.C.D. in 1961. Hewas appointed director of the scholasticate atBlackrock College in 1963. He returned toWillow Park School in 1969 to work as a teacherand dean of discipline. He was appointedprincipal of St Michael’s in 1977 and returned toBlackrock College in 1983 as dean of theboarding school. He joined the St Mary’s CollegeCommunity in 1989 and became its chaplain. Hespent a number of years as curate in DalkeyParish before taking up the position of librarianof Kimmage Mission Institute in 1996.

Fr Patrick died on 7 December 2013 in MarianHouse and was buried at Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 9th

DUNNE, Fr James W.1939-2001

Fr James Dunne (Jimmy) wasborn in Dalkey, Co Dublin, on 24January 1939. He completed hissecondary school education at C.B.S.Monkstown. He then entered the novitiate atKilshane where he made his first profession in1957 and prefected in Rockwell College; 1962-4. Jimmy then studied theology in Kimmage andwas ordained in 1967.

Jimmy’s first appointment was to Sierra Leonein 1968. He worked at Gerihun and Moyambabefore establishing the Njala UniversitySecondary School. He returned to Ireland in 1975to become assistant novice master. In 1977 hereturned to the west coast of Africa and workedin Sierra Leone and Liberia. During this timeJimmy completed his doctoral dissertationentitled: ‘Creoles and Catholics in Freetown,1864-1896’ which documents the history of theCatholic mission to the Creoles of Freetown,West Africa. In 1992 he was appointed to theWest African Foundation at Ejisu, Ghana.

Described as a sincere man who possessedqualities of authhenticity, earthiness, generosityand fraternal concern, his laugh and humour werealways refreshing as his take on any givensituation or event. An excellent footballer in hisearlier life he continued to be a keen sportsmanand fisherman all his life. Fr Jimmy returned toIreland in August 2000 and was appointed to theposition of Irish provincial archivist whileattached to the Blackrock Community. Howeverhe suffered from a heart condition and diedsuddenly on 9 December 2001 and was buried inShanganagh Cemetery, Co Dublin.

DECEMBER

151

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 151

Page 160: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

December 9th

KELLY, Fr Patrick Joseph1935-2017

Fr Patrick Kelly (Paddy) wasborn to on 10 January 1935 inKingstown, Ahascragh, Co Galway. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College. He then entered the Spiritannovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession in 1954. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D. in 1957. He then returned to BlackrockCollege to prefect for a two-year period.Following on from this he studied theology inKimmage Manor and was ordained in ClonliffeCollege in 1962.

Paddy’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria in 1963 and he taught at StPatrick’s Technical School at Ogbe near Ahiara.He left Nigeria in 1969 during the Biafranconflict and returned to Ireland. He then spent ashort time in the US. In 1971, Paddy wasreappointed to the Brazil South-West Districtwhere he worked mostly in pastoral ministry inthe favelas and parishes such as Vilar dos TelesRJ and Cabuçu, Japuiba in Angra dos Reis in thestate of Rio de Janeiro and Perialto in thearchdiocese of São Paulo. In the 1990s he wasbased for some time in the central community inSão Paulo and became the district superior for athree years period.

He returned to Ireland in 2010 and joined theBallintubber Community. He transferred toKimmage Manor in August 2011. Fr Paddy diedon Saturday 9 December 2017 in Marian Housenursing unit and was buried in Chapel FinnertyCemetery, Ahascragh, Co Galway.

December 12th

FARRAGHER, Fr Seán1922-2013

Fr Seán P. Farragher was born inBallyglass, The Neale, Co Mayo,on 27 June 1922. Aftercompleting his secondary school education inBallinrobe C.B.S. and Rockwell College heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1939 and wasprofessed the following year. He studied atKimmage Manor and U.C.D. and was awarded aB.A. in English and Irish Literature, an M.A. inIrish Literature and a H.Dip.Ed. Following thecompletion of his studies in theology atKimmage Manor he was ordained to thepriesthood in July 1948.Seán was appointed to Blackrock College wherehe taught religion, Irish and English until 1987and also founded, and ran, a very successfulcamera club. Sean was appointed collegearchivist in 1957. His published works are manyand varied and include books on the founders ofthe congregation, Blackrock College, BishopJoseph Shanahan CSSp and Éamon de Valera, aswell as a collection of short biographies ofmembers of the Irish Spiritan Province andbiographical material on notable past students.He was a welcome contributor to publicationsrelating to these subjects and to Irish history. In1988 he was awarded a Ph.D. from UCG for hiswork on Père Leman, CSSp, educator andmissionary, and founder of Blackrock College.His photography club yielded remarkable results.His students over the years won numerousawards in Ireland, England, and in the German-sponsored European Young PhotographersCompetition. Many of his students went on tobecome well-known photographers. He himselfwon several Photographic Society of Irelandcompetitions as well as various opencompetitions, notably in Irelands Eye.Above all, however, Seán was a man of the spiritand the heart. His gentle presence and his deepauthenticity impressed all his students. He wasalso a great upholder of the dignity and rights ofwomen and had a very special place in his heartfor the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Thérèse of

DECEMBER

152

December 9th

KELLY, Fr Patrick Joseph1935-2017

Fr Patrick Kelly (Paddy) wasborn to on 10 January 1935 inKingstown, Ahascragh, Co Galway. Hecompleted his secondary school education atBlackrock College. He then entered the Spiritannovitiate in Kilshane where he made his firstprofession in 1954. He was awarded a B.A. byU.C.D. in 1957. He then returned to BlackrockCollege to prefect for a two-year period.Following on from this he studied theology inKimmage Manor and was ordained in ClonliffeCollege in 1962.

Paddy’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOwerri in Nigeria in 1963 and he taught at StPatrick’s Technical School at Ogbe near Ahiara.He left Nigeria in 1969 during the Biafranconflict and returned to Ireland. He then spent ashort time in the US. In 1971, Paddy wasreappointed to the Brazil South-West Districtwhere he worked mostly in pastoral ministry inthe favelas and parishes such as Vilar dos TelesRJ and Cabuçu, Japuiba in Angra dos Reis in thestate of Rio de Janeiro and Perialto in thearchdiocese of São Paulo. In the 1990s he wasbased for some time in the central community inSão Paulo and became the district superior for athree years period.

He returned to Ireland in 2010 and joined theBallintubber Community. He transferred toKimmage Manor in August 2011. Fr Paddy diedon Saturday 9 December 2017 in Marian Housenursing unit and was buried in Chapel FinnertyCemetery, Ahascragh, Co Galway.

December 12th

FARRAGHER, Fr Seán1922-2013

Fr Seán P. Farragher was born inBallyglass, The Neale, Co Mayo,on 27 June 1922. Aftercompleting his secondary school education inBallinrobe C.B.S. and Rockwell College heentered the novitiate in Kilshane in 1939 and wasprofessed the following year. He studied atKimmage Manor and U.C.D. and was awarded aB.A. in English and Irish Literature, an M.A. inIrish Literature and a H.Dip.Ed. Following thecompletion of his studies in theology atKimmage Manor he was ordained to thepriesthood in July 1948.Seán was appointed to Blackrock College wherehe taught religion, Irish and English until 1987and also founded, and ran, a very successfulcamera club. Sean was appointed collegearchivist in 1957. His published works are manyand varied and include books on the founders ofthe congregation, Blackrock College, BishopJoseph Shanahan CSSp and Éamon de Valera, aswell as a collection of short biographies ofmembers of the Irish Spiritan Province andbiographical material on notable past students.He was a welcome contributor to publicationsrelating to these subjects and to Irish history. In1988 he was awarded a Ph.D. from UCG for hiswork on Père Leman, CSSp, educator andmissionary, and founder of Blackrock College.His photography club yielded remarkable results.His students over the years won numerousawards in Ireland, England, and in the German-sponsored European Young PhotographersCompetition. Many of his students went on tobecome well-known photographers. He himselfwon several Photographic Society of Irelandcompetitions as well as various opencompetitions, notably in Irelands Eye.Above all, however, Seán was a man of the spiritand the heart. His gentle presence and his deepauthenticity impressed all his students. He wasalso a great upholder of the dignity and rights ofwomen and had a very special place in his heartfor the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Thérèse of

DECEMBER

152

Page 161: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Lisieux, patroness of the missions. In retirementhe was as fully occupied as ever, despiteincreasing bouts of illness, right up until theweek before he was hospitalised. Fr Seán died on12 December 2013 in the Blackrock Clinic, CoDublin, and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 12th

TIERNAN, Fr Edward William1922-2004

Fr Edward Tiernan (Ned) wasborn in Ford-de-Fyne, Naul, Co Dublin, on 3 April 1922. After the completionof his secondary school studies at St Finian’s,Mullingar, he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1942. Ned studied at U.C.D. and wasawarded a B.A. Hons in philosophy in 1945. Heprefected in St Mary’s College, Rathmines,1945-6. He then studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 10July 1949. He made his consecration to theapostolate on 4 July 1950.

In 1950 Ned’s first appointment was to Kenya.He taught in Kilungu Secondary School until1954 and then became headmaster of the KitetaTeachers Training College. From 1968 until 1974he was the parish priest at Kiteta. In 1974 hemoved to Machakos and became full-timeprocurator of the diocese, and at the same time,he also served as vicar general to the bishop. Forthe next twenty years he spent all his time andenergy in building up the diocese as fundraiser,builder, architect, pastoral planner and animator.That the diocese prospered and grew was in nosmall way due to his vision and hope to establisha strong local church that had its own beautifulcathedral. Ned retired in Machakos in 1994.

In 1998 Ned returned to Ireland and retired toKimmage Mission House. He celebrated hisgolden jubilee of ordination in May 1999. Dueto illness he was transferred to Marian House inDecember 2003 and was admitted to St James’sHospital the following November where he

died shortly afterward on 12 December 2004. Fr Edward is buried in the cemetery atDardistown, Co Dublin.

December 13th

McHUGH, Fr Laurence1919-2015

Fr Laurence McHugh (Larry)was born in Fallachmore,Ballylinan, Co Laois, on NewYear’s Eve 1919. He completed his secondaryeducation in C.B.S. Athy and went on to spend abrief period in the Christian Brothers. He thencompleted one year of supplementary studies atBlackrock College before entering the novitiatein Kilshane where he was professed in 1945. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage and wasawarded a B.A. by U.C.D. in 1948. Larry wasordained by Archbishop McQuaid in 1951 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate in 1952.

Larry’s first appointment, in 1952, was to theOwerri district, Nigeria. Over the next fifteenyears he held various positions in secondaryschools, teacher-training colleges and also in adiocesan junior seminary. After a number ofyears as principal of the teacher-training collegein Nsu, he left Nigeria in 1967. The followingyear, he began three years of pastoral work inArundel and Brighton, England. It was here hegot to know the then Duke of Norfolk who livedlocally and with whom he dined more than once,as he fondly recalled in later life.

On his return to Ireland, in the early 1970s, Larryjoined the St Michael’s College Community andthe staff of St Michael’s Junior School where heserved initially as dean of studies and later asprincipal. His warmth and kindness wereremembered by both staff and former students.Following his retirement in 1991, he remainedactively involved in his community for severalyears prior to moving to Marian House nursinghome, Kimmage, in 2005 where he died on 13December 2015 aged 95. Fr Laurence is buriedin St Joseph’s Cemetery, Ballyadams, Co Laois.

DECEMBER

153

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 153

Lisieux, patroness of the missions. In retirementhe was as fully occupied as ever, despiteincreasing bouts of illness, right up until theweek before he was hospitalised. Fr Seán died on12 December 2013 in the Blackrock Clinic, CoDublin, and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 12th

TIERNAN, Fr Edward William1922-2004

Fr Edward Tiernan (Ned) wasborn in Ford-de-Fyne, Naul, Co Dublin, on 3 April 1922. After the completionof his secondary school studies at St Finian’s,Mullingar, he entered the novitiate in Kilshanewhere he made his first profession on 8September 1942. Ned studied at U.C.D. and wasawarded a B.A. Hons in philosophy in 1945. Heprefected in St Mary’s College, Rathmines,1945-6. He then studied theology at KimmageManor and was ordained to the priesthood on 10July 1949. He made his consecration to theapostolate on 4 July 1950.

In 1950 Ned’s first appointment was to Kenya.He taught in Kilungu Secondary School until1954 and then became headmaster of the KitetaTeachers Training College. From 1968 until 1974he was the parish priest at Kiteta. In 1974 hemoved to Machakos and became full-timeprocurator of the diocese, and at the same time,he also served as vicar general to the bishop. Forthe next twenty years he spent all his time andenergy in building up the diocese as fundraiser,builder, architect, pastoral planner and animator.That the diocese prospered and grew was in nosmall way due to his vision and hope to establisha strong local church that had its own beautifulcathedral. Ned retired in Machakos in 1994.

