Fr Donal Morris remembered as a man of great humanity and humour

Fr Donal Morris, the youngest Irish-born priest of the Diocese of Elphin who sadly passed away last week following an illness, has been described as a man "who lived his life and his priesthood with great humanity and humour".

The congregation at his concelebrated Funeral Mass in the Church of St Patrick, Ballinaheglish today also heard that the late parish priest of Kilbegnet and Glinsk was “professional up until the very last” and was “a person of great courage”.

The Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran also spoke of how Fr Donal was “generous with the gift of himself,” while he also spoke of his integrity as a priest.

“He had a desire to live a full life,” the Bishop said adding that he did so with “great humanity and humour.” 

Fr Jim Murray from Sligo, in his homily, said that during Fr Donal’s days in the hospice he made many friendships and “his ability to integrate was a source of consolation for him.” He added: “First and foremost he was a son, brother and uncle and he had a caring relationship with his family. He often spoke of his family with affection.

“As a priest he had the ability to lead. He was a man of deep faith and a loyal friend.” He also believed in “practicing what he preached”. He had a deep sense of justice and fought for the truth, Fr Murray added.

He concluded by saying Fr Donal “is still watching and caring and loving us in his own way.” 

During the Mass his coffin was adorned with symbols of his priesthood, his stole, a bible, chalice and crucifix while chalices of the Eucharist were presented during the offertory.

Originally from Dublin, Fr Donal grew up in Ballinaheglish, in the parish of Oran.

He studied at CBS Roscommon and, following his Leaving Certificate, began his journey to priesthood by undertaking the pre-seminary formation year at Donamon, in the same parish where he had served for the past five years.

He subsequently completed his formation for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained on June 4th, 1995. His first assignment was as a curate in Kilmurry in the parish of Tulsk, after which he served as chaplain at Castlerea Prison for seven years.

On completing his service in the prison, he was assigned to the parish of Knockcroghery, and later to St. Joseph’s Parish, Boyle. In 2014 he went as administrator to the parish of Loughglynn. "His final assignment was to the parish of Kilbegnet and Glinsk where, in spite of his declining health, he gave himself very generously in the service of his parishioners up to the time of his death," said Bishop Doran on learning of his death.

He also graduated with an MA from Milltown Institute and a JCL from the University of Leuven.

He is survived by his parents, Eamon and Kathleen; brother, Edward; sisters, Carol (Fox), Catriona (Hynes) and Audrey (Morris); their spouses Michelle, Ronan, Denis and Enda; his nieces, Rachel, Róisín, Aoife, Cora and Aoibhinn; nephews, Daniel, Ruairí, Tommy, Fionn and Liam; uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, friends and friends in California. Donal is also mourned by Bishop Doran, his brother priests in the diocese of Elphin and elsewhere.

Following his funeral mass he was laid to rest in Oran Cemetery.