Society Obituaries
Announcements and Funeral Arrangements
To read the obituaries of deceased members of St Patrick's Missionary Society, from 1942 to 2021, please click on the following link: Fullness of Life
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To view the webcam of St Patrick's Chapel, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, please click on the following link:
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Please note: Our webcam is used for funerals of Society priests or for special occasions. When these occur, they are announced on our website and the password is removed 15 minutes before the Mass begins. These celebrations can then be viewed by the general public. Because the chapel in St Patrick’s, Kiltegan, is part of the residential home of our retired missionary priests, daily Masses are not available to view. The webcam is password protected due to data protection regulations.
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Eternal rest grand unto them,
O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.
Colman Cooke
March 3rd
With great sadness we announce the death of Fr Colman Cooke (1965 Class) this afternoon, Tuesday, March 3rd, peacefully in Naas Hospital.
Our sincere sympathy to Colman's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
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Funeral arrangements:
Funeral Mass in St Patrick's, Kiltegan on Friday, March 6th, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
To view the Mass recording, please click on the following link:
Funeral Mass, March 6th, 2026, Fr Colman Cooke SPS
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Fr Colman Cooke (1939-2026)
Colman Martin Cooke, popularly known as Colm, was born on the 17th of October 1939 in Crowe Street, Gort, Co Galway to Patrick Cooke and his wife Elizabeth (née Diviney). He was born into a family of one girl and four boys. Colm attended Gort National School from 1943 to 1953 and had his secondary education in the Presentation Brothers Juniorate in Colaiste Muire, Douglas Road, Cork from 1953 to 1957.
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In September 1957 Colm joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1958 to 1961 he studied for his BA degree in UCC and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. He was among eighteen priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Joseph Rodgers in Killamoate on Easter Sunday, 18th of April 1965.
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After ordination Colm was appointed to the diocese of Kitui, Kenya. He first taught in Mutune Teacher Training College and after nine months was transferred to St Charles Lwanga Secondary School. In 1968 he was appointed to teach in Kiltegan. While teaching he did his MA in History in UCC graduating in 1971 (Irish Diocesan Priests in Southern Nigeria 1920-1942 MA thesis, UCC 1971). He continued his studies at London University and obtained a Ph.D there in 1973 (The Roman Catholic Mission in Calabar 1903-1960, Ph.D thesis, University of London 1977).
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He resumed his teaching role in Kiltegan from 1974 to 1979. In 1979 he became a Research Fellow at Yale Divinity School. In 1981 he began working in Boynton Beach Regional Seminary in the diocese of St Petersburg, Florida. After seven years working in the diocese, he sought incardination into the diocese which was granted in 1988. He was appointed by his Bishop to be the Director of the diaconate programme of the diocese, where he once again put his experience in formation to good use. In appreciation of his good standing and service to the diocese he was promoted to be a Monsignor. In 2019 Bishop Parkes wrote to Colm: “As previously noted in my last letter, I am grateful for your 28 years of active ministry in the Diocese of St Petersburg and for your ongoing support of our Diocese since your retirement. You continue to be remembered by many of your brother priests, former parishioners and staff members”.
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He retired to Ireland in 2009 to live in his native town of Gort. In 2017 he sought re-admission to the Society and was accepted as a permanent member in 2019. In June 2022 Colm retired to Kiltegan to receive nursing care. He died peacefully on March 3rd, 2026, in Naas hospital with Fr Enda Kelly by his bedside.
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Colm was a serious historian and was the first member of the Society to do academic research on the early years of the Society, which was later relied on when the history of the Society was written. His first book was a biography of Mary Charles Walker – The Nun of Calabar. During his retirement he was commissioned by the Society to research and write the biography of the Society’s first Bishop, James Moynagh (Bishop James Moynagh of Calabar, Columba Press, 2014). Colm was a devoted pastor and loved by his parishioners, and a gifted teacher, whose students remember his fondness for the subjects he taught.
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Colm is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Elizabeth, brother Michael and sister Rose (Linnane). He is mourned by his brothers Sean and Paddy, sisters-in-law Madge, Margaret and Annette, nieces, nephews and their families, the Diocese of St Petersburg, and his Society family in Kiltegan.
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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
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Oliver Leavy
March 3rd
With great sadness we announce the death of Fr Oliver Leavy (1965 Class) peacefully this afternoon, Tuesday, March 3rd, in the Care Unit, St Patrick's, Kiltegan.
Our sincere sympathy to Oliver’s family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
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Funeral arrangements:
Funeral Mass in St Patrick's, Kiltegan on Thursday, March 5th, at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
To view a recording of the Funeral Mass, please click on the following link:
Funeral Mass, March 5th 2026, Fr Oliver Leavy SPS
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To view a recording of a Mass of Thanksgiving for the Life and Ministry of Fr Oliver Leavy, celebrated in Grenada by Bishop Clyde Harvey, please use the following link: Mass of Thanksgiving, Grenada
Fr Oliver Leavy (1939 -2026)
James Oliver Leavy popularly known as Ollie, was born on the 22nd of August 1939 in Ballyhaw, Killucan, Co Westmeath to James Leavy and Elizabeth (née Donnellan). He was the third born in a family of two girls and two boys. He attended Rathwire National School from 1944 to 1952 and had his secondary education in St Finian’s College from 1952 to 1957.
In September 1957 Oliver joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1958 to 1961 he studied for his BA degree in UCC and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. He was among 18 priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Joseph Rodgers of Killaloe on Easter Sunday, April 18th, 1965.
After ordination Oliver was appointed to Buchlyvie, Scotland to teach the students who were studying for their O levels before admission to the Spiritual year. He spent three years as Assistant Director of the spiritual year students from 1969 to 1972. In 1972 he was appointed Dean of Theology. In 1976 he was appointed to the Diocese of St George’s, Grenada, West Indies and took up the post of District Director. He worked in the parishes of Gouyave, Sauteurs, and St George’s. In Grenada he showed a great thirst for spreading the Gospel and evangelisation. His open-air services and his night vigils of prayer brought many people back to the faith. During the Revolution of March 1979 Oliver found himself at the receiving end of criticism from the rebels, but when he visited them in prison after the failed coup, they were surprised that he treated them with such great kindness and he earned their respect and appreciation.
In 1996 the Society recalled Oliver to Ireland to be the Director of Promotion, a post he held for six years. In 2003 he took on a new mission in Nigeria. He worked first in Port Harcourt diocese in Holy Family Parish, Woji. In 2011 he was transferred to All Saints parish in Bauchi diocese where he remained until 2015. He spent three more years on promotion work, this time as part of the promotion team in East Molesey, England. In December 2018 Oliver retired to Ireland to live with his sister Aideen in Kinnegad. As his health began to decline, he moved to Kiltegan in August 2023 for nursing care. He died peacefully on the afternoon of the 3rd March 2026.