In 1998 Ned returned to Ireland and retired toKimmage Mission House. He celebrated hisgolden jubilee of ordination in May 1999. Dueto illness he was transferred to Marian House inDecember 2003 and was admitted to St James’sHospital the following November where he

died shortly afterward on 12 December 2004. Fr Edward is buried in the cemetery atDardistown, Co Dublin.

December 13th

McHUGH, Fr Laurence1919-2015

Fr Laurence McHugh (Larry)was born in Fallachmore,Ballylinan, Co Laois, on NewYear’s Eve 1919. He completed his secondaryeducation in C.B.S. Athy and went on to spend abrief period in the Christian Brothers. He thencompleted one year of supplementary studies atBlackrock College before entering the novitiatein Kilshane where he was professed in 1945. Hestudied philosophy at Kimmage and wasawarded a B.A. by U.C.D. in 1948. Larry wasordained by Archbishop McQuaid in 1951 andmade his Consecration to the Apostolate in 1952.

Larry’s first appointment, in 1952, was to theOwerri district, Nigeria. Over the next fifteenyears he held various positions in secondaryschools, teacher-training colleges and also in adiocesan junior seminary. After a number ofyears as principal of the teacher-training collegein Nsu, he left Nigeria in 1967. The followingyear, he began three years of pastoral work inArundel and Brighton, England. It was here hegot to know the then Duke of Norfolk who livedlocally and with whom he dined more than once,as he fondly recalled in later life.

On his return to Ireland, in the early 1970s, Larryjoined the St Michael’s College Community andthe staff of St Michael’s Junior School where heserved initially as dean of studies and later asprincipal. His warmth and kindness wereremembered by both staff and former students.Following his retirement in 1991, he remainedactively involved in his community for severalyears prior to moving to Marian House nursinghome, Kimmage, in 2005 where he died on 13December 2015 aged 95. Fr Laurence is buriedin St Joseph’s Cemetery, Ballyadams, Co Laois.

DECEMBER

153

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 153

Page 162: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

December 13th

O’TOOLE, Fr Peter1926-2006

Fr Peter O’Toole was born inRathsallagh, Dunlavin, CoWicklow, on 31 May 1926. Hecompleted his secondary school education inBlackrock College in 1945. He entered thenovitiate in 1945 and was professed on 8September 1946. He was awarded a B.A. inEnglish and philosophy by U.C.D. in 1949. Heprefected in Trinidad between 1949 and 1952.Peter studied theology in Kimmage and wasordained to the priesthood 3 July, 1955.Following this he made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1956.

Peter’s first appointment was to the island ofPemba off the coast of Zanzibar in 1956, wherehe worked in pastoral ministry and education. In1961 he was appointed to the diocese ofMombasa where he became engaged ineducational ministry in the Taita Hills in Tavetawhere he also dabbled in the propagation of tea.In 1970 he took up the position of parish priestin Tana River, Wema, and while there becameinvolved in the cultivation of rice thus helpingthe people to grow a more productive crop.However the difficult climate took its toll so thatin 1977 he moved to Miritimi, Mombasa.

Peter returned to Ireland in 1986 and wasappointed C.C. in Broadford, Co Clare, where heremained until 1997. Between 1997 and 2000 heworked in Greenhills Parish, Dublin, after whichhe retired to Kimmage Manor. Fr Peter died inMarian House on 13 December 2006. He wasburied in Dunlavin Parish Cemetery, CoWicklow.

December 16th

CUNNIFFE, Fr Michael F.1927-2001

Fr Michael Cunniffe was born inCornafulla, Athlone, CoRoscommon. He completed hissecondary education in Rockwell College. He

entered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed in 1950. He studied philosophy inKimmage and then prefected in RockwellCollege, 1952-3. Following this he returned toKimmage and studied theology. He was ordainedto the priesthood in 1956.

Michael’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Owerri in Nigeria in 1957. Heministered at Owerri, Emekuku, Urualla, Ohaji,Uli and Nguru. However, due to the outbreak ofcivil war, he returned to Ireland in 1969. In 1971he was appointed to the district of Kenya andserved at Kilungu, Mbitni and Katungi. His lastparish appointment was to Kola in 1982.Fourteen years later he left behind him a thrivingCatholic community with some twentyoutstations and a central parish station which hadbecome a veritable village with facilities fortraining the youth in craft production enablingthem to earn an income of their own. His lastassignment was to St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre inthe town of Machakos where he worked amongthe WaKamba tribe.

Michael returned to Ireland in October 2001 toreceive medical treatment. He died suddenly on16 December 2001 whilst visiting his sisters inEngland. Fr Michael was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

December 16th

O’BYRNE, Fr Thomas C.1919-2010

Fr Thomas Byrne (Tom) wasborn at Wolfe Tone St., Limerickon 27 December 1919. Heentered the novitiate at Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 21 September 1939. Hewas awarded a B.A. (Hons.) degree inphilosophy in 1942. He then prefected for oneyear at Rockwell College. He studied theologyat Kimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1946. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in Kimmage on 1August 1947. Tom was awarded the H.Dip in1948 and later in 1975 he earned a diploma inComputer Education .

DECEMBER

154

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 154

December 13th

O’TOOLE, Fr Peter1926-2006

Fr Peter O’Toole was born inRathsallagh, Dunlavin, CoWicklow, on 31 May 1926. Hecompleted his secondary school education inBlackrock College in 1945. He entered thenovitiate in 1945 and was professed on 8September 1946. He was awarded a B.A. inEnglish and philosophy by U.C.D. in 1949. Heprefected in Trinidad between 1949 and 1952.Peter studied theology in Kimmage and wasordained to the priesthood 3 July, 1955.Following this he made his Consecration to theApostolate on 3 August 1956.

Peter’s first appointment was to the island ofPemba off the coast of Zanzibar in 1956, wherehe worked in pastoral ministry and education. In1961 he was appointed to the diocese ofMombasa where he became engaged ineducational ministry in the Taita Hills in Tavetawhere he also dabbled in the propagation of tea.In 1970 he took up the position of parish priestin Tana River, Wema, and while there becameinvolved in the cultivation of rice thus helpingthe people to grow a more productive crop.However the difficult climate took its toll so thatin 1977 he moved to Miritimi, Mombasa.

Peter returned to Ireland in 1986 and wasappointed C.C. in Broadford, Co Clare, where heremained until 1997. Between 1997 and 2000 heworked in Greenhills Parish, Dublin, after whichhe retired to Kimmage Manor. Fr Peter died inMarian House on 13 December 2006. He wasburied in Dunlavin Parish Cemetery, CoWicklow.

December 16th

CUNNIFFE, Fr Michael F.1927-2001

Fr Michael Cunniffe was born inCornafulla, Athlone, CoRoscommon. He completed hissecondary education in Rockwell College. He

entered the novitiate in Kilshane and wasprofessed in 1950. He studied philosophy inKimmage and then prefected in RockwellCollege, 1952-3. Following this he returned toKimmage and studied theology. He was ordainedto the priesthood in 1956.

Michael’s first mission appointment was to thediocese of Owerri in Nigeria in 1957. Heministered at Owerri, Emekuku, Urualla, Ohaji,Uli and Nguru. However, due to the outbreak ofcivil war, he returned to Ireland in 1969. In 1971he was appointed to the district of Kenya andserved at Kilungu, Mbitni and Katungi. His lastparish appointment was to Kola in 1982.Fourteen years later he left behind him a thrivingCatholic community with some twentyoutstations and a central parish station which hadbecome a veritable village with facilities fortraining the youth in craft production enablingthem to earn an income of their own. His lastassignment was to St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre inthe town of Machakos where he worked amongthe WaKamba tribe.

Michael returned to Ireland in October 2001 toreceive medical treatment. He died suddenly on16 December 2001 whilst visiting his sisters inEngland. Fr Michael was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

December 16th

O’BYRNE, Fr Thomas C.1919-2010

Fr Thomas Byrne (Tom) wasborn at Wolfe Tone St., Limerickon 27 December 1919. Heentered the novitiate at Kilshane where he madehis first profession on 21 September 1939. Hewas awarded a B.A. (Hons.) degree inphilosophy in 1942. He then prefected for oneyear at Rockwell College. He studied theologyat Kimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood on 14 July 1946. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in Kimmage on 1August 1947. Tom was awarded the H.Dip in1948 and later in 1975 he earned a diploma inComputer Education .

DECEMBER

154

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 154

Page 163: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Tom’s mission appointment was to Sierra Leonein 1948 and he taught for two years at StAnthony’s Primary School in Freetown. He wasthen posted to the Catholic Training College inBo. He returned to Ireland due to illness in 1951,but he was able to return to Sierra Leone one yearlater. He was then posted to Freetown and laterto Gerihun.

He returned to Ireland in 1956 and was appointedto the Brothers’ Novitiate at Ardbraccan asassistant novice master. He became bursar in1957. In 1962 he was appointed to St Michael’sCollege and then to Blackrock College in 1967.Afterwards he was involved in the printing pressoperation in Ardbraccan and then as a memberof the Templeogue Community. Tom retired tothe Kimmage Community in 2002. Fr Tom diedpeacefully on 16 December 2010 in MarianHouse nursing unit and was buried at DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

December 17th

WARD, Fr James Patrick1920-2000

Fr James Patrick was born on 6March 1920 in Bawn, MoydoLower, Co. Longford andcompleted his secondary studies at St Mel’s,Longford, in 1939. Having entered the novitiatein Kilshane he was professed in 1940. Hebecame involved in several projects inconnection with the farm there. On completinghis philosophy studies in Kimmage Manor hewas appointed in 1942 to Trinidad as prefect inSt Mary’s College. He returned to Ireland in 1945to study theology in Kimmage and was ordainedin 1948.

His first appointment the following year was toSierra Leone. He served first in Gerihun wherehe had veteran Fr Aloys Scheer as companion.During his years there the number of Catholicsgrew to over 2000 and some 1000 pupilsattended the thirteen primary schools of themission in that area. In 1960 he became pastor ofSt Patrick’s at Bonthe and Sherbo Island wherethe numbers were about the same as in Gerihun.

Seven years later he took charge of St Anthony’sat Brookfields, formerly called Ascentiontown,near Freetown. This parish at the time had some5,000 members. There was a large secondaryschool for girls conducted by the Sisters of StJoseph of Cluny, and over 1,300 pupils attendedthe parish’s three primary schools. His life was avery busy one but Sierra Leone’s climate took itstoll on his health as it had done so often to others.

He returned to Ireland in 1969 and was appointedto Kimmage as Farm Bursar where he serveduntil 1971. When a serious car accident left himsomewhat incapacitated he was appointed toparish ministry in his native Diocese ofClonmacnoise where he served in Boher andAthlone. While serving in Clonmacnoise he hadthe privilege of welcoming Pope John Paulduring his brief stopover. Failing health obligedFr Jim to return to Kimmage for activeretirement. He spent his last months in MarianHouse where he died on 17 December 2000 aged80 years.

December 19th

SHANLEY, Fr Ciarán1931-2012

Fr Ciarán Shanley was born inClooneagh, Dromod, Co Leitrim,on 4 March 1931. After completinghis secondary school studies in Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate at Kilshane in 1949.Following on from this he studied philosophy inKimmage and then moved back to BlackrockCollege where he prefected for two years, 1952-4.In 1954 he returned to Kimmage to study theologyand was ordained to the priesthood in July 1957 byArchbishop McQuaid.

Ciarán’s mission appointment was to SierraLeone, arriving there in March 1959. For over adecade he ministered in pastoral roles in Gerihun,Pendembu, Kailahun and Koydu.

He returned to Ireland in 1972 where heministered in Greenhills parish, in Dublin, until1984. In early 1984 he took up an invite to jointhe Spiritans in southern California where he

DECEMBER

155

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 155

Tom’s mission appointment was to Sierra Leonein 1948 and he taught for two years at StAnthony’s Primary School in Freetown. He wasthen posted to the Catholic Training College inBo. He returned to Ireland due to illness in 1951,but he was able to return to Sierra Leone one yearlater. He was then posted to Freetown and laterto Gerihun.

