Fr. John Hand S.M.

Sincere sympathies to Aidan, Teresa and family on the recent passing of your dear brother John. May he Rest In Peace

IF YOUR NAME IS HELD IN THE HEARTS OF OTHERS YOU WILL NEVER TRULY DIE RIP Fr John

Rest In Peace Fr. John, such a lovely man. Condolences to his family & friends.

Peter (Florida)

Terrible news! May Fr. John rest in peace

Roy

My heartfelt condolences to Fr.John’s family & friends. He was a great man! RIP

Jim (Navan)

On behalf of band mate Paddy we wish to offer our condolences to Fr. Hand’s family, extended family and his many friends and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace.

Ryan, Jimmy, Owen, Deane & Paddy

Sorry to hear of Fr.Johns passing. May he rest in peace.

The lads from Kodaline & management

Deepest sympathy to the Hand and Marist families on the recent death of Fr. John.I remember him as a sterling full back and chaplain with Glenmore Celtic for many years. He looked after us in our christenings, marriages and deaths and was a great friend to have. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to all Johns family & community on the death of Fr John . Our prayers & thoughts are with you all .May he rest in peace.

Very sorry to hear about Fr John's passing RIP ..our sympathies to all the Hand family..

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fr.John. I was lucky enough to be a student of his whilst attending Chanel College, Coolock. Fr.John was a lot more than just a teacher, he was a friend to students and his colleagues alike. One fond memory I recall was in 6th year, I of course was late arriving to school for morning lessons and so had to enter through the famous ‘room 7’. Out with my journal to get a ‘late stamp’, Fr.John looks at me and jokingly says “that was some set you played last night” (he seen me perform at a local pub the previous night) he told me to keep up the good work but not let it get in the way of my education as I may rely on it as a back up haha. True words! Recently whilst in Chicago USA, I dedicated a song to Fr.John as I heard he was unwell. Many years ago whilst touring round South Africa i penned a few lyrics to a song i titled ‘Shine’ in a way I like to think that Fr.John inspired that tune. I have so many fond memories of my student life at Chanel College and Fr.John I will always remember with fondness. Sincere condolences to his family and friends and the Marist order. May he Rest In Peace.

P. Rogers

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fr John. He will be remembered as a warm and kind man. He lived his faith by comforting during the sad times and sharing the happier times.

So sorry to hear of Fr. John's passing . He was our principal for nine years and was inspirational in all his efforts. John was always there for teachers and students alike and we were so lucky to have him. Sincere sympathies to John's siblings and the Marist community on their huge loss

Always a good friend to our family and will be sorely missed. RIP Fr. John

Greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Fr. John. He was a wonderfully supportive Colleague and School Principal. A 'rock' of wisdom and a born Leader! My sincere condolences to John's family, friends and The Marist Community at this sad time.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Our deep sympathy , thoughts and prayers to all of Fr Johns family and to the Marist community at this very sad time . Rest in peace John .

It was sad for the Marist Fathers to see John's health decline and end in untimely death. May he rest in peace. John's siblings were wonderful to him. Our thanks to Liam, Mary, Dermot, Aidan, Nuala and Patrick for their generous and loving support of their brother. Thanks also to the many friends and colleagues who kept in contact with John through the smartphone throughout his final illness. May the Lord be with John and all of us.

Deepest sympathy to Fr John's family and the Marist community. John was one of nature's gentlemen and a wonderful colleague at many levels in education. He will be sorely missed
Suaimhneas síoraí

It was with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Fr John. He was a man I greatly admired. His kindness to me will live forever.
Solas na bhflaitheas agus leaba I measc na naomh, tuilte aige

Condolences to the Hand family on the death of Fr John. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condoleonces to the Hand family and the Marist Community. Father John was an inspirational man and a wonderful pastor. He was a great teacher in Chanel College and was greatly respected by staff and students alike. It was nor surprise when he was appoined as principal in the school. Outside of the school he was a visible presence in the community and was much loved by parishioners of St Brendans. He was agreat friend to me and my family and a source of guidance and comforft whenever it was sought. We were so saddened and shocked to hear of his passing as he was always a vibrrant personality.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilís

I got to know Fr John through schools soccer. A gentleman to his core with a wonderful sense of humour. It was always a pleasure to be in his company.
My sincere sympathies to all the Hand family who will surely miss him.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.