Oliver was a most hardworking and dedicated missionary. He was always ready to serve wherever the Society needed him and gave his total commitment to every ministry he was appointed to. His students remember him as one who never asked them to do something he wasn’t prepared to do himself, and he led by example. Oliver was a priest with great vision and had the ability to translate his vision into reality in the many projects he undertook. He was a man who got things done and who was able to gather people around him who were delighted to work with him. He was not afraid to take on big ventures, like Youthquake where he organised the youth of Grenada to come to Ireland and England in 1981 and 1989, to give concerts showcasing the music, liturgical dance and culture of the West Indies. This was an extraordinary achievement in logistics, but it made such a deep impact on the audiences that it is still spoken about to this day. He was a very spiritual man, and his spirituality was practical which led to action. His pastoral approach when working in parishes was influenced by his involvement in the Movement for a Better World, a programme that Oliver participated in during his sabbatical in 1990. As a parish priest Oliver had the ability to motivate the parishioners to get involved and volunteer for a variety of ministries that had the parish buzzing. With the help of his parishioners, he established many projects to enhance the lives of the poor and those who were unemployed and on the margins of Society. In Grenada he established a candle factory, a sewing centre and a home for the aged from the proceeds of Youthquake. Oliver was a friend to all and nobody that came looking for help from him went away disappointed. Oliver received great support from his family and a vast network of friends throughout his missionary life which enabled him to achieve so much.
Oliver is predeceased by his parents James and Elizabeth, his sister Imelda Murphy, his sister-in-law Florian Leavy, and brother-in-law Conrad Murphy. He is survived by his sister Aideen and brother Dermot, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family.
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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
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Emmanuel Chinedu Okafor
February 27th
With great sadness we announce the death of St Patrick's student Emmanuel Chinedu Okafor on Friday, February 27th, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Our sincere sympathy to Emmanuel's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements:
Holy Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 4th March 2026 at 6:00pm in St Patrick’s Missionary Society, Theology House, No. 2 Bogani Road, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
Holy Mass will be celebrated on Thursday 5th March at 12:15pm at Tangaza University Chapel, Lang’ata South Road, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
The cortège will leave Lee Funeral Home for St John The Evangelist Catholic Church, Lang’ata South Road, near Kenya School of Law, on Monday 9th of March for requiem Mass at 1:00pm.
Link to view: Requiem Mass, Monday, March 9th
On Tuesday 10th of March the body will depart for Lagos, Nigeria.
The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday 11th of March at 10.00am (WAT) at St Patrick's Missionary Society, Initial Formation House, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, followed by burial at the Society cemetery at 1:00pm.
Link to view: Funeral Mass, Wednesday, March 11th
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Emmanuel Chinedu Okafor, 2002-2026.
Emmanuel Chinedu Okafor, fondly called Emma, and affectionately by his mother as Kasiemobi (meaning ‘Console My Heart’), was born on 17 August 2002 in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Though born and bred in northern Nigeria, he originally hails from Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. He was the second of four sons. His parents, Clement Okafor, a businessman, and Celestina Okafor, a teacher and school counselor, raised their children in a home grounded in faith, discipline, and strong moral values. From an early age, Emmanuel was nurtured in a loving Catholic environment that shaped both his character and aspirations. He received the sacraments of Baptism on 22 October 2002, First Holy Communion on 29 April 2012, and Confirmation on 28 June 2015, growing steadily in his faith and devotion to the Church.
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Emmanuel began his education at St. Theresa’s C.R.I. for his primary schooling and later attended Saint Augustine’s College, Mayo-Belwa (Sabon-Gari), where he obtained his Senior Secondary School Certificate. He distinguished himself not only through academic excellence but also through remarkable leadership and dedicated service to his school community.
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Throughout his school years, he served in several positions of responsibility, including Class Representative, Games Prefect, and ultimately Senior Prefect (Head Boy) in his final year. These roles reflected the trust, respect, and confidence his teachers and fellow students placed in him. He proved himself dependable, disciplined, and capable of guiding others with maturity. He approached every task with excellence. His humility, responsibility, and kindness made him a beloved presence among family, friends, and peers.
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Faith was the foundation of his life. A deeply prayerful young man, he had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and remained committed to living out Catholic values daily. He actively participated in church life through the Legion of Mary and Charismatic groups. His desire for the priesthood began in junior secondary school (JSS3), inspired by a devoted seminarian and encouraged by his principal. He aspired to be a priest marked by prayer, discipline, compassion, and service.
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After completing secondary school, he briefly worked as an operator in a printing press before applying to join the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society. He began his training to the missionary priesthood in August 2020, at the Society’s Formation house in Ijebu Ode, Nigeria, where he was helped to prepare to make a commitment to formation for the missionary priesthood in St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, and underwent ongoing formation in prayer, discipline, and spiritual growth.
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, upon completing his first year of formation in 2021, he undertook a six-week pre-candidacy pastoral experience at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Kirikiri, Lagos, which further strengthened his commitment to pastoral service and deepened his love for living and relating with others as he appreciated cultural differences.
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He later pursued higher studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Consolata Institute of Philosophy, in Nairobi, Kenya, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and a Diploma in Religious Studies, distinguishing himself through discipline, study, and faithful community life. At the time of his passing, he was in his first year of studies in Sacred Theology at Tangaza University, continuing his preparation for the priesthood with zeal and hope for the future.
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While at St. Patrick’s Theology House, he actively participated in weekly pastoral outreach. He initially served at Nyumbani Children’s Home, ministering to children living with HIV/AIDS, offering care, companionship, and encouragement. More recently, he served at the Dagoretti Refugee Centre, where his compassion, generosity, and joyful presence left a profound and lasting impact on the lives of many.
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Emmanuel was a well-rounded and energetic young man. He loved outdoor games, especially football and volleyball, where he demonstrated teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill. He was admired as both a talented sportsman and a natural leader who carried everyone along and inspired unity. Sadly, His promising life was cut short when he passed away on 27 February 2026 following a car accident. Though his years were few, his life was rich in faith, leadership, service, and purpose. He is remembered as humble, focused, spiritually grounded, and compassionate. He was a young man of vision whose quiet strength and dedication touched many lives. His memory remains source of inspiration to his family, friends, St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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Requiescat in pace
Fr Peter Coyle
February 19th
With great sadness we announce the death of Fr Peter Coyle (1957 Class) this morning, Thursday, February 19th, in Naas Hospital.