He returned to Ireland in 1956 and was appointedto the Brothers’ Novitiate at Ardbraccan asassistant novice master. He became bursar in1957. In 1962 he was appointed to St Michael’sCollege and then to Blackrock College in 1967.Afterwards he was involved in the printing pressoperation in Ardbraccan and then as a memberof the Templeogue Community. Tom retired tothe Kimmage Community in 2002. Fr Tom diedpeacefully on 16 December 2010 in MarianHouse nursing unit and was buried at DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

December 17th

WARD, Fr James Patrick1920-2000

Fr James Patrick was born on 6March 1920 in Bawn, MoydoLower, Co. Longford andcompleted his secondary studies at St Mel’s,Longford, in 1939. Having entered the novitiatein Kilshane he was professed in 1940. Hebecame involved in several projects inconnection with the farm there. On completinghis philosophy studies in Kimmage Manor hewas appointed in 1942 to Trinidad as prefect inSt Mary’s College. He returned to Ireland in 1945to study theology in Kimmage and was ordainedin 1948.

His first appointment the following year was toSierra Leone. He served first in Gerihun wherehe had veteran Fr Aloys Scheer as companion.During his years there the number of Catholicsgrew to over 2000 and some 1000 pupilsattended the thirteen primary schools of themission in that area. In 1960 he became pastor ofSt Patrick’s at Bonthe and Sherbo Island wherethe numbers were about the same as in Gerihun.

Seven years later he took charge of St Anthony’sat Brookfields, formerly called Ascentiontown,near Freetown. This parish at the time had some5,000 members. There was a large secondaryschool for girls conducted by the Sisters of StJoseph of Cluny, and over 1,300 pupils attendedthe parish’s three primary schools. His life was avery busy one but Sierra Leone’s climate took itstoll on his health as it had done so often to others.

He returned to Ireland in 1969 and was appointedto Kimmage as Farm Bursar where he serveduntil 1971. When a serious car accident left himsomewhat incapacitated he was appointed toparish ministry in his native Diocese ofClonmacnoise where he served in Boher andAthlone. While serving in Clonmacnoise he hadthe privilege of welcoming Pope John Paulduring his brief stopover. Failing health obligedFr Jim to return to Kimmage for activeretirement. He spent his last months in MarianHouse where he died on 17 December 2000 aged80 years.

December 19th

SHANLEY, Fr Ciarán1931-2012

Fr Ciarán Shanley was born inClooneagh, Dromod, Co Leitrim,on 4 March 1931. After completinghis secondary school studies in Blackrock Collegehe entered the novitiate at Kilshane in 1949.Following on from this he studied philosophy inKimmage and then moved back to BlackrockCollege where he prefected for two years, 1952-4.In 1954 he returned to Kimmage to study theologyand was ordained to the priesthood in July 1957 byArchbishop McQuaid.

Ciarán’s mission appointment was to SierraLeone, arriving there in March 1959. For over adecade he ministered in pastoral roles in Gerihun,Pendembu, Kailahun and Koydu.

He returned to Ireland in 1972 where heministered in Greenhills parish, in Dublin, until1984. In early 1984 he took up an invite to jointhe Spiritans in southern California where he

DECEMBER

155

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 155

Page 164: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

served, in a number of parishes in the diocese ofFresno, as a pastor and hospital chaplain.

On his return to Ireland in 1995 he spent fouryears in the parish of Poulagh in Co Offalybefore being appointed chaplain in ClonskeaghHospital in Dublin in 1999. He spent his finalyears in retirement in Kimmage where, alwayswith a pastor’s heart, he was known for his wiseand reasoned judgement and for having awonderful sense of humour.

Fr Ciarán died peacefully on 19 December 2012in Marian House, at the age of 81, and is buriedin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 20th

COOPER, Fr John P.1935-1997

Fr John Cooper was born inTurner’s Cross, Cork City on 3March 1935. He completed hissecondary school education in Coláiste Críost Rí,Cork. He then entered the Spiritan Congregationand made his first profession at the novitiate inKilshane on 8 September 1953. He was awardeda B.A. by U.C.D. in 1956. He prefected inBlackrock College from 1956 to 1958 and thenstudied theology in Fribourg, Switzerland, wherehe earned a S.T.L. in 1964. John was ordained tothe priesthood at Clonliffe College, Dublin on 14July 1963 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 11 July 1964.

John’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1964 where he spent six years teachingin Bonthe Secondary School. He returned toIreland in 1970 and was awarded the H.Dip. bythe National University. He was appointed to theteaching staff of Templeogue College in 1971.He was reassigned to the U.S.A. in 1977 wherehe initially worked in New York as a member ofthe promotions team before joining theCalifornia group. He was appointed pastor at StAthanasius Parish, Mountain View, California in1988 and six years later was made an associatepastor in St Lawrence the Martyr Parish in SantaClara. However after only a few months in this

position he was appointed pastor of St ThomasAquinas Parish, Palo Alto. He was also appointedthe dean in the diocese.

In June 1996 ill heath forced John to resign. Hethen resided for a period in the Holy GhostHouse in Millbrae. Fr John was on a sabbaticalat the University of Toronto when he died on 20December 1997 en route home to Ireland tospend Christmas with his family. He was buriedat Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 22nd

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Laurence Desmond 1923-2016

Fr Laurence O’Sullivan (Des)was born in Blackrock Road,Cork, on 23 September 1923. The family latermoved to Blackrock, Co Dublin, and he, likeseveral of his brothers, attended BlackrockCollege. After leaving school, he spent sometime with the Irish marine service during WorldWar II. He then completed a year of furtherstudies before entering the novitiate in Kilshanein 1945. He was professed the following year andmoved to Kimmage Manor where he studiedphilosophy and theology. He was ordained to thepriesthood in 1951.

In 1952 Des was appointed to Nigeria and wasemployed in both a pastoral and educationalcapacity in Ekwerazu, Mbutu Okohia and Uvuru.He spent a brief period back in Ireland in the late1960s as principal of the postulancy for Spiritanbrothers in St Joseph’s, Kimmage Manor. At theend of the civil war in Nigeria in 1970 he wasarrested and sentenced to six months’imprisonment but was released a week later andexpelled from the country. Consequently, Desspent most of 1970 in Covington, Kentucky, inthe USA. He moved to Kenya the following yearand became engaged in pastoral ministry in thediocese of Machakos where he remained until1990. However his time there was interrupteddue to ill-health and as a result he spent timerecuperating in Ireland.

DECEMBER

156

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 156

served, in a number of parishes in the diocese ofFresno, as a pastor and hospital chaplain.

On his return to Ireland in 1995 he spent fouryears in the parish of Poulagh in Co Offalybefore being appointed chaplain in ClonskeaghHospital in Dublin in 1999. He spent his finalyears in retirement in Kimmage where, alwayswith a pastor’s heart, he was known for his wiseand reasoned judgement and for having awonderful sense of humour.

Fr Ciarán died peacefully on 19 December 2012in Marian House, at the age of 81, and is buriedin Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 20th

COOPER, Fr John P.1935-1997

Fr John Cooper was born inTurner’s Cross, Cork City on 3March 1935. He completed hissecondary school education in Coláiste Críost Rí,Cork. He then entered the Spiritan Congregationand made his first profession at the novitiate inKilshane on 8 September 1953. He was awardeda B.A. by U.C.D. in 1956. He prefected inBlackrock College from 1956 to 1958 and thenstudied theology in Fribourg, Switzerland, wherehe earned a S.T.L. in 1964. John was ordained tothe priesthood at Clonliffe College, Dublin on 14July 1963 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 11 July 1964.

John’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone in 1964 where he spent six years teachingin Bonthe Secondary School. He returned toIreland in 1970 and was awarded the H.Dip. bythe National University. He was appointed to theteaching staff of Templeogue College in 1971.He was reassigned to the U.S.A. in 1977 wherehe initially worked in New York as a member ofthe promotions team before joining theCalifornia group. He was appointed pastor at StAthanasius Parish, Mountain View, California in1988 and six years later was made an associatepastor in St Lawrence the Martyr Parish in SantaClara. However after only a few months in this

position he was appointed pastor of St ThomasAquinas Parish, Palo Alto. He was also appointedthe dean in the diocese.

In June 1996 ill heath forced John to resign. Hethen resided for a period in the Holy GhostHouse in Millbrae. Fr John was on a sabbaticalat the University of Toronto when he died on 20December 1997 en route home to Ireland tospend Christmas with his family. He was buriedat Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 22nd

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Laurence Desmond 1923-2016

Fr Laurence O’Sullivan (Des)was born in Blackrock Road,Cork, on 23 September 1923. The family latermoved to Blackrock, Co Dublin, and he, likeseveral of his brothers, attended BlackrockCollege. After leaving school, he spent sometime with the Irish marine service during WorldWar II. He then completed a year of furtherstudies before entering the novitiate in Kilshanein 1945. He was professed the following year andmoved to Kimmage Manor where he studiedphilosophy and theology. He was ordained to thepriesthood in 1951.

In 1952 Des was appointed to Nigeria and wasemployed in both a pastoral and educationalcapacity in Ekwerazu, Mbutu Okohia and Uvuru.He spent a brief period back in Ireland in the late1960s as principal of the postulancy for Spiritanbrothers in St Joseph’s, Kimmage Manor. At theend of the civil war in Nigeria in 1970 he wasarrested and sentenced to six months’imprisonment but was released a week later andexpelled from the country. Consequently, Desspent most of 1970 in Covington, Kentucky, inthe USA. He moved to Kenya the following yearand became engaged in pastoral ministry in thediocese of Machakos where he remained until1990. However his time there was interrupteddue to ill-health and as a result he spent timerecuperating in Ireland.

DECEMBER

156

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 156

Page 165: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Fr Des was appointed to Kimmage in 1990 andbecame active in the promotion of devotion tothe Virgin Mary. He became a resident of MarianHouse in 2011 and died there on 22 December2016. He was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 23rd

FLAHERTY, Bro Colman (Richard)1921-2008

Bro Colman Flaherty (Richard)was born in Tiernavan, Gort, CoGalway, on 16 August 1921. He attendedMultyfarnham Agricultural College from 1936 to1939. He entered the novitiate in Ardbraccan andwas professed in 1961 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1967.

Colman’s first, and only, appointment was to theArdbraccan community where he spent his entirereligious missionary life engaged in managingthe farm and also serving for a period ascommunity bursar. He loved the community, thepeople and the land. He was known byneighbours for his friendship, kindness andreadiness to help. A very kind and gentle person;he frequently visited the sick and had a kindword for all. On a number of occasions he joinedthe Bohermeen parish pilgrimages to Lourdesand his prayerful devotion to the shrine wasalways remarked upon. He made a request forpermission to be buried in his local parish ofBohermeen saying ‘I know the people in this areavery well and they also know me very well’.

Bro Colman spent the last few months of his lifein Marian House nursing home, KimmageManor, and died on 23 December 2008. He isburied, as he wished, in the BoyerstownCemetery, Co Meath.

December 24th

MEAGHER, Fr Christopher J.1912-1999

Fr Christopher Meagher(Christy) was born on ChristmasDay 1912 in Tipperary town. He completed hissecondary studies at Rockwell College, 1925-31.Having entered the novitiate at Kimmage Manorhe was professed there in 1932. Transferred tothe Philosophy House in the Castle, BlackrockCollege, he studied at UCD, securing the BAdegree in 1935. Appointed to Trinidad as prefecthe served in St Mary’s College for three years.He returned to the new scholasticate in Kimmageand was sent to Fribourg, Switzerland, to studytheology. He was ordained in 1941.

Christy’s first appointment was to BlackrockCollege while qualifying for the H.Dip.Ed. Hewas assigned the following year to the novitiatein Kilshane. Then he was called on to undertakethe post of Director of the Juniorate at Blackrockwhere he served for four years. Though he wasnever on the missions himself except for thethree years as a Prefect in Trinidad, he was veryproud of the number of his students who did goon the missions and he always loved to meetthem when they came back.

Christy taught French, Spanish, Latin and Greek.Feeling the need of suitable textbooks he wrotethem himself. He spent summers travelling all overthe country, often on a bicycle, to recruit studentsfor the school at Rockwell. In this he wasextraordinarily successful. Many summers he wentto Florida on ministry and to Spain, France orRussia to perfect his teaching of languages. TheLord gave him time to slow down as the endapproached. At last in April 1999 due to ill healthhe resigned from the class room and needingspecial medical care he moved to Kimmage Manorwhere he died on Christmas Eve 1999 just as hewas about to celebrate his 88th birthday. Fr Christywas buried in the Rockwell Community Cemetery.