John was a lovely man, a good friend, great conversationist, sports mad ,witty.. He put a brave face on a tough illness in the last 2 years. You are at peace now John R.I.P you will be sadly missed

Was so very sorry to hear of Fr John's passing today. He was a great tutor in life and proud to say he was one of my favourite teachers in Chanel College in my formative years. Many years later I had the pleasure of enjoying a regular pint or two in his company at Parnells GAA club where he held court on a Friday evening. Deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends and in particular,to all the Marist Community who can be so proud of all he achieved for so many. May he rest in peace. Rest in peace John.

Paul Kelly
Former pupil.

Sincere condolences to Fr. John's family on his recent passing. Fond memories of Fr. John at our wedding and his kindness on the death of my mother Alice Kelly. May he rest in peace.

Rita & Don, Upstate N.Y.

so sorry to of the passing of john a lovely man enjoyed our days playing with GLENMORE CELTIC condolences to the Hand family may he rest in peace

So very saddened to hear of John’s passing. My sincerest condolences to the Hand family and the Marist Fathers and to all of John’s friends who grieve his loss. I will remember him for his sincerity, empathy, calm presence and wry humour along with his skill on the football pitch. A gentleman and a Christian. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences to all of your family . Fr Hand was a really wonderful person He showed us all the true meaning of faith and was so inclusive of all while is St Brendan 's. I remember arriving at church with my little girl who was an altar server. There was heavy snow and I had forgotten her shoes so she was in luminescent wellies. She became upset as she said she couldn't serve mass . John heard the commotion , came in to ask if she was ok and on hearing the story told her she'd look fabulous in her lovely wellies and God would be delighted as she would put a smile on everyone's face . John made the church and Christian faith real and meaningful for everyone We are so sad to hear of his passing . He will be in our thoughts and prayers May He rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Aidan on the passing of your dear brother and to Hand family. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to the extended Hand Family on the sad passing of Fr. John. Lovely Funeral Service which portrayed Fr, John as he truly was, excellent eulogy from Liam. We will all miss him. May he rest in peace.

Thank you so much Fr John for your friendship with our family and for all your hard work in the parish. You will be sadly missed.

Declan Flanagan & Flanagan Family

Our deepest sympathy to all the Hand family on the passing of Fr John. May he rest in peace.
Bruen Family Roscommon

Much saddened to hear of the death of Fr. John. He radiated kindness and calm. My condolences to his family and the Marist community.

My deepest condolences to the Hand family and the Marist community.
May John Rest in Peace.
Maree O’ Rourke ( former colleague Chanel College)

So sorry to hear of Fr. John's passing Hard to lose a brother at any time but especially now during covid lockdown

Mary, sincere sympathy to you and all your family on the sad loss of a beloved brother and uncle, Fr. John. May he now Rest in Peace.

Our deepest sympathy to the Hand family and the Marist Community on the death of Fr. John S.M. RIP

Sincere sympathies to the Hand family and the Donahies CS school community from all at Blackwater CS , Lismore

Sincere sympathies to the Hand family on the sad passing of Fr John. May he be reunited with his good friend Monsignor Fachtna Harte in Heaven.

So sad to hear of Fr John's passing, and sincere condolences to his family.
As a class of '74 graduate, I first met John through my involvement with Chanel SSC, the Chanel College past pupils soccer club.
John always exuded an air of calmness, friendship and support, during my 27 years of involvement with the club.
He watched us at training, and supported our teams from the sideline on a regular basis.
He became a personal friend, a family friend, and honoured my wife, Anne, and I, by baptising our youngest son.
He joined us in our home after the ceremony, to dine, and mingled with everybody, known or unknown to him.
John was relaxing to be around.
His warmth, friendship and empathy drew people to him, and his broad knowledge of so many subjects allowed him to converse freely, with one and all.
I am proud to have known you Fr John.
You were a beacon of light to the world, and a shining star in the Marist community.
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Michael Corrigan.