Our sincere sympathy to Peter's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements:
Requiem Mass on Sunday, February 22nd, at 12 noon in St Patrick's, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
To view the Mass recording, please click on the following link:
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Fr Peter Coyle, 1931-2026.
Peter Francis Coyle was born on the 12th November 1931 in Barley Hill, Loughmacrory, Co Tyrone to Michael Coyle and his wife Catherine (née McGovern). He was born into a family of three boys. He attended primary school in Loughmacrory from 1936 to 1944 and had his secondary education in St Patrick’s College, Armagh from 1944 to 1949.
In September 1949 he joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1950 to 1953 he studied for his BA degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. He was among five priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Patrick Cleary SSC in St Mary’s, Killamoat, on 21 April 1957.
After ordination Peter was appointed to Calabar diocese and worked in Urua Akpan from 1957 to 1965; in Holy Family, Abak, from 1965 to 1966; and in Ediene from 1966 to 1967. These parishes came under the diocese of Ikot-Expene when it was created in 1963. With the outbreak of the Biafran war in 1967 Peter was forced to return to Ireland.
Peter studied in Belfast College of Technology from 1967 to 1969 where he obtained a National Diploma in building construction and followed up with a year’s study in the London Institute of Building. These years of study laid the foundation for his expertise in building churches, presbyteries, convents and hospitals in Kenya.
In 1970 Peter was appointed to Nakuru diocese in Kenya. Nakuru had just been created two years previously and was about to witness a period of rapid and significant expansion. Peter played a pivotal role in this expansion by planning and supervising the building of churches, presbyteries, convents and hospitals. His colleague and Vicar General Fr Denis Newman acknowledged his contribution by stating that his “building competence and experience was to provide the Diocese of Nakuru with an invaluable asset, … his contribution can never be acknowledged sufficiently”. Peter spent 20 years in Kenya and from 1984 to 1989 he was Vicar General of Nakuru diocese.
In 1990 the Society asked Peter to study ecumenism, and he obtained a diploma in the Irish School of Ecumenics which equipped him to be the Society co-ordinator for ecumenism for many years. In 1992 he was appointed to the Society parish in Datchet, England. He also took on the role of Assistant Society Leader in the UK. In 1998 Peter was appointed the House Leader in Leeson Park, Dublin. Before taking up this appointment, he spent some time in Kiltegan overseeing important renovations in the living quarters of the priests. He carried out a similar role in Leeson Park. Peter spent over 20 years in the community there until he retired to Kiltegan in 2022. He remained a vibrant member of the Kiltegan community despite many health issues. After a hospital appointment in Dublin on the 18th February, he became unwell and was rushed to Naas hospital, where he died peacefully on the morning of the 19th February. His nephews and niece-in-law were at his bedside.
Peter was an exceptionally enthusiastic missionary who left a profound and lasting impact on every parish he served in. He has left a lasting legacy through the churches and mission buildings he designed and personally oversaw to completion. Octagonal and circular churches were his trademark, reflecting the circular style of housing in rural Kenya. This was in keeping with his desire to enculturate the gospel in the local culture of Kenya. Peter was also a pioneer in promoting ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, building up relationships with pastors and people in other Christian churches, especially during his time in Datchet. He always kept himself up to date in areas of spirituality and theology by participating in sabbatical programmes like the Glenart programme in 1972 and Faith and Mission in 1982. Peter also had a great love for Gaelic games, even though he admitted that he “couldn’t kick snow off a rope”. Handball was a special interest to him, and he was instrumental in building a handball court in his native parish. However, it was Loughmacrory’s winning of the Tyrone County Final in 2025 that gave him his greatest moment of joy. It was only surpassed when members of the club brought the O’Neill cup to him in Kiltegan. On that day he surely got a foretaste of heaven!
Peter is predeceased by his parents Michael and Catherine, his brothers Michael and Joseph, his sister-in-law Mary. He is survived by his sister-in-law Mary, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family.
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Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
Fr Rory O'Brien
December 2nd
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Rory O'Brien (1955 Class), on Tuesday evening, December 2nd.
Our sincere sympathy to Rory's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements:
Requiem Mass on Friday, 5th of December in Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, at 12 noon followed by burial in Durrow Cemetery.
The Mass may be viewed on
https://mcn.live/Camera/church-of-the-assumption-tullamore
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Fr Rory O'Brien, 1929-2025
Roderic Francis O’Brien popularly known as Rory, was born on the 10th October 1929 in Ballinamere, Co Offaly to Daniel and Annie O’Brien. He was the fourth child in a family of six girls and four boys. Four of his sisters entered religious life. He attended Ballykilmurray National School from 1934 to 1940. He attended Tullamore CBS from 1940 to 1942 and proceeded to St Finian’s Mullingar from 1943 to 1948.
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In September 1948 Rory joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1949 to 1951 he studied Philosophy and then studied Theology in Kiltegan. He was among ten priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society on Easter Sunday 10th April 1955.
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After ordination Rory was appointed to Ogoja diocese in Nigeria. His first appointment was to Ikom Parish with Fr Tommy Loughlin who introduced him to missionary life. When he returned from his holidays in January 1967, he was appointed to the parish of Afikpo which was one of the largest and oldest parishes in the diocese. The diocese of Ogoja was part of the Eastern Region of Nigeria which seceded from the rest of Nigeria on the 30th May 1967 and declared itself the Independent Republic of Biafra. Civil war broke out on the 6th July and Rory quickly found himself in its midst. Rory recorded his experiences of this war (which lasted until January 1970) after he retired from missionary life, which were published in 2018 with the help of Fr Gary Howley. The overriding impression one gets from this account is of Rory being a man who epitomized what it means to be a missionary, who ministered to his people in their suffering, and never baulked at the most difficult tasks he took on to help them. With typical humility he wrote “The risks, the dangers, the escapes, were many and great, but God was with us. God used us as instruments to help others in their hour of darkness and need”.
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Rory worked in different parishes in Abakaliki diocese after it was carved out of Ogoja in 1973, which included Ohaozara and Effium parishes, as well as in the catechetical Centre in Kpri-Kpri. In 1989 the Society opened a new mission in the diocese of Bamenda in Cameroon and Rory was asked to lead this new mission. Here he spent the next 26 years in the parish of Fanantui, in a very rural part of the diocese where he gained the reputation for being a very spiritual man whose prayers were treasured by those who came to him for healing and counsel.