DECEMBER

157

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 157

Fr Des was appointed to Kimmage in 1990 andbecame active in the promotion of devotion tothe Virgin Mary. He became a resident of MarianHouse in 2011 and died there on 22 December2016. He was buried in Dardistown Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 23rd

FLAHERTY, Bro Colman (Richard)1921-2008

Bro Colman Flaherty (Richard)was born in Tiernavan, Gort, CoGalway, on 16 August 1921. He attendedMultyfarnham Agricultural College from 1936 to1939. He entered the novitiate in Ardbraccan andwas professed in 1961 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1967.

Colman’s first, and only, appointment was to theArdbraccan community where he spent his entirereligious missionary life engaged in managingthe farm and also serving for a period ascommunity bursar. He loved the community, thepeople and the land. He was known byneighbours for his friendship, kindness andreadiness to help. A very kind and gentle person;he frequently visited the sick and had a kindword for all. On a number of occasions he joinedthe Bohermeen parish pilgrimages to Lourdesand his prayerful devotion to the shrine wasalways remarked upon. He made a request forpermission to be buried in his local parish ofBohermeen saying ‘I know the people in this areavery well and they also know me very well’.

Bro Colman spent the last few months of his lifein Marian House nursing home, KimmageManor, and died on 23 December 2008. He isburied, as he wished, in the BoyerstownCemetery, Co Meath.

December 24th

MEAGHER, Fr Christopher J.1912-1999

Fr Christopher Meagher(Christy) was born on ChristmasDay 1912 in Tipperary town. He completed hissecondary studies at Rockwell College, 1925-31.Having entered the novitiate at Kimmage Manorhe was professed there in 1932. Transferred tothe Philosophy House in the Castle, BlackrockCollege, he studied at UCD, securing the BAdegree in 1935. Appointed to Trinidad as prefecthe served in St Mary’s College for three years.He returned to the new scholasticate in Kimmageand was sent to Fribourg, Switzerland, to studytheology. He was ordained in 1941.

Christy’s first appointment was to BlackrockCollege while qualifying for the H.Dip.Ed. Hewas assigned the following year to the novitiatein Kilshane. Then he was called on to undertakethe post of Director of the Juniorate at Blackrockwhere he served for four years. Though he wasnever on the missions himself except for thethree years as a Prefect in Trinidad, he was veryproud of the number of his students who did goon the missions and he always loved to meetthem when they came back.

Christy taught French, Spanish, Latin and Greek.Feeling the need of suitable textbooks he wrotethem himself. He spent summers travelling all overthe country, often on a bicycle, to recruit studentsfor the school at Rockwell. In this he wasextraordinarily successful. Many summers he wentto Florida on ministry and to Spain, France orRussia to perfect his teaching of languages. TheLord gave him time to slow down as the endapproached. At last in April 1999 due to ill healthhe resigned from the class room and needingspecial medical care he moved to Kimmage Manorwhere he died on Christmas Eve 1999 just as hewas about to celebrate his 88th birthday. Fr Christywas buried in the Rockwell Community Cemetery.

DECEMBER

157

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 157

Page 166: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

December 25th

STIRLING, Fr Edward1933-2008

Fr Edward Sterling was born inSandycove, Dublin, on 25November 1933. Aftercompleting his secondary school education inBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate in1952 and was professed on 8 September 1953.Edward studied philosophy and theology inKimmage and prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1956 to 1958. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 16 July 1961 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1962.

Edward’s first appointment was to Umuahia,Nigeria, in 1962. The following year he wastransferred to Willow Park School where heremained for the next five years. In 1968 he wasappointed to Anchorage, Alaska as associatepastor and returned to Willow Park in 1974. In1978 Edward travelled to Kenya and ministeredin the diocese of Mombasa. During this periodhe became coordinator of the Ecumenical JointSyllabus in the Christian Religion TrainingProgramme for Teachers. In 1981 he moved tothe diocese of San Francisco in the U.S.A. wherehe was appointed assistant chaplain to LagunaHonda Hospital and in 1982 he was promoted tothe position of director of pastoral care. In 1988he studied the Vatican II course of theology atSaint Patrick’s, Menlo Park, and was awarded amasters degree in theology. In 1991 he moved toRockwell College to take on the twin roles ofteacher and archivist.

Fr Edward retired to Kimmage Manor in 2000and he died there on Christmas Day 2008. Hewas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 25th

McMANUS, Fr Denis1930-2009

Fr Denis McManus was born inSwinford, Co Mayo, on 15March 1930. Following thecompletion of his secondary school studies atBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1950. He prefected in Blackrock Collegebetween 1951 and 1952 and was awarded a B.A.degree in English and philosophy by U.C.D. in1955. He studied theology in Kimmage and wasordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958.Denis made his Consecration to the Apostolateon 31 July 1959.

Denis was appointed to Nigeria in 1951 wherehe took on the roles of teacher training andcatechetics in the diocese of Owerri. In 1970 hewas appointed to California and spent much ofhis later years ministering with the Irish Spiritansin the bay area of San Francisco. He also becamechaplain in St Mary’s Hospital, Daly City, andworked in the parishes of San Anselmo and SanRafael. In addition to this he served as chaplainin San Quentin State Prison for over twentyyears. Known to be a deep thinking, private andreserved man he was also a competent facilitatorof ministry students on placement in the prisonduring his tenure there.

Fr Denis retired to Kimmage Manor in October2009 and spent his final few weeks in MarianHouse where he died peacefully on ChristmasDay 2009. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

December 26th

KILBRIDE, Fr Malachy1940-2017

Fr Malachy Kilbride was born on9 July 1940 in Clonmel, CoTipperary. He attended secondaryschool at C.B.S. Clonmel. He transferred toBlackrock College as a day pupil for the last twoyears of secondary education. On leaving

DECEMBER

158

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 158

December 25th

STIRLING, Fr Edward1933-2008

Fr Edward Sterling was born inSandycove, Dublin, on 25November 1933. Aftercompleting his secondary school education inBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate in1952 and was professed on 8 September 1953.Edward studied philosophy and theology inKimmage and prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1956 to 1958. He was ordained to thepriesthood on 16 July 1961 and made hisConsecration to the Apostolate in 1962.

Edward’s first appointment was to Umuahia,Nigeria, in 1962. The following year he wastransferred to Willow Park School where heremained for the next five years. In 1968 he wasappointed to Anchorage, Alaska as associatepastor and returned to Willow Park in 1974. In1978 Edward travelled to Kenya and ministeredin the diocese of Mombasa. During this periodhe became coordinator of the Ecumenical JointSyllabus in the Christian Religion TrainingProgramme for Teachers. In 1981 he moved tothe diocese of San Francisco in the U.S.A. wherehe was appointed assistant chaplain to LagunaHonda Hospital and in 1982 he was promoted tothe position of director of pastoral care. In 1988he studied the Vatican II course of theology atSaint Patrick’s, Menlo Park, and was awarded amasters degree in theology. In 1991 he moved toRockwell College to take on the twin roles ofteacher and archivist.

Fr Edward retired to Kimmage Manor in 2000and he died there on Christmas Day 2008. Hewas buried in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 25th

McMANUS, Fr Denis1930-2009

Fr Denis McManus was born inSwinford, Co Mayo, on 15March 1930. Following thecompletion of his secondary school studies atBlackrock College, he entered the novitiate inKilshane and was professed on 8 September1950. He prefected in Blackrock Collegebetween 1951 and 1952 and was awarded a B.A.degree in English and philosophy by U.C.D. in1955. He studied theology in Kimmage and wasordained to the priesthood on 13 July 1958.Denis made his Consecration to the Apostolateon 31 July 1959.

Denis was appointed to Nigeria in 1951 wherehe took on the roles of teacher training andcatechetics in the diocese of Owerri. In 1970 hewas appointed to California and spent much ofhis later years ministering with the Irish Spiritansin the bay area of San Francisco. He also becamechaplain in St Mary’s Hospital, Daly City, andworked in the parishes of San Anselmo and SanRafael. In addition to this he served as chaplainin San Quentin State Prison for over twentyyears. Known to be a deep thinking, private andreserved man he was also a competent facilitatorof ministry students on placement in the prisonduring his tenure there.

Fr Denis retired to Kimmage Manor in October2009 and spent his final few weeks in MarianHouse where he died peacefully on ChristmasDay 2009. He was buried in DardistownCemetery, Co Dublin.

December 26th

KILBRIDE, Fr Malachy1940-2017

Fr Malachy Kilbride was born on9 July 1940 in Clonmel, CoTipperary. He attended secondaryschool at C.B.S. Clonmel. He transferred toBlackrock College as a day pupil for the last twoyears of secondary education. On leaving

DECEMBER

158

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 158

Page 167: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

Blackrock he entered the Spiritan Novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession in1958. He was awarded a B.Sc. degree by U.C.D.in 1963. He then prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1963 to 1964. He studied theology inKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood in 1967.

Malachy’s first mission appointment was toBlackrock College where he taught science. Healso served at various times as dean of the juniorday school, dean of boarders, dean of final yearand as the principal of the school. Malachy alsohad a keen interest in sports in the college andcoached the junior and senior cup teams.

In 1988 he went to Florida to undertakesabbatical studies. He remained in Florida for thenext fourteen years as an educationalpsychologist while helping out in weekendministry in different parishes. He returned toIreland in 2002 and was appointed president ofBlackrock College for a three year period.Malachy then returned to the U.S. and spentanother few years working in Florida beforeeventually retiring to the Blackrock Communityin Ireland. His later years were spent in theloving care of Ferndene Nursing Home inBlackrock. Fr Malachy died on 26 December2017 and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 27th

CORCORAN, Fr Edward1927-1997

Fr Edward Corcoran (Eddie) wasborn in Dublin on 20 March1927. Following the completionof his secondary education at O’Connell’s C.B.S.in 1945 he entered the congregation and wasprofessed on 8 September 1946. He prefected atthe Bursar’s office, Kimmage Manor, from 1947to 1948. He then studied philosophy, Latin andIrish in U.C.D. followed by theology in Fribourg,Switzerland from 1952 to 1956. Eddie wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegeon 3 July 1955 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 21 July 1956.

His first mission appointment was to Mombasa,Kenya, where he taught at the junior seminary inKwale from 1957 to 1973 and then St George’sSecondary School in Giriama until 1975. He wasthen appointed chaplain-teacher of thegovernment-administered Star of the Sea HighSchool in Mombasa where he served until 1981.During the last six years that he spent inMombasa he also served as chaplain-teacher ofthe local diocesan Sisters’ novitiate at Kwale.

In 1981 Eddie was appointed secretary generalof the Congregation in Rome. He returned toMombasa in 1983 where he worked in pastoralministry at Holy Ghost Cathedral. He wasappointed to the staff of St Mary’s College,Nairobi in 1990 and later returned to Mombasaas guest master of St Brendan’s Rest Home,Likoni, and also became chaplain to the navy. Agifted musician, Eddie was involved in theproduction of several musical plays in Mombasaand at St Mary’s, Nairobi. He was at the forefrontin introducing vernacular music to Kenya andcomposed the Kwale Mass. He was a foundermember of the Kenya Association for LiturgicalMusic. He devoted a lot of time to choirs andcoached both school and adult choirs for theannual Kenya Musical Festival. He was authorof Mombasa Mission 1888-1990 (1997), ahistory of the growth of the church in Mombasa.

Fr Edward died on 27 December 1997 after ashort illness in Mombasa and was buried there inthe cemetery adjoining Holy Ghost Cathedral.

December 28th

BARRETT, Fr Oliver David1920-2001

Fr Oliver Barrett (Ollie) was bornon 20 May 1920 in Compass Hill,Kinsale, Co Cork. Ollie completed his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College which hisbrother Willie had also attended. Ollie enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane in 1938 and made hisprofession on 8 September 1939. He undertookphilosophy studies in Kimmage, and prefected inRockwell between 1941 and 1943. He then took

DECEMBER

159

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 159

Blackrock he entered the Spiritan Novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession in1958. He was awarded a B.Sc. degree by U.C.D.in 1963. He then prefected in Blackrock Collegefrom 1963 to 1964. He studied theology inKimmage Manor and was ordained to thepriesthood in 1967.

Malachy’s first mission appointment was toBlackrock College where he taught science. Healso served at various times as dean of the juniorday school, dean of boarders, dean of final yearand as the principal of the school. Malachy alsohad a keen interest in sports in the college andcoached the junior and senior cup teams.

In 1988 he went to Florida to undertakesabbatical studies. He remained in Florida for thenext fourteen years as an educationalpsychologist while helping out in weekendministry in different parishes. He returned toIreland in 2002 and was appointed president ofBlackrock College for a three year period.Malachy then returned to the U.S. and spentanother few years working in Florida beforeeventually retiring to the Blackrock Communityin Ireland. His later years were spent in theloving care of Ferndene Nursing Home inBlackrock. Fr Malachy died on 26 December2017 and was buried in Shanganagh Cemetery,Co Dublin.

