Monsignor Conor K Ward

I was so sad to hear of the death of Fr. Conor. Sincere sympathy to all his extended family. As a parishioner in Cabinteely parish, it was a privilege to know Fr. Conor, and to benefit from his kindness and compassion. Conor was such a kind, spiritual,gentle, unassuming and inspirational man. He had a wonderful ability to give advice, and to make suggestions in a gentle way. I have wonderful memories of parish trips to the Holy Land, under Fr. Conor's expert guidance and care. His knowledge of the Holy Land was extensive. His commitment and love for the University of Bethlehem was very evident. I also have lovely memories of trips to Cappadocia and to Western Turkey with Fr.Conor, where he took special care of me when I was afraid of heights. We were visiting a Church which had been hewn out of rock,and was only accessible via a climb and a very rickety bridge. Fr. Conor very gently, and patiently guided me across the bridge. Fr.Conor was a wonderful man, who gave such a shining example of how to live a truly Christian life. He will be dearly missed. May his gentle soul rest in peace in his Heavenly home.

On behalf of the Mullen family we would like to offer our condolences to the Ward and O'Gallagher families on hearing of the passing of Monsignor Conor Ward. Unfortunately we only heard of his death last week. Fr. Conor was our late mother's(Ceara nee Quigley) first cousin. They were close friends and he was a very important person in her life. He was celebrant at many family occasions so was also an important figure in all of our lives. A good, gentle and compassionate man with a beautiful serene presence. May in rest in peace.
- Keara, Jeannette, Conor, Rory, Eoin and Tara.

So sorry to hear recently of Conor's passing. Deepest sympathies to his family.
Conor helped me get to study Soc Sci in UCD & lectured me when I became a student. His was always a kind, spiritual & wise man with a deep knowledge & a great sense of humour

My sincere sympathy to Monsignor Conor Ward's family. I was privileged to be one of his students in the early part of his career in UCD. He was unfailingly courteous, encouraging and supportive and wanted the best for his students. What more could one ask for in your teacher. May he rest in peace.
Moira Higgins

Sincere sympathy to all Conor's Family and friends. Conor was an exceptional person and we feel privileged to have shared over thirty years of his life as friends and colleagues. Conor lived the Gospel in his life, in his kindness, compassion and sympathy and in the way he inspired many. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Very sad news of the passing of Monsignor Ward. He will be very much missed.

Deepest sympathies to Emer and all the Ward and O'Gallagher families. Fr. Conor was an absolute gentleman - such a quiet, kind and caring man. May he Rest in Peace

I learned of Conor's death with great sadness. I knew him as a student in UCD and later as a support in my work. Conor was a most selfless, giving person who supported hundreds of students who passed through the Social Science department of UCD. He guided many young people in their career and enabled them to grow and develop to their full potential. He was an exemplary leader and supporter of the young. May he Rest in Peace.

My sincerest sympathy to Conor's family. He was an inspiring teacher and his natural warmth made him so approachable. Ar dheis De go raibh a h'aman dhilis

Very sorry to hear of Conor's death. He was a kind, generous man. He was a good teacher and mentor to me in the early 1970's. I am very grateful for what I learned from him. May he rest in peace.

I would like to join in the expressions of condolence following the recent death of Monsignor Conor, RIP. I had the privilege of working closely with him in the early stages of the programme of support to Bethlehem University back in the early 1990s, and was struck equally by his depth of knowledge, his breadth of vision, and his gentle humility. May he now enjoy eternal rest.

Very sad to hear about Conor’s passing.. We have fond memories of his time living here in Monaloe Avenue, Conor was such a lovely neighbour and we enjoyed hearing about his trips to the Holy Land. May he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of the sad passing of Monsignor Conor Ward - a wonderful teacher and inspiring man. UCD 1980s

A kind man - May he Rest in Peace. Condolences to the family.

God speed Conor, it was a pleasure to cross paths with you.

A good, fair man. Listened to us in Social Science 1981-1985

Very sad to hear of Conar’s passing. May he rest in peace.