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In 2015 after celebrating his diamond jubilee of ordination with his parishioners in Fanantui, Rory retired to Ireland and lived in Tullamore, close to his family and friends and became chaplain to the Mercy Sisters. After a few years old age caught up with Rory and after celebrating his 90th birthday he retired to Kiltegan.
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Rory O’Brien was a big man with a big heart. Whether in the hurling fields of his youth or in the mission fields of Africa, he gave of himself totally for the cause. He was a missionary who led by example and always available for his people. His style of pastoral work was that of total involvement, encouraging and cajoling his parishioners to work with him in building up the church and the mission. His family and his many friends from home were so inspired by his dedication that they too rallied to support his missionary work which bore great fruit in both Nigeria and Cameroon. Rory’s work ethic was grounded in a very deep spiritual life, which radiated a great sincerity and faith. This led to Rory gaining a reputation for being a very wise and authentic spiritual guide and thus drew many closer to God. Rory died peacefully on December 2nd, 2025.
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Rory is predeceased by his parents Daniel and Annie, his brothers Michael, Donal, Ted, sisters Sr Josephine, Rose, Sr Annmarie, Sr Loretto and Claire. He is sadly missed by Sr Corona, his nephews and nieces and their families, his GAA family, and his Society family in Kiltegan.
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Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
Fr Peter Finegan
December 1st
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Peter Finegan (1963 Class), on Monday, December 1st.
Our sincere sympathy to Peter's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass on Wednesday, December 3rd at 12 noon in St Patrick’s Chapel, St Patrick’s, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
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To view the Mass recording, please click on the following link:
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Fr Peter Finegan, 1936-2025
Peter Finegan was born on the 12th of December 1936 in Navan, Co Meath to Thomas Finegan and his wife Mary (née Moore). He was the second child of a family of three boys and one girl. He attended Primary School in Loreto Convent from 1941 to 1946 and De La Salle National School from 1946 to 1949. He went to St Patrick’s Classical School, Navan, for his secondary education from 1949 to 1955.
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In September 1955 Peter joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1956 to 1959 he studied for his degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for Theology. Peter was among sixteen priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Patrick Cleary SCC on the 14th April 1963.
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After ordination Peter was appointed to the diocese of Ogoja, Nigeria. He worked in the parishes of St Bridget’s, Umuezeoka and St Mary’s, Afikpo. It was in Afikpo where Peter endured the terrible suffering of the Biafran war. He lived with Fr Rory O’Brien who wrote in his memoirs “It was great to have Fr. Pete with me in Afikpo. It gave me a new lease of life….[with his] quiet, friendly presence.” In 1969 he was appointed to teach in St Patrick’s, Buchlyvie, Scotland, and then served as local bursar in Kiltegan from 1971 to 1973. In 1973 Peter led the team to open the Society’s new mission in the Archdiocese of Lusaka, Zambia.
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At the general chapter of 1978 Peter was elected the fifth Superior General of St Patrick’s Missionary Society. He was re-elected for a further six-year term in 1984. Peter led the Society during a period of great expansion and change. It was during these years that Society membership reached its peak. Under his leadership the Society took on new missions in South Sudan, Cameroon, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Peter was also instrumental in promoting and encouraging personal and spiritual renewal among the members.
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After completing his term of office in 1990 Peter took time to do personal renewal. He began with a unit of CPE and then proceeded to England to do training in counselling. This gave him an opportunity to receive personal therapy, which was a great help to him in later years when he worked in student formation.
In 1993 Peter returned to Africa to work in the formation team of the Missionaries of St Paul in Iperu, Nigeria. When the Society began admitting African students in 1997, Peter was appointed to the formation team accompanying the newly recruited Kenyan students. He was based in Nakuru, Kenya. After completing his time in the formation house in 2005, Peter moved to Kibera and worked among the poor of Nairobi. In 2010 Peter was appointed to St Patrick’s Parish, Bangaledesh, Mombasa, where he ministered for the following nine years.
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In 2019, after a long and fruitful missionary career, Peter retired from Africa and lived with his sister Mary in his home town of Navan. In August 2025 Peter had a fall in Tallaght hospital where he was receiving dialysis. After some weeks in hospital, he came to Kiltegan for nursing care. He had to be readmitted to hospital in November. He died peacefully in Tallaght Hospital on December 1st 2025.
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Peter was a very committed missionary and a loyal servant of St Patrick’s Missionary Society. He was always ready to go where the Society needed him. The Society leadership team and his fellow Society brothers recognised that Peter was a man that could be relied on. When a new mission or assignment was initiated by the Society, Peter was often called upon to begin the venture. He always took great care of those he worked with and asked for nothing in return. His leadership style was participative and took into account the views and feelings of each Society member when making appointments. As a Society leader Peter was very approachable and he encouraged all Society members to undergo personal renewal and to keep up to date with what was new in theology and in Church teaching and practice.
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Peter lost both his parents at a very young age; he and his siblings were cared for by their aunt, Kathleen Waters. He remained very close to his family throughout his life and the feeling was mutual. He found joy and contentment in being back among his own people for the last six years of his life.
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Peter is predeceased by his parents Thomas and Mary, his sister Mary, his brothers Willie and Fr Tommie SVD. He is survived by his sister-in-law Breda, his niece Linda Monaghan, nephew-in-law Paul, his grandnephew, grand nieces, cousins, and his Society family in Kiltegan.
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Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
Fr Hugo McBride
October 30th
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Hugo McBride (1966 Class), on Thursday, October 30th.
Our sincere sympathy to Hugo's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Fr Hugo will be reposing at his niece's home at 28 Lansdowne Road, Belfast, BT15 4AA, from Friday 31st October after 5pm for those wishing to pay their respects.
Requiem Mass on Monday, 3rd November at 11.00am in St Thérèse of Lisieux Church, Somerton Road, Belfast, followed by burial in Carnmoney Cemetery at 1.00pm.
The Mass recording can be viewed at this link:
https://www.holy-familyparish.com/webcam-2/
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Fr Hugo McBride (1941 - 2025)
Cathal Hugo McBride, popularly known as Hugo, was born on the 12th July 1941 to Charles McBride and his wife Bridie (nee Carlin). He was born into a family of four girls and four boys. For his primary education, Hugo attended Cross and Passion, Ballycastle from 1946-47 and Newington School, Belfast from 1947-53. His secondary education was in St MacNissi’s College, Garron Tower, from 1953 to 1959.
In September 1959, Hugo joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1960-1962 he studied Philosophy in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. Hugo was among fifteen priests ordained for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Patrick Cleary SSC on 10th April 1966.