December 27th

CORCORAN, Fr Edward1927-1997

Fr Edward Corcoran (Eddie) wasborn in Dublin on 20 March1927. Following the completionof his secondary education at O’Connell’s C.B.S.in 1945 he entered the congregation and wasprofessed on 8 September 1946. He prefected atthe Bursar’s office, Kimmage Manor, from 1947to 1948. He then studied philosophy, Latin andIrish in U.C.D. followed by theology in Fribourg,Switzerland from 1952 to 1956. Eddie wasordained to the priesthood in Clonliffe Collegeon 3 July 1955 and made his Consecration to theApostolate on 21 July 1956.

His first mission appointment was to Mombasa,Kenya, where he taught at the junior seminary inKwale from 1957 to 1973 and then St George’sSecondary School in Giriama until 1975. He wasthen appointed chaplain-teacher of thegovernment-administered Star of the Sea HighSchool in Mombasa where he served until 1981.During the last six years that he spent inMombasa he also served as chaplain-teacher ofthe local diocesan Sisters’ novitiate at Kwale.

In 1981 Eddie was appointed secretary generalof the Congregation in Rome. He returned toMombasa in 1983 where he worked in pastoralministry at Holy Ghost Cathedral. He wasappointed to the staff of St Mary’s College,Nairobi in 1990 and later returned to Mombasaas guest master of St Brendan’s Rest Home,Likoni, and also became chaplain to the navy. Agifted musician, Eddie was involved in theproduction of several musical plays in Mombasaand at St Mary’s, Nairobi. He was at the forefrontin introducing vernacular music to Kenya andcomposed the Kwale Mass. He was a foundermember of the Kenya Association for LiturgicalMusic. He devoted a lot of time to choirs andcoached both school and adult choirs for theannual Kenya Musical Festival. He was authorof Mombasa Mission 1888-1990 (1997), ahistory of the growth of the church in Mombasa.

Fr Edward died on 27 December 1997 after ashort illness in Mombasa and was buried there inthe cemetery adjoining Holy Ghost Cathedral.

December 28th

BARRETT, Fr Oliver David1920-2001

Fr Oliver Barrett (Ollie) was bornon 20 May 1920 in Compass Hill,Kinsale, Co Cork. Ollie completed his secondaryschool education in Rockwell College which hisbrother Willie had also attended. Ollie enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane in 1938 and made hisprofession on 8 September 1939. He undertookphilosophy studies in Kimmage, and prefected inRockwell between 1941 and 1943. He then took

DECEMBER

159

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 159

Page 168: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

and completed a degree in philosophy between1943 and 1945. Following on from this hereturned to Kimmage to study theology. Olliewas ordained to the priesthood on 11 June 1948and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1949.

Ollie’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha in Nigeria where he ministered for twentyyears serving at Nsukka College, at Agulu, T.T.C.and at Awgu and Enugu Cathedral. During theBiafran War he worked with the International RedCross and helped some 165,000 people, at sixty-seven centres, receive one substantial meal aweek Ollie returned to Ireland in 1969. He wasthen appointed to the U.S.A. where he was givenparish ministry in Fernandina and Jacksonville,Florida. In 1983 he was appointed pastor of StAnn’s Parish in the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasee. He served as pastor there for eighteenyears until February 2001 when as a result of anassault he suffered severe psychological andphysical trauma and was therefore renderedunable to live independently.

Needing the presence of a supportive communityhe returned to Ireland in March 2001 and wasadmitted to Marian House, Kimmage Manor,where he died on 28 December 2001. Fr Oliverwas buried in the Community Cemetery inRockwell College.

December 29th

BUCKLEY, Fr Edward1920-2009

Fr Edward Buckley (Ned) wasborn in Upperchurch, Thurles, CoTipperary, on 5 June 1920.Following his secondary school education atThurles C.B.S. and Mungret College he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane in 1940 and wasprofessed on 8 September 1941. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage between 1941 and 1943,and then he prefected in Rockwell College from1943 to 1945. After studying theology inKimmage, Ned was ordained to the priesthoodon 11 July 1948 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in July 1949.

In 1949 Ned’s first mission appointment was tothe Owerri district of Nigeria. He spent the nexttwo decades there engaged in bothevangelization and pastoral ministry. He wasinitially stationed at Nsu and in 1955 hetransferred to the new mission at Ugiri. In 1961he returned to Nsu which, by then, had developedinto a parish of over 23,000 Catholics andCatechumens. Early on in the Biafran War Nedleft Nigeria and went to the U.S.A. where hespent three years doing parish work in Louisiana.On returning to Ireland in 1970 he taught for twoyears in Willow Park and transferred to parishministry, working principally in Templeogue,Dollymount and Ballyfermot. Ned was a greatbeliever in visiting parishioners in their ownhomes and his availability, encouragement andloyalty was appreciated by people of all ages.

Fr Edward retired to Kimmage Manor in 1997and died in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, on 29December 2009. He was buried in the parishcemetery of the Church of the Sacred Heart,Upperchurch, Co Tipperary.

December 29th

GEOGHEGAN, Fr Anthony1930-2013

Fr Anthony Geoghegan (Tony)was born in York Road, Rathgar,Dublin on 15 November 1930. After completinghis secondary school education in St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1948 and was professed thefollowing year. He prefected in both BlackrockCollege and St Mary’s College. Tony wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1952.He then undertook a licentiate in theology andwas ordained in Rome in July 1957 by the newlyappointed Bishop Donal Lamont of Umtali –now Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Tony’s first appointment was to the Gambiawhere he served as parish priest of Banjul from1959 to 1961. In 1962 he was appointedteacher/principal in a secondary school inUmuahia, Nigeria. He moved to Enugu two years

DECEMBER

160

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 160

and completed a degree in philosophy between1943 and 1945. Following on from this hereturned to Kimmage to study theology. Olliewas ordained to the priesthood on 11 June 1948and made his Consecration to the Apostolate on31 July 1949.

Ollie’s first appointment was to the diocese ofOnitsha in Nigeria where he ministered for twentyyears serving at Nsukka College, at Agulu, T.T.C.and at Awgu and Enugu Cathedral. During theBiafran War he worked with the International RedCross and helped some 165,000 people, at sixty-seven centres, receive one substantial meal aweek Ollie returned to Ireland in 1969. He wasthen appointed to the U.S.A. where he was givenparish ministry in Fernandina and Jacksonville,Florida. In 1983 he was appointed pastor of StAnn’s Parish in the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahasee. He served as pastor there for eighteenyears until February 2001 when as a result of anassault he suffered severe psychological andphysical trauma and was therefore renderedunable to live independently.

Needing the presence of a supportive communityhe returned to Ireland in March 2001 and wasadmitted to Marian House, Kimmage Manor,where he died on 28 December 2001. Fr Oliverwas buried in the Community Cemetery inRockwell College.

December 29th

BUCKLEY, Fr Edward1920-2009

Fr Edward Buckley (Ned) wasborn in Upperchurch, Thurles, CoTipperary, on 5 June 1920.Following his secondary school education atThurles C.B.S. and Mungret College he enteredthe novitiate in Kilshane in 1940 and wasprofessed on 8 September 1941. He studiedphilosophy in Kimmage between 1941 and 1943,and then he prefected in Rockwell College from1943 to 1945. After studying theology inKimmage, Ned was ordained to the priesthoodon 11 July 1948 and made his Consecration tothe Apostolate in July 1949.

In 1949 Ned’s first mission appointment was tothe Owerri district of Nigeria. He spent the nexttwo decades there engaged in bothevangelization and pastoral ministry. He wasinitially stationed at Nsu and in 1955 hetransferred to the new mission at Ugiri. In 1961he returned to Nsu which, by then, had developedinto a parish of over 23,000 Catholics andCatechumens. Early on in the Biafran War Nedleft Nigeria and went to the U.S.A. where hespent three years doing parish work in Louisiana.On returning to Ireland in 1970 he taught for twoyears in Willow Park and transferred to parishministry, working principally in Templeogue,Dollymount and Ballyfermot. Ned was a greatbeliever in visiting parishioners in their ownhomes and his availability, encouragement andloyalty was appreciated by people of all ages.

Fr Edward retired to Kimmage Manor in 1997and died in Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, on 29December 2009. He was buried in the parishcemetery of the Church of the Sacred Heart,Upperchurch, Co Tipperary.

December 29th

GEOGHEGAN, Fr Anthony1930-2013

Fr Anthony Geoghegan (Tony)was born in York Road, Rathgar,Dublin on 15 November 1930. After completinghis secondary school education in St Mary’sCollege, Rathmines, he entered the novitiate inKilshane in 1948 and was professed thefollowing year. He prefected in both BlackrockCollege and St Mary’s College. Tony wasawarded a B.A. in philosophy by U.C.D. in 1952.He then undertook a licentiate in theology andwas ordained in Rome in July 1957 by the newlyappointed Bishop Donal Lamont of Umtali –now Mutare, Zimbabwe.

Tony’s first appointment was to the Gambiawhere he served as parish priest of Banjul from1959 to 1961. In 1962 he was appointedteacher/principal in a secondary school inUmuahia, Nigeria. He moved to Enugu two years

DECEMBER

160

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 160

Page 169: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

later to work as theology lecturer and formatorbefore returning to Rome in 1970 to study for adoctorate in mission theology at the Angelicum.

Tony was theology lecturer and formator inKimmage Manor from 1972 to 1981 andreturned to this role in 1986 after a yearanimating Spiritan spirituality at the Generalate.He served as provincial councillor from 1982 to1985, a position that he would take on again fora six year period from 1988 to 1994. Followingon from this he taught at the Kimmage MissionInstitute for the next three years and, after asabbatical, he was appointed assistant director ofstudents in Kimmage in 1999 and held thisposition until the closure of the theologate in2008. Among his many writings on religious lifeand missiology were Missionary Spirituality ofBishop Shanahan and the chapters on ‘MissionSince Vatican II’ and ‘Formation’ in Go Teach allNations. On 15 November 2000, in the presenceof the Archbishop of Dublin, Fr Tony was swornin as chairman of the Historical Commissionenquiring into the life of Bishop JosephShanahan with a view to his possiblebeatification.

Fr Tony died on Sunday 29 December 2013 inTallaght Hospital, at the age of 83, and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 31st

O’DWYER, Fr Richard John1929-2003

Fr Richard O’Dwyer (Dick) wasborn at Infirmary Road., PhoenixPark, Dublin, on 28 February 1929. Following thecompletion of his secondary school education atO’Connell’s C.B.S. he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on 8September 1947. U.C.D. awarded him a B.Sc. in1950, a H.Dip in Ed. in 1951 and a B.A. inphilosophy in 1953. He prefected at BlackrockCollege between 1950 and 1951. He then studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordained tothe priesthood on 15 July 1956. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 2August 1957.

Dick was appointment to Sierra Leone in 1957where he was employed both as a teacher andchaplain at St Edward’s Secondary School,Freetown. In 1965 he was appointed teacher andboarding dean at Christ the King College, Bo.Dick then moved to the parish of St Francis inBo to administer pastoral care. From 1970 until1976 he worked in administration and animationas district superior. During this time he alsohelped out at the school in Koribundu. He thenmoved from Bo to Njala University SecondarySchool and in 1979 returned to the role of parishministry, this time in Moyamba. In 1982 he againreturned to Bo, to the junior seminary, as aformator.

In 1987 Dick took a sabbatical study leave fromSierra Leone after which he was appointed assuperior of the Ardbraccan Community inIreland. He served nine years in this position. Hewas transferred to St Mary’s College community,Rathmines, in 1997 and worked part-time withthe Pontifical Missionary Societies. Due tofailing health Dick retired to Marian House,Kimmage Manor, in 2002 where he died 31December 2003. Fr Richard was buried in thecemetery at Dardistown, Co Dublin.

December 31st

MASTERSON, Fr James1928-2010

Fr James Masterson (Jimmy) wasborn in Moyne, Co Longford, on17 October 1928. He completedhis secondary education at St Mel’s, Longford.He was awarded a B.A. degree in 1949 and hethen entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hewas professed on 11 October 1950. He receiveda Higher Diploma in Education in 1951 afterwhich he prefected for one year in BlackrockCollege. Jimmy studied theology at Kimmageand was ordained to the priesthood on 15 July1956 and made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1957.

