Priest who served time in Co Kildare passes away
Monsignor Tom Coonan (92) was parish priest in Killeigh and worked as teacher in Knockbeg College before appointments in Daingean and Portlaoise
TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular priest who died on Thursday at the age of 92 having served in Killeigh for 26 years.
Monsignor Tom Coonan was a native of Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny and he was ordained on June 22, 1958.
His first appointment was as a curate in Clane and he then taught at Knockbeg College, Carlow from 1959 until 1969.
Fr Coonan was a curate in Portlaoise from 1969 to 1987 and then moved to Offaly as parish priest in Daingean for five years where he was appointed vicar general in 1988.
He was parish priest in Portlaoise between 1992 and 2000 until his move to Killeigh parish.
Most Rev Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, said he had fond memories of Monsignor Coonan while Rev Seán Murphy offered sympathy on behalf of St Mary's Church, Geashill.
“Although I only had the privilege of getting to know Monsignor Tom briefly before illness overtook him, it was enough to recognise a man of warmth, humility, and quiet faithfulness,” said Rev Murphy.
“His ministry touched countless lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.
“At moments like these, we are reminded that the bonds we share as followers of Christ are often strongest in times of sorrow. We grieve with those who grieve, we give thanks for a life faithfully lived, and we commend Monsignor Tom into the loving and merciful hands of God.
“Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that God will bring comfort to Monsignor Tom’s family, his brother priests, and to every parishioner and friend mourning his loss. May the promise of Christ’s resurrection be a sure and steady hope in these difficult days, and may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds.”
A message of condolence from Scoil na Croise Naofa, Geashill National School said: “We extend our sincere sympathies to Msgr. Coonan's family and friends. Msgr. Tom has been a guide, support and friend to us in Geashill NS over the past 25 years. Pupils, staff, parents and boards of management have benefited from his dedicated service and we will all feel his loss.”
A message from the Parents' Council of Geashill National School said: “We are deeply grateful for the kindness, guidance, and support he gave to our children and their families over the years. He will be very much missed.”
St Joseph's National School, Ballinagar, joined in the tributes: Sincere condolences to Monsignor Tom’s family at this difficult time. Our school community will be forever grateful for the time, commitment and dedication Monsgn. Tom has shown in our school over the years. May his gentle soul rest in peace. From the Board of Management, staff, pupils and wider school community.”
Monsignor Coonan's death notice said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and close friends, while in the compassionate care of the dedicated staff and palliative care team at Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore.
His family thanked all who cared for him so sympathetically, particularly in Tullamore and in Tyrrellspass (Bethany House).
Monsignor Tom will be sadly missed by his sister, Mary O’Shea, his brother, Martin, his niece, Anne Marie, his nephews, John, Michael and Peter, his colleagues and fellow members of the clergy of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin and from his time in Clane, Knockbeg, San Francisco, Hawaii, Uganda, Portlaoise, Clare Island, Daingean and Killeigh (Geashill), his great grand nephews and nieces.
The death notice added: “But most of all, he will be sadly missed by his wide circle of friends and parishioners for whom he cared for and devoted so much of his life to - his family would like to sincerely thank all of you for your kindness to him.”
Monsignor Tom was predeceased by his sisters, Lena and Kay.
Monsignor Tom Coonan will repose at St Joseph’s Church, Ballinagar, (R35 W728) on Sunday, August 2 from 3pm with prayers at 7.30pm.
On Monday, August 3 his Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Killeigh (R35 H343) at 12 noon and his remains will be laid to rest in St Mary’s Graveyard, Raheen (R35 K096).