After ordination Hugo was appointed to Nigeria and worked in the Diocese of Calabar from 1966-78. His first appointment was to Anua. Hugo was just one year in Anua parish when the Biafran war broke out and witnessed some of the horrors of war during these years, which affected him deeply. When the civil war ended, Hugo returned to Nigeria and was appointed to work in the parish of Ikot Ayan. He was later transferred to the parish of Eman Uruan. In 1975 Hugo was appointed by Bishop Usanga as Rector of the junior seminary in Mfamosing, Calabar. After three years, Hugo was asked to help with the training of the first students for the newly founded Missionary Society of St. Paul and was appointed to the Seminary in Iperu in Western Nigeria. For the next fourteen years Hugo worked in the two-year Spiritual Formation programme in Iperu and played a huge part in setting the tone and composing the content of the formation programme. During this time, along with other members of the Formation team, he published “A Handbook on Formation” which became an invaluable resource for Formators, not only in St. Paul’s, but for many other houses of Formation and Novitiates.
In 1994 Hugo returned to parish ministry taking on a new mission in the Diocese of Witbank, South Africa. But four years later, Hugo was the man the Society looked to when it opened its own seminary in South Africa to train students for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society. Hugo was asked to be the Director of Formation for the second phase of student formation located in KwaPatrick, close to Durban. After completing his eight years in the Formation team, Hugo returned to parish ministry in the Archdiocese of Durban where he remained until 2025, his later years in semi-retirement.
Hugo was always keen to keep up to date and took his personal and spiritual renewal seriously. In 1972 he took part in the month-long Irish Missionary Union renewal programme and in 1978 he completed a 30-day retreat in Manresa. In 1983 he did a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in Bon Secours hospital, New Hampshire, USA before going to Boston for training in Spiritual Direction which finished in the summer of 1984.
Hugo was a loyal and faithful missionary whose wisdom was appreciated by all those whom he ministered to and who worked with him in the different formation teams. His teaching made a lasting impression on all his students, and his openness and honesty helped the students to grow in trust and maturity. He developed very deep friendships with colleagues, parishioners and fellow missionaries. Hugo had a gift for writing, and published his memoirs in two volumes. The first was titled “From Ballycastle to Biafra” and the second was titled “Shreds and Patches – Finding Mission”. In both books we get an insight into who Hugo was and what he stood for, because he writes with great skill, honesty and openness.
In the summer of 2025 Hugo came home from South Africa for his usual holidays. In August he began to feel unwell and was admitted to hospital, and over the following weeks his health began to deteriorate. He was lovingly cared for by his family with whom he had always maintained very close links with during his missionary life. He died peacefully on the morning of October 30th, 2025, with his family by his bedside.
Hugo is predeceased by his parents Charles and Bridie, sister Carmel, and brothers Columb, Michael and Anthony. He is survived by his sisters Angela, Mary and Rosemary, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family in Kiltegan.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.​​​
Fr John Garry
October 22nd
With sadness we announce the death of Fr John Garry (1969 Class), on Wednesday October 22nd.
Our sincere sympathy to John's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Reposing at O'Reilly’s Funeral Home, Tullamore from 5pm to 7pm, Friday 24th October.
Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, Kiltegan on Saturday 25th October at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.​​
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Funeral Mass Recording, please click on the following link:
Fr John Garry SPS, October 25th, RIP ​
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To listen to Fr Joseph Archibong's interview from Harvesting Voices with Fr John Garry (November 2023) please click on the link below (duration: 1 hour and 8 minutes):
Harvesting Voices, Fr John Garry, 2023
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Fr John Garry (1944 - 2025)
John Edward Garry was born on the 14th of September 1944 in Garycastle, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co Westmeath to John Garry and his wife Margaret (neé Hughes). He was the second child in a family of five sisters. He attended Clonbonny National School from 1948 to 1957. He spent one year in Marist Brothers Secondary School in Athlone and completed his secondary education in Cistercian College, Roscrea from 1958 to 1962.
In September 1962 John joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1963-65 he studied Philosophy in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for Theology. John was among 19 priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Patrick Lennon on 6th April 1969.
After ordination John was appointed to Kenya to the diocese of Nakuru. He began his missionary work in Kituro parish and in 1970 was appointed as the headmaster of Kituro Secondary School. From 1977-82 John worked in the parish of Kipsaraman. When he was being transferred the Christians made a heartfelt appeal in a letter to the Superior General to allow him to stay. “Fr. J. Garry walks to most of his Mass centres because there are no roads and he has proved to all that he can manage which may not be the case for whoever will replace him.”
In 1983 John was part of the first team that opened the Society’s new mission in the diocese of Torit in South Sudan. There he worked in Palotaka, Juba and Nimule parishes. This was a very challenging and dangerous mission. For much of his time in South Sudan civil war raged, and John and his fellow missionaries had to carry out their pastoral work amidst the dynamics of war in a culture they were getting to know gradually.
After 12 years working in very challenging conditions, John took a sabbatical in 1995-6 where he did the Faith and Mission course in Dalgan and a module of CPE in Cork University Hospital, as well as a 30-day retreat. After the year of renewal John embarked on a new mission in Kiryandongo refugee camp in Uganda where he remained for over 5 years ministering to the Sudanese refugees. In January 2003 John was elected Assistant Regional in East Africa and resided in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was responsible for the welfare of all the Society priests in Kenya, South Sudan and Rwanda.
After completing his term in the Regional team in East Africa, John took a sabbatical in 2009. Later that year he was appointed to the Promotion team in England. In 2012 he was appointed Assistant Leader for the District of Great Britain. As well as his work on Promotion, he also ministered with great dedication to the prisoners in Highdown Prison in Surrey.
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In 2020 John decided to retire from full-time ministry and live closer to his family in Tullamore, Co Offaly, where he was part-time chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy. His untimely death on the 22nd October 2025 came as a great shock to all his family and friends.
Fr John Garry was the quintessential missionary. He was always ready to embark on any mission the Society leadership asked him to do, and most of these were the toughest missions. This was because the leadership team knew that John was always willing to give of his best, to endure hardship without complaint and stay with the people who most needed his help and presence. John was a most compassionate pastor who welcomed everyone with a smile and an open heart, ready to help in whatever way the situation demanded. In his time in the Regional team in Kenya and again in the Promotion team in London, John was a most gracious host to all the priests who visited and came for a break. John was always well supported by his family in all his missions and was really enjoying being nearer to his sisters and families during his years of retirement in Tullamore.