Jimmy’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1957 where he was assigned to the Owerridistrict. He worked there for eleven years,

DECEMBER

161

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 161

later to work as theology lecturer and formatorbefore returning to Rome in 1970 to study for adoctorate in mission theology at the Angelicum.

Tony was theology lecturer and formator inKimmage Manor from 1972 to 1981 andreturned to this role in 1986 after a yearanimating Spiritan spirituality at the Generalate.He served as provincial councillor from 1982 to1985, a position that he would take on again fora six year period from 1988 to 1994. Followingon from this he taught at the Kimmage MissionInstitute for the next three years and, after asabbatical, he was appointed assistant director ofstudents in Kimmage in 1999 and held thisposition until the closure of the theologate in2008. Among his many writings on religious lifeand missiology were Missionary Spirituality ofBishop Shanahan and the chapters on ‘MissionSince Vatican II’ and ‘Formation’ in Go Teach allNations. On 15 November 2000, in the presenceof the Archbishop of Dublin, Fr Tony was swornin as chairman of the Historical Commissionenquiring into the life of Bishop JosephShanahan with a view to his possiblebeatification.

Fr Tony died on Sunday 29 December 2013 inTallaght Hospital, at the age of 83, and wasburied in Dardistown Cemetery, Co Dublin.

December 31st

O’DWYER, Fr Richard John1929-2003

Fr Richard O’Dwyer (Dick) wasborn at Infirmary Road., PhoenixPark, Dublin, on 28 February 1929. Following thecompletion of his secondary school education atO’Connell’s C.B.S. he entered the novitiate inKilshane where he made his first profession on 8September 1947. U.C.D. awarded him a B.Sc. in1950, a H.Dip in Ed. in 1951 and a B.A. inphilosophy in 1953. He prefected at BlackrockCollege between 1950 and 1951. He then studiedtheology at Kimmage Manor and was ordained tothe priesthood on 15 July 1956. He made hisConsecration to the Apostolate on 2August 1957.

Dick was appointment to Sierra Leone in 1957where he was employed both as a teacher andchaplain at St Edward’s Secondary School,Freetown. In 1965 he was appointed teacher andboarding dean at Christ the King College, Bo.Dick then moved to the parish of St Francis inBo to administer pastoral care. From 1970 until1976 he worked in administration and animationas district superior. During this time he alsohelped out at the school in Koribundu. He thenmoved from Bo to Njala University SecondarySchool and in 1979 returned to the role of parishministry, this time in Moyamba. In 1982 he againreturned to Bo, to the junior seminary, as aformator.

In 1987 Dick took a sabbatical study leave fromSierra Leone after which he was appointed assuperior of the Ardbraccan Community inIreland. He served nine years in this position. Hewas transferred to St Mary’s College community,Rathmines, in 1997 and worked part-time withthe Pontifical Missionary Societies. Due tofailing health Dick retired to Marian House,Kimmage Manor, in 2002 where he died 31December 2003. Fr Richard was buried in thecemetery at Dardistown, Co Dublin.

December 31st

MASTERSON, Fr James1928-2010

Fr James Masterson (Jimmy) wasborn in Moyne, Co Longford, on17 October 1928. He completedhis secondary education at St Mel’s, Longford.He was awarded a B.A. degree in 1949 and hethen entered the novitiate in Kilshane where hewas professed on 11 October 1950. He receiveda Higher Diploma in Education in 1951 afterwhich he prefected for one year in BlackrockCollege. Jimmy studied theology at Kimmageand was ordained to the priesthood on 15 July1956 and made his Consecration to theApostolate in 1957.

Jimmy’s mission appointment was to Nigeria in1957 where he was assigned to the Owerridistrict. He worked there for eleven years,

DECEMBER

161

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 161

Page 170: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

teaching at St Pius X College in Bodo, nearOgoni. He later became headmaster of thisschool. He returned to Ireland in 1968 when thePort Harcourt area was occupied by the NigerianFederal troops. He then went to the U.S.A. for ayear where he served in the New York area. Hewas able to return to Nigeria again in January1971 and he worked in parish ministry in theRivers area around Port Harcourt. He returned tothe U.S.A. in 1979 where he spent the next sixyears administering pastoral care in Florida

In 1986 Jimmy returned to Ireland andministered in the dioceses of Dromore andArdagh & Clonmacnoise. From late 1999 until2007 he was a member of the Ardbraccancommunity. He retired to Kimmage Manor in2007 and moved to Marian House in 2009. FrJames died on 31 December 2010 at TallaghtHospital and was buried in the new cemetery inBoherquill, Co Westmeath.

December 31st

PURCELL, Fr Eamon1936-2011

Fr Eamon (Ned) Purcell was bornin Limerick on 7 April 1936.After completing his secondaryschool education at C.B.S. Limerick, he workedfor the Electricity Supply Board from 1955 to1962 and was awarded a B.Com. by U.C.D. in1961. He entered the novitiate in Kilshane thefollowing year and was professed on 8September 1963. He studied philosophy andtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood on 7 July 1968.

Ned’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone where he served for nine years in pastoraland teaching ministries in Panguma, Pendembu,Kailahun and Segbwema. In 1978 he was assignedto the vicariate of Monrovia, Liberia where headministered pastoral care in Voinjama and Foya,before returning to Ireland in 1987. He wasappointed to Ardbraccan in 1989. He also served aschaplain in St John of God’s Hospital, Stillorgan,and James Connolly Memorial Hospital,Blanchardstown, until 1992. He then moved to

Derry for a year and served as curate in St Eugene’sCathedral before returning to Kimmage Parish toperform a similar role. Following this he took asabbatical to engage in a course of study.

In 1997, on completion of his studies, Ned wasappointed to Australia where he spent the bestpart of the next decade. He worked in a varietyof pastoral ministries there which ranged fromparishes with a strong Aboriginal presence toothers whose ethnic composition prompted himto learn Vietnamese. He celebrated mass asGaeilge on St Patrick’s Day for the Irishcommunity in Melbourne where he spent sixyears as pastor at St Dominic’s Parish inBroadmeadows. He returned to Ireland in 2007and became bursar of Ardbraccan Community.He was then appointed to Rockwell Communityin 2008. Fr Eamon died peacefully on 31December 2011 in Marian House, KimmageManor and was buried in the communitycemetery in Rockwell College.

December 31st

GEARY, Fr John D.1931-2014

Fr John Geary was born 21November 1931 in Dundalk, CoLouth. He attended secondaryschool in CBS Limerick and thenRockwell College. Co Tipperary. He made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1950. He wasawarded a B.A. and an M.A. in English by U.C.Din 1953 and 1955 respectively. He then prefectedin Rockwell from 1955 to 1957. John thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1960. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 4August 1961.

John’s first mission appointment was to Canadain 1961. He taught at Neil McNeil High Schooland then became its principal in 1968. John wasappointed as the founding principal of FrancisLibermann High School in 1977. He was alsoappointed as superintendent of education for theToronto Catholic District School Board aposition he held until his retirement in 1989.

DECEMBER

162

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 162

teaching at St Pius X College in Bodo, nearOgoni. He later became headmaster of thisschool. He returned to Ireland in 1968 when thePort Harcourt area was occupied by the NigerianFederal troops. He then went to the U.S.A. for ayear where he served in the New York area. Hewas able to return to Nigeria again in January1971 and he worked in parish ministry in theRivers area around Port Harcourt. He returned tothe U.S.A. in 1979 where he spent the next sixyears administering pastoral care in Florida

In 1986 Jimmy returned to Ireland andministered in the dioceses of Dromore andArdagh & Clonmacnoise. From late 1999 until2007 he was a member of the Ardbraccancommunity. He retired to Kimmage Manor in2007 and moved to Marian House in 2009. FrJames died on 31 December 2010 at TallaghtHospital and was buried in the new cemetery inBoherquill, Co Westmeath.

December 31st

PURCELL, Fr Eamon1936-2011

Fr Eamon (Ned) Purcell was bornin Limerick on 7 April 1936.After completing his secondaryschool education at C.B.S. Limerick, he workedfor the Electricity Supply Board from 1955 to1962 and was awarded a B.Com. by U.C.D. in1961. He entered the novitiate in Kilshane thefollowing year and was professed on 8September 1963. He studied philosophy andtheology in Kimmage and was ordained to thepriesthood on 7 July 1968.

Ned’s first mission appointment was to SierraLeone where he served for nine years in pastoraland teaching ministries in Panguma, Pendembu,Kailahun and Segbwema. In 1978 he was assignedto the vicariate of Monrovia, Liberia where headministered pastoral care in Voinjama and Foya,before returning to Ireland in 1987. He wasappointed to Ardbraccan in 1989. He also served aschaplain in St John of God’s Hospital, Stillorgan,and James Connolly Memorial Hospital,Blanchardstown, until 1992. He then moved to

Derry for a year and served as curate in St Eugene’sCathedral before returning to Kimmage Parish toperform a similar role. Following this he took asabbatical to engage in a course of study.

In 1997, on completion of his studies, Ned wasappointed to Australia where he spent the bestpart of the next decade. He worked in a varietyof pastoral ministries there which ranged fromparishes with a strong Aboriginal presence toothers whose ethnic composition prompted himto learn Vietnamese. He celebrated mass asGaeilge on St Patrick’s Day for the Irishcommunity in Melbourne where he spent sixyears as pastor at St Dominic’s Parish inBroadmeadows. He returned to Ireland in 2007and became bursar of Ardbraccan Community.He was then appointed to Rockwell Communityin 2008. Fr Eamon died peacefully on 31December 2011 in Marian House, KimmageManor and was buried in the communitycemetery in Rockwell College.

December 31st

GEARY, Fr John D.1931-2014

Fr John Geary was born 21November 1931 in Dundalk, CoLouth. He attended secondaryschool in CBS Limerick and thenRockwell College. Co Tipperary. He made hisfirst profession on 8 September 1950. He wasawarded a B.A. and an M.A. in English by U.C.Din 1953 and 1955 respectively. He then prefectedin Rockwell from 1955 to 1957. John thenstudied theology at Kimmage Manor and wasordained to the priesthood on 11 July 1960. Hemade his Consecration to the Apostolate on 4August 1961.

John’s first mission appointment was to Canadain 1961. He taught at Neil McNeil High Schooland then became its principal in 1968. John wasappointed as the founding principal of FrancisLibermann High School in 1977. He was alsoappointed as superintendent of education for theToronto Catholic District School Board aposition he held until his retirement in 1989.

DECEMBER

162

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 162

Page 171: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

John then embarked on many years of service tothe Spiritan Community. For example he wasappointed house superior of the SpiritanGeneralate in Rome in 1990 and then served asthe provincial superior of the TransCanadaSpiritans from 1993 to 1999. John studied inFrance and the USA from 1999 to 2007 whichculminated in him being awarded a Doctorate ofEnglish Literature by the University of Toronto.Following a short time spent as superior of LavalHouse, John became a lecturer in English atDuquesne University in Pittsburgh. He retired to

Toronto in 2009 to serve the community asarchivist and historian.

John was known for his strong interest in, andcommitment to Catholic education as well as tothe refugee issue in Canada. He had a greatfondness for books and was known for his greatrhetoric and writing abilities. Fr John diedpeacefully on the morning of 31 December 2014after a courageous battle with cancer and wasburied in Holy Cross Cemetery, Toronto.

DECEMBER

163

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 163

John then embarked on many years of service tothe Spiritan Community. For example he wasappointed house superior of the SpiritanGeneralate in Rome in 1990 and then served asthe provincial superior of the TransCanadaSpiritans from 1993 to 1999. John studied inFrance and the USA from 1999 to 2007 whichculminated in him being awarded a Doctorate ofEnglish Literature by the University of Toronto.Following a short time spent as superior of LavalHouse, John became a lecturer in English atDuquesne University in Pittsburgh. He retired to

Toronto in 2009 to serve the community asarchivist and historian.

John was known for his strong interest in, andcommitment to Catholic education as well as tothe refugee issue in Canada. He had a greatfondness for books and was known for his greatrhetoric and writing abilities. Fr John diedpeacefully on the morning of 31 December 2014after a courageous battle with cancer and wasburied in Holy Cross Cemetery, Toronto.

