Passing of popular Roscommon priest mourned
The late Fr Michael Donnelly.
The recent passing of Rahara native, Fr. Michael Donnelly, who ministered for 62 years, is being deeply mourned.
Fr Donnelly passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13th last surrounded by his loving family, in the tender and loving care of the staff at Roscommon Hospice.
Born in Rahara in 1939, he was educated in Summerhill College, Co Sligo and entered seminary in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1957. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Elphin in 1964, spending his first two years of ministry in Slough, England. Returning to Ireland, he served as curate in the parishes of Geevagh, Sligo Cathedral, Elphin and Roscommon.
He was appointed parish priest of Drumcliffe, Co Sligo in 1992 and in 2009 he was appointed parish priest of Maugherow in addition to Drumcliffe. He retired from the office of parish priest in 2018 and moved closer to home where he served as chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy in Athlone.
On his retirement Fr Donnelly lived in his home parish of Knockcroghery/St. John’s/ Rahara,
and in a social media message, the parish said he was “a lovely presence in the community exercising some pastoral ministry.”
“We will miss him, as we give thanks to God for his life as a good Shepherd and faithful priest. Rest in peace Fr. Michael,” it said.
The Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, in a social media message, thanked him “for your life of selfless service. May you rest in eternal peace”.
Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary, sister Philomena, brothers Seamus, Dessie, Brendan and Sean, sisters-in-law Pauline, Lena and Bridie.
Sadly missed by his loving sister Ethna (Galvin), brother Mallie, brother-in-law, Sean, sister-in-law May, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, great neighbours, Bishop Kevin Doran, fellow priests, Sisters of Mercy, Athlone and his many good friends.
Reposing at St Brigid's Funeral Home, Brideswell (N37 EK88) this evening, Friday, May 15th from 5 p.m. with removal at 7 p.m. to arrive to the Church of Mary Immaculate, Rahara (F42 XW08) for Mass at 7.30 p.m..
Prayers of farewell will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning (May 16th) followed by removal to St Colmcille's Church, Rathcormac, Sligo (F91 Y068), arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 2.30 p.m. Burial will take place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