My sincerest condolences to John’s family, Marist community and many friends. It was a privilege to know him, work with him in Chanel College and most of all know he was there for me as a friend. He was a very kind man who helped more people than we will ever know. John will be sorely missed by everyone who had the honour of knowing him. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Mary and Family on the recent death of her brother Father John may he rest in peace..

Thinking of you all at this sad time. My condolences on the passing of your brother John.

So sorry to hear of the death of Fr. Hand. He was a lovely kind man and taught some of our family members in The Donahies CS. Our sincere condolences to all Fr. Hand's family and Marist Community. RIP

Sincere sympathy to you Mary on the passing of your brother John. May he rest in peace

Fr. Hand was my principal in Chanel and I worked alongside him in St. Brendan's Parish for a number of years. He also went out of his way to travel when I was getting married. I will remember him as the cool Priest who would wear his blazer draped over one shoulder while monitoring the school yard. He will be sadly missed.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Fr John & the Marists on his passing.
I’ll miss his friendship and our political discussions.
So sad that he had to go now but I guess God has other plans for him.

Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dhilis.

Sincere Condolences to the Hand family on the sad passing of Fr. Hand. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to Fr. John's family and the Marist Fathers on his untimely death. John was a gentleman in every sense of the word. I worked with him on the Board of Management of St. Mary's College, Dundalk, and his insightful and pragmatic approach emphasised his considerate attitude. I really enjoyed his company and benefitted from his experience and guidance. May he rest in peace with the Angels. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.

Deepest condolences to John's family. He was a true gentleman. Rest in peace

Our deepest sympathies to Fr.John’s Family on the sad passing of Fr.John. He was such a kind and caring person. R.I.P

Bless you John , your family and Marist community as you travel on your journey home.
Our first real encounter was when you joined us on the soccer field as a member of the Mater Dei squad. We only had the bare 11 to call on.
We always felt the back line would hold up well as those fine broad shoulders held off many an aspiring centre forward. We also had the pleasure of Fr Paddy Devitt as our trainer and our greatest achievement was the winning of the ‘Fr Paddy Wallace Cup’ A memory very few will recall!!
My fondest memory John is of your smile and the cheeky grin and indeed your quiet disposition.
May the Lord welcome you home John as one of His great stalwarts.
Shay n Dee Mc Gann

Sincere sympathy to you Mary on the death of your brother. May he rest in peace.
Paula Cronin, Raffeen Golf Club

Our deepest sympathies to Mary and the Hand family on your great loss.

So sorry to hear of John’s passing, he was a very supportive principal and mentor & always lifted those around him.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Hand family and Marist community. We were so saddened to hear of Fr. John's passing. Our family was honored and blessed to have known Fr. John, he truly was a wonderful friend to our parents and my sisters. Fr. John you've a special place in the hearts of the Harvey/Duffy family. Our boys have fond memories talking about soccer with Fr. John. May you rest in peace. Anna, Barry and Boys. New Hampshire

Very sorry to hear of Fr Hand’s passing, Rest in Peace, Nora O’Leary Donahies cs secretary

Deepest condolences to John's family. He was such a nice, kind, unassuming man and someone I knew from my days in the Donahies C.S. in the early 80's right up to the present day and through our involvement in CASA. Great memories of the Donahies C.S days where he was our chaplain and RE teacher, but also someone who got involved in sports activities and was a wise presence and support and also good fun. Lovely memories of all the chats over the years, friendship, good humour and your fantastic wit. We will miss you and remember you in CASA too where you have many friends. Rest in peace John.

Over many years we enjoyed Fr. John's summer visits to Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine here in Orlando. He was a delightful dedicated priest to Jesus and Mary. We enjoyed his friendship when he visited our home or went out to dinner with him. Our deepest sympathies to the Hand family.

Now Fr. John is probably enjoying his friendship with Monsignor Joseph Harte in heaven. They were great buddies. May God Bless them both for their service to the people of God on earth.

Deepest sympathy to all the Hand family on the sad passing of Fr. John.