John is predeceased by his parents John and Margaret. He is survived by his sisters Marguerita, Myra, Nancy, Eithne and Josephine, his brothers-in-law, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
Fr John Collins
October 3rd
With sadness we announce the death of Fr John Collins (1976 Class) on October 3rd.
Our sincere sympathy to John's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass on Monday, October 6th, at 12 noon in St Patrick’s Chapel, St Patrick’s, Kiltegan, followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:
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Fr John Collins (1939 - 2025)
John Andrew Collins, popularly known as John, was born on November 30th, 1939, at Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe, Co Galway to John and Annie (nee Pettit) Collins. He was one of a family of eleven children, seven girls and four boys.
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John attended Kilkerrin Primary School from 1945 to 1953 and had his secondary education in the Franciscan Juniorate and St Mary’s Galway, from 1953 to 1956. After completing his Inter Cert John took on working on the family farm, being the eldest boy in the family. However, John always nursed the idea of becoming a priest. He read the Africa magazine every month and was always moved by the article “Why not be a Missionary?” which appeared in each edition. In his memoirs he writes that this was the biggest influence in deciding to apply for admission in Buchlyvie, Scotland. There, he completed his secondary education from 1967 to 1969 before joining the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan in September 1969.
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From 1970 to 1972, John studied philosophy in the Society House in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology studies from 1972 to 1976. John was among ten priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Dominic Conway, (Elphin) in Killamoate on June 12th 1976.
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After ordination John was appointed to Port Harcourt Diocese, Nigeria. While awaiting his visa he worked for a year in the parish of Millstreet, Co Cork. In Port Harcourt John worked in different parishes among the Ogoni and Riverine people, including Umuaturu, Bodo, St John’s Rumuokwurusi, St Dominic’s Bane, Christ the King Diobu and St Jude’s Rumuokoro. Along with his usual priestly duties, John built churches and priest’s houses. Relying on his experience of working on the farm in his youth he was able to use his skills in laying blocks, as well as some of the iron work.
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In 2004 John joined the promotion team in England. In 2011, after completing his time on promotion, he became a chaplain to the Benedictine Sisters in Brighton. While on holidays in Ireland in 2022 John took ill and after his recovery, he retired to Kiltegan. John took an active part in community life in Kiltegan and was part of the team that organised the 11:00 am Mass.
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John was a wonderful missionary whose calm nature endeared him to all his parishioners in Port Harcourt as well as with his co-workers in the promotion team in England. He lived a simple and frugal life among the people of the Niger Delta who were very happy to co-operate with him in building up their local parishes. Under John’s leadership the parishes began to grow, as more and more people joined the Church. John was a man of great warmth and compassion who made deep friendships wherever he ministered, and with whom he maintained contact with all his life. During his retirement in Kiltegan he was always very friendly and welcoming to all visitors and to the staff who worked in the community.
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In his later years John’s health was precarious, but he still kept his spirits up and was never downhearted. On the night of 28th September he suffered another stroke and was rushed to hospital. For days and nights his family and his brother priests, from Kiltegan, kept vigil at his bedside in Beaumount Hospital. He died peacefully on the morning of the 3rd October, 2025.
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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.​
Fr Patrick (Paddy) Hagan
August 23rd
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Patrick (Paddy) Hagan (1959 Class) on Saturday evening, August 23rd.
Our sincere sympathy to Paddy's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass on Tuesday, August 26th, at 12 noon in St Patrick’s Chapel, St Patrick’s, Kiltegan, followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
To view the Funeral Mass recording, please click on the following link:
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Fr Patrick (Paddy) Hagan (1932 - 2025)
Patrick Joseph Hagan popularly known as Paddy, was born on the 2nd May 1932 in Rhyne, Killoe, Co. Longford to Patrick Hagan and his wife Mary Kate (née Prunty). He was the sixth born in a family of four girls and three boys. He attended Cullyfad National School in from 1937 to 1946 and had his secondary education in St Mel’s College from 1946 to 1951.
In September 1951 Paddy joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1952-1955 he studied for his degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. He was among 24 priests ordained for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Thomas McGettrick on the 24th May 1959 which was the biggest class ever ordained for the Society.
After ordination Paddy was appointed to the diocese of Calabar in Nigeria and taught in schools and in the Junior Seminary. In 1965 he became the director of the Spiritual year in Kiltegan, a position he held until 1978. During those summers he took courses in Loyola University in Chicago and earned a Master's Degree in religious education. At the 1978 Chapter he was elected to the Central Leadership Team (CLT) of the Society, taking on the role of assistant Society Leader.
After completing his term on the CLT, he took a sabbatical. In 1985 he took on a new mission in Malawi, in the diocese of Chikwawa and worked in the parish of Muona. In 1989 he was transferred to St. Peter’s Parish, Zomba. In 1990 he was appointed Spiritual Director in Kachebere Seminary. In 1991 he was once again called to Society Leadership as the Regional for Central and Southern Africa, based in Lilongwe. After twelve years as Regional Leader he took up the post of Parish priest of St. Kizito’s, Chigoneka.
After 53 years of service to the Society at home in Ireland and in different African countries, Paddy decided to retire to Kiltegan as his sight had deteriorated significantly. Despite his poor eyesight he took an active part in all community activities. He maintained a great interest in the mission of the Society and kept up to date with all the news by listening to the radio and calling his friends and contacts on the phone.
Paddy Hagan was a man of remarkable character, distinguished by his unwavering constancy – a quality that shone brightly, much like the morning star. It was likely this trait that caught the attention of the Central Leadership Team, leading to his appointment as Director of the Spiritual Year in 1965, at the relatively young age of 33. Despite his tender years, Paddy had already demonstrated a depth of maturity that would serve him well in this role. Over the next 13 years, Paddy would go on to accompany over 200 young men as they embarked on the journey to missionary priesthood. His leadership was marked by an unshakeable sense of fairness, a calm and gentle demeanour, and a judgment that was both sound and wise. One of Paddy's most striking qualities, however, was his ability to remain impartial – he had no favourites, and treated each individual with the same kindness, respect, and dedication. This rare gift allowed him to build strong, meaningful relationships with those in his care, and to make a lasting impact on their lives. These qualities also served Paddy very well when he moved into leadership in the Society.
In July 2025 Paddy spent some time in hospital as his health began to deteriorate. After two weeks he returned to Kiltegan and resumed his normal routine. On the morning of August 23rd, he attended morning Mass as usual. By evening time he began to feel unwell, and as darkness began to fall, he slipped away to the loving embrace of his Creator that he had served so faithfully and responsibly all his long life.