DECEMBER

163

December Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:42 Page 163

Page 172: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

164

GENERAL INDEX

AGNOLI, Fr Savino 122

AHERNE, Fr John N 52

BARRETT, Fr Oliver D 159

BARRON, Fr Thomas 94

BARRY, Fr Francis C 100

BARRY, Fr Thomas R 23

BRENNAN, Fr Martin F 50

BRETT, Fr James P 68

BROSNAN, Fr Michael J 25

BROWNE, Fr Kevin 111

BUCKLEY, Fr Edward 160

BUCKLEY, Fr John 80

BUCKLEY, Fr Martin J 101

BUCKLEY, Fr Michael 9

BUCKLEY, Fr Timothy 120

BUTLER, Fr William T 113

BYRNE, Fr John J 83

BYRNE, Fr Thomas F 106

CAHILL, Fr Desmond M 24

CAHILL, Fr John N 114

CAMPBELL, Fr Patrick J 51

CAPLICE, Fr Richard A 118

CARRAGHER, Fr Arthur 5

CARROLL, Fr Andrew 119

CASEY, Fr Peter J 87

CASEY, Fr Seán F 143

CHAMBERLAIN, Fr Alfred 20

CHISHOLM, Fr John E 131

CLEARY, Fr Paddy 31

CLEARY, Fr Thomas J 149

CLEMENTS, Fr James N 19

COLEMAN, Fr John J 62

COLLETON, Fr Edward 54

COLLINS, Fr Martin J 84

COMER, Fr Peter V 128

COMERFORD, Fr Francis 112

COMERFORD, Fr Patrick T 7

CONNOLLY, Fr Timothy 11

CONWAY, Fr Patrick 131

COOKE, Fr Patrick M 98

COOPER, Fr John P 156

CORCORAN, Fr Edward 159

CORCORAN, Fr John C 70

CORRIGAN, Fr Matthew F 78

CORRY, Fr Senan P 87

COSTELLOE, Fr William 58

COYNE, Fr Patrick J 134

CREAN, Fr Thomas 107

CREMINS, Fr Patrick J 35

CROWLEY, Fr Edward T 137

CROWLEY, Fr Timothy J 113

CROWLEY, Fr William 142

CUNNIFFE, Fr Michael F 154

CURTIN, Bro John 78

CURTIN, Fr Daniel F 38

CURTIN, Fr Maurice 110

DALY, Fr Michael 138

DARCY, Fr Edward 5

D’ARCY, Fr Stephen 47

DEMPSEY, Fr Aloysius P 60

DEVINE, Fr James 58

DEVINE, Fr Patrick 121

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 164

164

GENERAL INDEX

AGNOLI, Fr Savino 122

AHERNE, Fr John N 52

BARRETT, Fr Oliver D 159

BARRON, Fr Thomas 94

BARRY, Fr Francis C 100

BARRY, Fr Thomas R 23

BRENNAN, Fr Martin F 50

BRETT, Fr James P 68

BROSNAN, Fr Michael J 25

BROWNE, Fr Kevin 111

BUCKLEY, Fr Edward 160

BUCKLEY, Fr John 80

BUCKLEY, Fr Martin J 101

BUCKLEY, Fr Michael 9

BUCKLEY, Fr Timothy 120

BUTLER, Fr William T 113

BYRNE, Fr John J 83

BYRNE, Fr Thomas F 106

CAHILL, Fr Desmond M 24

CAHILL, Fr John N 114

CAMPBELL, Fr Patrick J 51

CAPLICE, Fr Richard A 118

CARRAGHER, Fr Arthur 5

CARROLL, Fr Andrew 119

CASEY, Fr Peter J 87

CASEY, Fr Seán F 143

CHAMBERLAIN, Fr Alfred 20

CHISHOLM, Fr John E 131

CLEARY, Fr Paddy 31

CLEARY, Fr Thomas J 149

CLEMENTS, Fr James N 19

COLEMAN, Fr John J 62

COLLETON, Fr Edward 54

COLLINS, Fr Martin J 84

COMER, Fr Peter V 128

COMERFORD, Fr Francis 112

COMERFORD, Fr Patrick T 7

CONNOLLY, Fr Timothy 11

CONWAY, Fr Patrick 131

COOKE, Fr Patrick M 98

COOPER, Fr John P 156

CORCORAN, Fr Edward 159

CORCORAN, Fr John C 70

CORRIGAN, Fr Matthew F 78

CORRY, Fr Senan P 87

COSTELLOE, Fr William 58

COYNE, Fr Patrick J 134

CREAN, Fr Thomas 107

CREMINS, Fr Patrick J 35

CROWLEY, Fr Edward T 137

CROWLEY, Fr Timothy J 113

CROWLEY, Fr William 142

CUNNIFFE, Fr Michael F 154

CURTIN, Bro John 78

CURTIN, Fr Daniel F 38

CURTIN, Fr Maurice 110

DALY, Fr Michael 138

DARCY, Fr Edward 5

D’ARCY, Fr Stephen 47

DEMPSEY, Fr Aloysius P 60

DEVINE, Fr James 58

DEVINE, Fr Patrick 121

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 164

Page 173: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

DILLON, Fr Matthew 12

DINAN, Fr Peter 63

DOHENY, Fr Kevin F 83

DOOLIN, Fr William 43

DOWLING, Bro Oliver (James) 140

DOWLING, Fr Jarlath 40

DOWNEY, Fr Michael J 28

DOYLE, Fr John B 55

DOYLE, Fr Laurence 41

DOYLE, Fr Michael 88

DUFFY, Fr Andrew F 87

DUGGAN, Fr James 61

DUGGAN, Fr Michael 42

DUGGAN, Fr Patrick 68

DUIGNAN, Fr Gerard 139

DUNNE, Fr James P 59

DUNNE, Fr James W 151

DUNNE, Fr Patrick J 60

EGAN, Fr Bartholomew 37

EGAN, Fr Dermot P 135

EGAN, Fr Francis 21

EGAN, Fr John 142

ELLIS, Fr Gerard F 72

ELLIS, Fr Liam O 48

ENRIGHT, Fr John B 146

ENRIGHT, Fr Timothy J 70

FALLON, Fr John 118

FARRAGHER, Fr Seán P 152

FARRELL, Fr John A 27

FARRELLY, Fr Bernard 92

FARRELLY, Fr Matthew 102

FARRELLY, Fr Thomas M 8

FAY, Fr Myles 14

FINUCANE, Fr Aengus 122

FINUCANE, Fr John A 72

FITZPATRICK, Fr William C 114

FLAHERTY, Bro Colman (Richard) 157

FLEMING, Fr Peter 59

FLOOD, Fr Patrick A 151

FLYNN, Fr Bernard A 63

FLYNN, Fr Patrick J 68

FLYNN, Fr Thomas J 95

FOLEY, Fr Denis 109

FOLEY, Fr James 99

FOLEY, Fr Patrick J 3

FRAWLEY, Fr Michael F 150

FULLEN, Fr Joseph T 145

FULLEN, Fr Patrick S 85

GALVIN, Fr Patrick J 29

GANNON, Fr John F 74

GEARY, Fr John D 162

GEOGHEGAN, Fr Anthony 160

GIBBONS, Fr Michael G 115

GILMORE, Fr Michael J 4

GILTINAN, Fr James 15

GODFREY, Fr Jeremiah C 17

GOGAN, Fr Cothraí 7

GORMLEY, Mr Brian 14

GOUGH, Fr John 38

GRAHAM, Fr Edward 10

GRIFFIN, Fr Augustine 101

GROGAN, Fr Matthew 45

HARRISON, Fr James P 44

HEFFERNAN, Fr Gerard C 117

HEGARTY, Fr John 22

HENEHAN, Fr Patrick 35

HOGAN, Fr John G 97

HOLLAND, Fr Patrick 18

GENERAL INDEX

165

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 165

DILLON, Fr Matthew 12

DINAN, Fr Peter 63

DOHENY, Fr Kevin F 83

DOOLIN, Fr William 43

DOWLING, Bro Oliver (James) 140

DOWLING, Fr Jarlath 40

DOWNEY, Fr Michael J 28

DOYLE, Fr John B 55

DOYLE, Fr Laurence 41

DOYLE, Fr Michael 88

DUFFY, Fr Andrew F 87

DUGGAN, Fr James 61

DUGGAN, Fr Michael 42

DUGGAN, Fr Patrick 68

DUIGNAN, Fr Gerard 139

DUNNE, Fr James P 59

DUNNE, Fr James W 151

DUNNE, Fr Patrick J 60

EGAN, Fr Bartholomew 37

EGAN, Fr Dermot P 135

EGAN, Fr Francis 21

EGAN, Fr John 142

ELLIS, Fr Gerard F 72

ELLIS, Fr Liam O 48

ENRIGHT, Fr John B 146

ENRIGHT, Fr Timothy J 70

FALLON, Fr John 118

FARRAGHER, Fr Seán P 152

FARRELL, Fr John A 27

FARRELLY, Fr Bernard 92

FARRELLY, Fr Matthew 102

FARRELLY, Fr Thomas M 8

FAY, Fr Myles 14

FINUCANE, Fr Aengus 122

FINUCANE, Fr John A 72

FITZPATRICK, Fr William C 114

FLAHERTY, Bro Colman (Richard) 157

FLEMING, Fr Peter 59

FLOOD, Fr Patrick A 151

FLYNN, Fr Bernard A 63

FLYNN, Fr Patrick J 68

FLYNN, Fr Thomas J 95

FOLEY, Fr Denis 109

FOLEY, Fr James 99

FOLEY, Fr Patrick J 3

FRAWLEY, Fr Michael F 150

FULLEN, Fr Joseph T 145

FULLEN, Fr Patrick S 85

GALVIN, Fr Patrick J 29

GANNON, Fr John F 74

GEARY, Fr John D 162

GEOGHEGAN, Fr Anthony 160

GIBBONS, Fr Michael G 115

GILMORE, Fr Michael J 4

GILTINAN, Fr James 15

GODFREY, Fr Jeremiah C 17

GOGAN, Fr Cothraí 7

GORMLEY, Mr Brian 14

GOUGH, Fr John 38

GRAHAM, Fr Edward 10

GRIFFIN, Fr Augustine 101

GROGAN, Fr Matthew 45

HARRISON, Fr James P 44

HEFFERNAN, Fr Gerard C 117

HEGARTY, Fr John 22

HENEHAN, Fr Patrick 35

HOGAN, Fr John G 97

HOLLAND, Fr Patrick 18

GENERAL INDEX

165

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 165

Page 174: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

GENERAL INDEX

166

HOLLY, Fr Patrick J 140

HOLLY, Fr Cornelius C 82

HOLOHAN, Fr Patrick C 71

HORKIN, Fr Leo 29

HORRIGAN, Fr Finnbarr 110

HORRIGAN, Fr John 64

HUDSON, Fr Robert J 28

HUGHES, Fr John F 147

HUGHES, Fr Peter 89

HURLEY, Fr James J 134

JENKINSON, Fr William A 146

KAVANAGH, Bro Gall (Patrick) 92

KAVANAGH, Fr James G 50

KEANE, Fr Bernard P 16

KEARINS, Mr Peter 9

KEATING, Fr Michael G 53

KEEGAN, Fr Patrick 125

KELLY, Bro Finbar (Daniel) 40

KELLY, Fr Martin J 32

KELLY, Fr Patrick J 152

KENNEDY, Fr Conor 86

KENNY, Fr Desmond J 69

KENNY, Fr Myles 11

KEOGH, Bro Brendan (Vincent) 91

KILBRIDE, Fr Brian 104

KILBRIDE, Fr Malachy 158

KILLIAN Fr Nicholas 12

KING, Fr John J 102

KISSANE, Fr Richard 130

LEAHY, Fr Francis 124

LEDDY, Fr Patrick J 90

LEHANE, Fr Aidan 100

LEHANE, Fr Richard C 112

LEONARD, Fr Patrick J 64

LEONARD, Fr Patrick L 90

LEWIS, Fr James J 79

LEWIS, Fr Patrick J 120

LIDDANE, Fr Patrick J 19

LODGE, Fr Seán A 104

LORD, Fr Gerard A 80

LYNCH, Fr Florence 94

LYNCH, Rev Philip 48

LYONS, Fr Bartholomew 133

LYONS, Fr Redmond 49

MADIGAN, Fr Robert J 4

MAHER, Fr Michael P 86

MAHER, Fr Stephen C 116

MAHER, Fr William A 1

MALONE, Fr William J 71

MARLOW, Bro Celestine (Peter) 101

MARTIN, Fr Francis 39

MASTERSON, Fr James 161

McARDLE, Fr Kevin B 41

McBRIDE, Fr Charles 138

McCABE, Fr Francis 127

McCAFFREY, Bro Luke (Peter) 133

McCARTHY, Fr Charles A 57

McCARTHY, Fr Gerard 3

McCARTHY, Fr Michael 10

McCARTHY, Fr Thomas 77

McDONAGH, Fr John J 46

McDONALD, Fr Vincent P 137

McDONNELL, Fr Thomas 66

McGANN, Fr James 130

McGLADE, Fr Cornelius D 79