Paddy is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary, brothers Peter and Johnny, sisters Mary Dunleavy, Kathleen Hagan, Nellie Morrissey and Margaret Fortune. He is survived by his brother-in-law, John Morrissey, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family.
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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.​
Fr Oliver Barry
July 31st
With sadness we announce the sudden death of Fr Oliver Barry (1972 Class) on July 31st, in Nairobi Hospital, Kenya.
Our sincere sympathy to Oliver’s family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass will be held at St Augustine Catholic Church, Kiamunyi, Nakuru, Kenya on Thursday, August 7th, at 11am. Burial at St Patrick’s Formation house, Kiamunyi, Nakuru, Kenya.
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A recording of the funeral Mass can be viewed on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeM9pS-hn9E
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A recording of the Month's Mind Mass, which took place on August 27th, can be viewed on the following link: https://youtu.be/4CzqzcVwN5E
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Fr Oliver Barry 1946 - 2025
Oliver Barry, popularly known as Ollie, was born on July 12th 1946 at Midleton, Co Cork, (Cloyne Diocese) to Michael and Margaret Barry. He attended CBS Midleton for his primary education from 1952 to 1958. Following a year of secondary school in CBS Midleton, Oliver finished his secondary education in St Colman’s Fermoy, from 1959 to 1964.
In September 1964, Oliver joined the spiritual year in Kiltegan and in 1965 he moved to Cork where he studied for his B.Sc. at UCC until 1968. Following four years of theology studies at Kiltegan, (1968-1972), Oliver was one of twelve priests ordained at Killamoate by Bishop Moynagh on June 4th 1972.
After ordination Ollie was appointed to Eldoret Diocese, Kenya, where he was to spend the entire fifty three years of his priestly life. As evidenced by the many tributes on social media, Oliver served the people with great love and dedication – both as a priest and as a teacher. He is fondly remembered throughout Eldoret Diocese but especially in Iten, Nerkwo, Kaptigat, Cheptarit and Kapsoya parishes.
A major part of Oliver’s priestly ministry was spent in education, evidenced by the fact that ‘The Fr Oliver Barry School’ in Kipkorgot is named after him and will always stand as a memorial to the contribution he made to the life of so many people. Other notable educational institutions to which Ollie made major contributions included teaching in the minor seminary (Mother of Apostles) in Eldoret and Musoriot Teacher Training College.
While Oliver was a man of few words, he was very popular and very well liked among students and parishioners. His easy going manner belied his quiet and sincere care and kindness towards everyone, and his deep commitment to the welfare of his people shone through his actions.
While Oliver had been unwell for some time, he had only recently left Christ the Redeemer Parish, Kapsoya, and was on his way home to Ireland to retire, when he died unexpectedly in Nairobi General Hospital on the morning of July 31st 2025.
Oliver is pre-deceased by his parents, Michael and Margaret, and his brother, John, and is sadly missed by his sister, Ann, brother-in-law, Ged, sister-in-law, Carmel, his nephew, Hugh, his cousins, and a wide circle of family and friends in Kenya and Ireland.
He is deeply mourned and missed by the Bishop, Priests, Religious and people of Eldoret Diocese to whom he devoted all fifty three years of his priestly and missionary life.
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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Fr Michael Morris
July 4th
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Michael Morri (1976 Class), peacefully on Friday, July 4th, 2025, in Tullamore Regional Hospital, Co Offaly.
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Our sincere sympathy to Michael's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
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Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Family, Loch Gowna, Co Cavan on Wednesday, July 9th, at 12 noon, followed by burial in the adjoining church grounds.
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The funeral Mass will be live-streamed and can be viewed on the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/parishofgownaandmullinalaghta/
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Fr Michael Morris 1949 - 2025
Michael Morris was born on the 19th November 1949 in Loch Gowna, Co Cavan to James Morris and his wife Bridget (nee Doherty). He attended Loch Gowna National School from 1954 to 1963 and had his secondary education in St Norbert’s College Kilnacrott from 1963 to 1968.
In September 1969 Michael joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1970 – 1972 he studied Philosophy in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for Theology. Michael was ordained for St. Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Dominic Conway in St Mary’s Church, Killamoate on 12th June 1976.
After ordination Michael was appointed to the diocese of Chikwawa in Malawi. After learning the local language of Chichewa he was appointed to the parish of Molere. In January 1989 Michael was part of the first team that opened the new Society mission in the diocese of Mutare, Zimbabwe in response to a request by Bishop Donal Lamont. It was only shortly after independence and Michael was posted to St Benedict’s, a rural parish which had suffered greatly during the independence struggle and was without a resident priest for some time. Michael entered into parish life with enthusiasm and learned the local Shona language.
In 1993 Michael came home to Ireland due to ill health. He spent some time discerning his future and later travelled to the USA to be with his siblings. In 1997 he took part in the renewal programme “Faith and Mission” in Dalgan Park, Co Meath. Michael was appointed to promotion work in the USA in 1998 and in 2002 was appointed superior of the Promotion house in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. In 2014 the Society decided to reduce the number of Promotion houses in the USA and Michael supervised the closure of the house in Cliffside Park and moved to Yonkers, New York to live with his brother Gerry.
In September 2016 Michael took on another new venture with his appointment as curate in Ferbane parish, Co Offaly. Despite his poor health he continued to minister in the parish with great resilience until his untimely death on July 4th 2025.
Michael was blessed with a strong spirit and determination to serve the Lord as a missionary and priest. He worked in a wide variety of places in order to advance the Gospel message. He did this in parish ministry in Africa and Ireland as well as in promoting the missionary work of the Society in the USA among its benefactors. Like his brothers, Michael was a very good footballer in his youth. He kept in close touch with his family and the people of Gowna during his life, and after ministering in different parts of the world, it is fitting that his final resting place is where his life began among his own people.
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Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
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Cemetery Sunday 2025
May 18th
The Society's Cemetery Sunday was held in Kiltegan on Sunday, May 18th, for deceased members from Leinster and Connaught. We were blessed with lovely sunshine as we remembered our dearly departed. May they rest in eternal peace.
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To view a video of the day, please click on the following link:
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An album of photos is also available on our Facebook page:
Fr Martin O'Connor
May 28th
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Martin O'Connor (1972 Class), peacefully on Wednesday evening, May 28th, 2025, in the Bons Secours Hospital, Tralee.
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Our sincere sympathy to Martin's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
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Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass in St Mary's Church, Dingle, Co Kerry, on Saturday, May 31st at 10 am followed by burial.​​
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Fr Martin O’Connor (1947-2025)
Martin Patrick O'Connor, son of Michael Joseph and Bridie O’Connor, (Née O’Connell) was born on the 30th of May 1947 in Dingle, County Kerry. Martin received his primary education at Presentation Convent, Dingle from 1951 to 1954 and at CBS Dingle from 1954 to 1960. He had his secondary education at CBS Dingle from 1960 to 1965.
Martin joined the Spiritual Year in St Patrick’s, Kiltegan, in September 1965. He did his philosophy studies at St Patrick's College, Cork, from September 1966 to June 1968, followed by theology studies at St Patrick’s, Kiltegan from September 1968 to June 1972. Martin was one of twelve priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society on June 4th, 1972, at Saint Mary's Church, Killamoat, by Bishop James Moynagh SPS.
After ordination, Martin was appointed to Lodwar Diocese, Kenya, where he worked from September 1972 until January 1973, when he was flown home following an accident in which he lost a leg. Martin spent a year recuperating after his accident and worked in Kerry Diocese from 1974 to 1977 based at Ballybunion and Glenflesk parishes.
Martin returned to Kenya in 1978, upon completion of a renewal course in Mount Oliver, Dundalk, and worked in Nakuru Diocese until 1984. From 1984 to 1991 Martin worked in the Formation team of the Spiritual year in Kiltegan.
Tzaneen Diocese, South Africa was Martin’s next appointment and he worked there until June 2010, serving in the Tzaneen Cathedral and in Modjadjiskloof parish.
Following a year’s sabbatical, in which he attended renewal courses in England and USA, Martin took up an appointment in the diocese of Arundel and Brighton, England and worked in Effingham and Fetcham Parish and in Sacred Heart Parish.
Martin was a very courageous, determined and compassionate missionary priest. He overcame great adversity at a very young age. The accident he suffered at Kakuma had a profound effect on how he lived the rest of his life. It taught him to become ever more grateful for the gift of life. Martin had great inner strength and resilience. These qualities came from his family and from his deep faith in Christ. They enabled him to respond very generously to his missionary calling and serve the Society in a variety of ministries. Family was very important to Martin.
In October 2022 Martin retired from active ministry and he went to live in Dingle. He felt very privileged to be able to return to his native Dingle for the final years of his life. It was a source of great joy for him to be home where he was born and reared and be close to his family and the community that shaped him. Martin ended his days as he began them, among his own people. He died as he lived quietly and peacefully on Wednesday 28th May in the Bons Secours Hospital, Tralee.
Martin was predeceased by his parents Bridie and Michael Joseph, his sister Mary and his brother Michael. He is survived by his sister Kathleen, his brothers John and Donal, his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and their families.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
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Fr Seán O'Dowd
December 2nd
With sadness we announce the death of Fr Seán O’Dowd (1963 Class) who died on Monday, December 2nd, 2024.
Our sincere sympathy to Seán's family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
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Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Chapel, St Patrick's, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, on Thursday December 5th at 12 noon followed by burial in the Society Cemetery.
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​​​​​Fr Seán O'Dowd (1937 - 2024)
John Joseph O’Dowd, always known as Seán, was born on the 5th of April 1937 in Aughnacross, Newtowncashel, Co Longford to Patrick O’Dowd and his wife Mary (née Scally). He was the second child of a family of two girls and five boys. Seán attended Cornadown National School and Fermoyle National School from 1942 to 1950 and had his secondary education in St Mel’s College, Longford, from 1950 to 1955.
In September 1955 Seán joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. He was one of 7 students from St Mel’s College to join the Society that year. From 1956 to 1959 he studied for the BA degree at University College Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. Seán was among 16 priests ordained for St Patrick’s Missionary Society by Bishop Patrick Cleary SSC on 14th April 1963 (Easter Sunday).
After ordination Seán was appointed to the diocese of Calabar in Nigeria and his first appointment was to St Joseph’s Teacher Training College in Anua. From 1965 to 1976 he worked in Holy Trinity Secondary School in Uyo. In 1977 Seán took part in a ten-week spirituality programme in Manresa, Dublin. Later that year he was transferred to St Patrick’s College, Calabar, where he spent the following eleven years. In 1989 after completing his time in Nigeria, Seán was appointed to work in Datchet on the Society’s promotion programme in the UK.
In 1997 Seán was transferred to Scotland as Director of Promotion. He was given the difficult task by the Society of selling St Patrick’s, Buchlyvie, which had been the home of the Society in Scotland since 1965, and of finding a more suitable premises. In 2003 he opened a new house in Stirling where our promotion base in Scotland is now located. After 21 years on promotion work Seán decided to return to Ireland in order to be near his family. He was appointed to work in Elphin diocese in the parish of St Peter and Paul, Athlone. He also worked for a short period in St Colmcille’s Parish in his native diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. In 2016 Seán became the Chaplain to the Mercy Sisters in Athlone and in 2017 he went to live in the Divine Master Convent, Athlone. He remained there until he retired to Kiltegan in the summer of 2023.
Seán was a very committed missionary who was always prepared to go where the Society needed him. During his days in Nigeria, he devoted himself to his students and was keen to develop their academic side as well as encouraging them in playing games and adopting a healthy lifestyle. After class Seán spent long hours on the playing fields coaching the students and refereeing matches. All this activity kept Seán very fit and healthy. When the Society needed a zealous missionary to promote the work of the Society and invite benefactors to support its work, they found Seán was ready to answer the call. Seán wrote in his memoirs that he enjoyed his twenty-one years on Promotion work in England, Wales and Scotland and did mission appeals in over 700 parishes from Penzance, in the South, to John of Groats in the North. These years gave him the opportunity to indulge in some of his wide variety of interests, the number one being sport, which included the Irish games of hurling and Gaelic football. He was also a keen soccer and rugby fan and had “some wonderful memories of places like Wembley, Twickenham, Old Trafford, Parkhead and Murrayfield”. Horse racing had a special appeal for him, and he was a great admirer of Lester Piggott whom he described as having “the capacity to electrify the grandstand and at the same time terrorise the bookies!!”
After retiring to Kiltegan Seán took an active part in the community until his health began to decline. He endured a few challenging months and was admitted to hospital for long periods. He bore his illness with great fortitude and without complaint. He had a great appreciation for the staff who looked after him. He died in Tallaght Hospital just before midnight on the 2nd December, 2024. His sister Collette and his brother Brendan were at his bedside.
Seán is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary, his brother Michael, his brother-in-law Ray and sister-in-law Maureen. He is survived by his brothers P.J, Gerry and Brendan, his sisters Mary and Collette, his sisters-in-law Teresa, Carmel and Frances, his nieces and nephews and their families, and his Society family.
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​Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
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