McGRANE, Fr Michael A 126

McHUGH, Fr Joseph 117

McHUGH, Fr Laurence 153

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 166

GENERAL INDEX

166

HOLLY, Fr Patrick J 140

HOLLY, Fr Cornelius C 82

HOLOHAN, Fr Patrick C 71

HORKIN, Fr Leo 29

HORRIGAN, Fr Finnbarr 110

HORRIGAN, Fr John 64

HUDSON, Fr Robert J 28

HUGHES, Fr John F 147

HUGHES, Fr Peter 89

HURLEY, Fr James J 134

JENKINSON, Fr William A 146

KAVANAGH, Bro Gall (Patrick) 92

KAVANAGH, Fr James G 50

KEANE, Fr Bernard P 16

KEARINS, Mr Peter 9

KEATING, Fr Michael G 53

KEEGAN, Fr Patrick 125

KELLY, Bro Finbar (Daniel) 40

KELLY, Fr Martin J 32

KELLY, Fr Patrick J 152

KENNEDY, Fr Conor 86

KENNY, Fr Desmond J 69

KENNY, Fr Myles 11

KEOGH, Bro Brendan (Vincent) 91

KILBRIDE, Fr Brian 104

KILBRIDE, Fr Malachy 158

KILLIAN Fr Nicholas 12

KING, Fr John J 102

KISSANE, Fr Richard 130

LEAHY, Fr Francis 124

LEDDY, Fr Patrick J 90

LEHANE, Fr Aidan 100

LEHANE, Fr Richard C 112

LEONARD, Fr Patrick J 64

LEONARD, Fr Patrick L 90

LEWIS, Fr James J 79

LEWIS, Fr Patrick J 120

LIDDANE, Fr Patrick J 19

LODGE, Fr Seán A 104

LORD, Fr Gerard A 80

LYNCH, Fr Florence 94

LYNCH, Rev Philip 48

LYONS, Fr Bartholomew 133

LYONS, Fr Redmond 49

MADIGAN, Fr Robert J 4

MAHER, Fr Michael P 86

MAHER, Fr Stephen C 116

MAHER, Fr William A 1

MALONE, Fr William J 71

MARLOW, Bro Celestine (Peter) 101

MARTIN, Fr Francis 39

MASTERSON, Fr James 161

McARDLE, Fr Kevin B 41

McBRIDE, Fr Charles 138

McCABE, Fr Francis 127

McCAFFREY, Bro Luke (Peter) 133

McCARTHY, Fr Charles A 57

McCARTHY, Fr Gerard 3

McCARTHY, Fr Michael 10

McCARTHY, Fr Thomas 77

McDONAGH, Fr John J 46

McDONALD, Fr Vincent P 137

McDONNELL, Fr Thomas 66

McGANN, Fr James 130

McGLADE, Fr Cornelius D 79

McGRANE, Fr Michael A 126

McHUGH, Fr Joseph 117

McHUGH, Fr Laurence 153

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 166

Page 175: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

GENERAL INDEX

167

McKENNA, Fr William A 67

McMAHON, Fr Desmond F 53

McMAHON, Fr Francis 99

McMANUS, Fr Denis 158

McNULTY, Fr John J 33

McSWEENEY, Fr Edward P 88

McTIERNAN, Fr Michael 49

MEADE, Fr James F 95

MEAGHER, Fr Christopher J 157

MEAGHER, Fr Thomas 24

MOHAN, Fr James 44

MOLONEY, Fr Dermot N 84

MOLONEY, Fr Pearse 22

MONTES DE OCA, Fr Vincent 30

MONTGOMERY, Bro Aloysius (Andrew) 67

MOORE, Fr Matthias M 74

MOORE, Fr Patrick 103

MORIARTY, Fr John J 128

MULLIN, Fr Henry 42

MULLOY, Fr Francis 52

MULVIHILL, Fr Michael J 139

MURPHY, Fr Augustine P 14

MURPHY, Fr James M 5

MURPHY, Fr Matthias F 54

MURPHY, Fr Michael V 136

MURPHY, Fr Patrick 91

MURPHY, Fr William 31

MURRAY, Bishop Donal 103

MURRAY, Fr Michael 105

MURRAY, Fr Senan 45

NEALON, Fr Edward 76

NOLAN, Fr Patrick J 144

NOLAN, Mr Patrick M 120

NUGENT, Fr John 111

NUGENT, Fr William 16

O’BOYLE, Fr Anthony O 129

O’BRIEN, Fr Christopher 73

O’BRIEN, Fr Denis M 39

O’BRIEN, Fr Timothy B 17

O’BYRNE, Fr Thomas C 154

O’CARROLL, Fr Michael J 6

O’CONNELL, Fr John 75

O’CONNOR, Fr Bernard 27

O’CONNOR, Fr David 148

O’CONNOR, Fr Patrick J 132

O’CONNOR, Fr William L 62

O’DOHERTY, Fr George F 77

O’DONNELL, Fr Michael J 135

O’DONOGHUE, Fr John 1

O’DONOGHUE, Fr Patrick 93

O’DONOHUE, Fr Séan 32

O’DRISCOLL, Fr Timothy 124

O’DWYER, Fr Richard J 161

O’DWYER, Fr Timothy 57

O’HANRAHAN, Fr John A 109

O’KEFFEE, Bro Augustine (Patrick) 149

O’MAHONY, Fr John C 116

O’MALLEY, Fr Thomas 73

O’NEILL, Fr William 96

O’REILLY, Fr Hugh 20

O’RIORDAN, Bishop John C 145

O’ROURKE, Fr Brian 51

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Jeremiah P 65

O’SULLIVAN, Fr John L 55

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Laurence D 156

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Liam 8

O’TOOLE, Fr Lorcan J 107

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 167

GENERAL INDEX

167

McKENNA, Fr William A 67

McMAHON, Fr Desmond F 53

McMAHON, Fr Francis 99

McMANUS, Fr Denis 158

McNULTY, Fr John J 33

McSWEENEY, Fr Edward P 88

McTIERNAN, Fr Michael 49

MEADE, Fr James F 95

MEAGHER, Fr Christopher J 157

MEAGHER, Fr Thomas 24

MOHAN, Fr James 44

MOLONEY, Fr Dermot N 84

MOLONEY, Fr Pearse 22

MONTES DE OCA, Fr Vincent 30

MONTGOMERY, Bro Aloysius (Andrew) 67

MOORE, Fr Matthias M 74

MOORE, Fr Patrick 103

MORIARTY, Fr John J 128

MULLIN, Fr Henry 42

MULLOY, Fr Francis 52

MULVIHILL, Fr Michael J 139

MURPHY, Fr Augustine P 14

MURPHY, Fr James M 5

MURPHY, Fr Matthias F 54

MURPHY, Fr Michael V 136

MURPHY, Fr Patrick 91

MURPHY, Fr William 31

MURRAY, Bishop Donal 103

MURRAY, Fr Michael 105

MURRAY, Fr Senan 45

NEALON, Fr Edward 76

NOLAN, Fr Patrick J 144

NOLAN, Mr Patrick M 120

NUGENT, Fr John 111

NUGENT, Fr William 16

O’BOYLE, Fr Anthony O 129

O’BRIEN, Fr Christopher 73

O’BRIEN, Fr Denis M 39

O’BRIEN, Fr Timothy B 17

O’BYRNE, Fr Thomas C 154

O’CARROLL, Fr Michael J 6

O’CONNELL, Fr John 75

O’CONNOR, Fr Bernard 27

O’CONNOR, Fr David 148

O’CONNOR, Fr Patrick J 132

O’CONNOR, Fr William L 62

O’DOHERTY, Fr George F 77

O’DONNELL, Fr Michael J 135

O’DONOGHUE, Fr John 1

O’DONOGHUE, Fr Patrick 93

O’DONOHUE, Fr Séan 32

O’DRISCOLL, Fr Timothy 124

O’DWYER, Fr Richard J 161

O’DWYER, Fr Timothy 57

O’HANRAHAN, Fr John A 109

O’KEFFEE, Bro Augustine (Patrick) 149

O’MAHONY, Fr John C 116

O’MALLEY, Fr Thomas 73

O’NEILL, Fr William 96

O’REILLY, Fr Hugh 20

O’RIORDAN, Bishop John C 145

O’ROURKE, Fr Brian 51

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Jeremiah P 65

O’SULLIVAN, Fr John L 55

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Laurence D 156

O’SULLIVAN, Fr Liam 8

O’TOOLE, Fr Lorcan J 107

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 167

Page 176: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus

O’TOOLE, Fr Peter 154

OWENS, Fr Séamus 81

POWER, Fr Thomas W 36

PRENDERGAST, Fr Joseph S 150

PURCELL, Fr Eamon 162

RAFTERY, Fr Peter 34

REGAN, Fr David J 25

ROCHE, Fr Hubert J 30

ROCHE, Fr Thomas 109

ROCHE, Fr William P 2

ROGERS, Fr Denis 123

RYAN, Fr Edmond 47

RYAN, Fr John 65

RYAN, Fr John J 141

SCOTT, Fr Michael G 23

SHANLEY, Fr Ciaran 155

SHANLEY, Fr James 98

SHEEDY, Fr Cyril 18

SHEEHAN, Fr Parick J 131

SHEEHY, Fr John D 36

SHELLY, Fr Denis 105

SHERIDAN, Fr Aloysius P 93

SMITH, Bro Senan (James) 144

SMYTH, Fr Michael 115

GENERAL INDEX

168

SOFFE, Fr Stanislaus T 46

SOUGHLEY, Fr Michael F 97

STEELE, Fr Joseph 143

STERLING, Fr Edward 158

SWEENEY, Fr Thomas 85

TARMEY, Fr Thomas 21

THORNTON, Fr Richard 129

TIERNAN, Fr Edward W 153

TIMON, Fr Brendan T 2

TOBIN, Fr Joseph G 147

TROY, Fr Michael 37

WALKER, Fr Breifne 61

WALSH, Fr John A 106

WALSH, Fr Patrick J 141

WALSH, Fr William A 76

WALSH, Mr Brendan 18

WARD, Fr Cyril A 123

WARD, Fr James P 155

WATTERS, Fr Enda 33

WHELAN, Fr William A 127

WHELAN, Ms Betty 13

WOULFE, Fr Cornelius C 136

WOULFE, Fr Richard 126

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 168

O’TOOLE, Fr Peter 154

OWENS, Fr Séamus 81

POWER, Fr Thomas W 36

PRENDERGAST, Fr Joseph S 150

PURCELL, Fr Eamon 162

RAFTERY, Fr Peter 34

REGAN, Fr David J 25

ROCHE, Fr Hubert J 30

ROCHE, Fr Thomas 109

ROCHE, Fr William P 2

ROGERS, Fr Denis 123

RYAN, Fr Edmond 47

RYAN, Fr John 65

RYAN, Fr John J 141

SCOTT, Fr Michael G 23

SHANLEY, Fr Ciaran 155

SHANLEY, Fr James 98

SHEEDY, Fr Cyril 18

SHEEHAN, Fr Parick J 131

SHEEHY, Fr John D 36

SHELLY, Fr Denis 105

SHERIDAN, Fr Aloysius P 93

SMITH, Bro Senan (James) 144

SMYTH, Fr Michael 115

GENERAL INDEX

168

SOFFE, Fr Stanislaus T 46

SOUGHLEY, Fr Michael F 97

STEELE, Fr Joseph 143

STERLING, Fr Edward 158

SWEENEY, Fr Thomas 85

TARMEY, Fr Thomas 21

THORNTON, Fr Richard 129

TIERNAN, Fr Edward W 153

TIMON, Fr Brendan T 2

TOBIN, Fr Joseph G 147

TROY, Fr Michael 37

WALKER, Fr Breifne 61

WALSH, Fr John A 106

WALSH, Fr Patrick J 141

WALSH, Fr William A 76

WALSH, Mr Brendan 18

WARD, Fr Cyril A 123

WARD, Fr James P 155

WATTERS, Fr Enda 33

WHELAN, Fr William A 127

WHELAN, Ms Betty 13

WOULFE, Fr Cornelius C 136

WOULFE, Fr Richard 126

Index Irish Spiritan Remember Vol II_Layout 1 09/07/2018 14:48 Page 168

Page 177: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus
Page 178: IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED Vol II September 2018.pdf · IRISH SPIRITANS REMEMBERED INTRODUCTION T he Gospel of Luke, his Good News, begins with a litany of the ancestors of Jesus