I would like to offer my sincere condolence to Fr. Conor’s immediate and extended family. Like so many of Fr. Conor’s friends I was very saddened to hear of his passing. Although not unexpected, his passing left a feeling of deep loss, loss of a friend, a confidant and exceptional human being. Fr. Conor was a very dear friend to my family since my father Tomas first got to know him in the 1950s or 1960s. There are so many words that can be ascribed to Fr. Conor - gentle, humble, truly inspirational, a pioneer and Christian in the truest sense of the word, an academic and international scholar, who was highly regarded and respected in Ireland, at EU level and further afield. Personally, I will remember Fr. Conor as a smiling, loving, gentle humble soul, who always had time to listen and give wise guidance and support. He loved his life’s work, both academic and pastoral and significantly influenced and encouraged many to reach their full potential. I have very fond memories of the great support Fr. Conor‘s gave to my family before my father Tomas passed away in 1993 and officiating at Tomas’ funeral mass and again at my brother Tom’s funeral in 2006. His pioneering work in the development of Bethlehem University was at the heart of who he was and what he believed in. Fr. Conor will be truly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Monsignor Conor Ward. He was always a great friend and supporter of the Cabinteely Gospel Group. We remember him fondly as a kind and gentle man, a great listener who always seemed so interested in what you had to say. His wonderful talks of his trips to the Holy Land would inspire you to want to go there.
May he find peace now in his eternal home.

A lovely man, my condolences to the family of Fr Conor

It is with profound sadness we learn of the death of Monsignor Conor Ward.
He was a wonderful gentleman, always kind and gentle. Highly regarded and respected in every aspect of his amazing life. I had the privilege of going on Cabinteely parish trip to the Holy Land
under the guidance of Monsignor Ward which was such a privilege and insightful experience...
I have special memories too of him leading a parish group to Cappadocia and Western Turkey.
Our deepest sympathy to the extended Ward on the passing of Monsignor Conor. It was our privilege to have known him.His work is done and now no doubt Monsignour Conor is now in the arms of God. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.

Sincere sympathy to Fr. Conor's family. The seeds he has sown are flourishing. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.

To all of Fr. Conor's family, our sincere sympathies on his death. He was such a wise and kind person. May he rest in peace.

Very saddened to hear the passing of Dr Conor. May his gentle soul rest in peace. I will always remember his kindness to me as a student in the Dept of Social Science UCD . He was a wonderful mentor as well as a friend. He was truly inspirational and will not be forgotten.

All my love and sympathy,
Marjorie Fitzpatrick PhD.

Sincere sympathy to all of Fr. Conor's family on his passing. We first met Fr. Conor through my sister Colette Dowling, who worked with him in Bethlehem University. Colette and Fr. Conor opened up the Holy Land to us , and we had many wonderful experiences with him and members of Cabinteely parish in the Holy Land, Cappadocia and western Turkey. Treasured experiences.
May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathies to you all on the passing of Fr Conor. Fr Conor and Fr Padraig were such good friends. I am sure they are enjoying a great catch-up in heaven. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere condolences Emer,Dermot,Ger and Oonagh on the passing of your dear brother and uncle.As a former student of Conor’s I remember him as a kind man , always smiling and helpful .
May he rest in peace.

To Emer, Dermot, Ger, Oonagh and all the extended Ward family, I was so saddened to hear of Conors passing . He was such a lovely man who was always interested in how everyone was doing and full of wisdom. He was very special. May he Rest in Peace

To Emer Dermot and family sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. I’m reading the lovely messages and Fr Conor was a wonderful person who has left a huge impression on all those who were lucky to know him. Our thoughts are with you Emer at this sad time. May Fr Conor rest in peace.

To Emer, Madge, Malachi and Dermot and all the extended Ward family. Our deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Monsignor Conor. May he Rest in Peace

To Emer, sincere condolences on the death of Conor. May he rest in peace.

My parents Marie Louise & Brian Brennan (now deceased 2012 & 2018) were very involved parishioners in St Bridgets Cabinteely for about 25 years - and us 8 adult children were always so welcomed by all at St Brigids. Fr. Conor celebrated mass for Daddy’s 80th Birthday - the perfect gift & celebration for Dad & Mum and it was a very special night. Mum & Dad also joined the Parish on a trip to the Holy Land led by Fr Conor - which they always said was the most incredible trip they had ever made - especially because of Fr Conor’s local knowledge - they couldn’t have wished for anything more. RIP Fr Conor and thanks for the joy you brought to our family. 🙏

It was an honour and privilege as a teacher in St. Brigid’s Girls school to work with Fr. Conor. He was such a kind, gentle and learned man. The girls respected him and were always delighted to see him. My sincere condolences may he Rest In Peace

Dear Emer Dermot and family
We are sending you our sincere and deep sympathy on
the passing of our dearest cousinFr Conor. He will be
sadly missed. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Emer and extended Ward family on the passing of Monsignor Conor. May he rest in perfect peace.

Very sad to hear of Conor’s death .Our sincere sympathies to Conor’s family , friends and past colleagues . .Conor was a good friend , mentor and teacher . He will always be remembered by our family , he married us , baptised our children , Aoife and Rory and married both of them . We worked together on a number of projects with Brittish Medical Council , the EU ,and Bologna University . .I have great memories from these projects where I got to know and see his immense humanity and sense of fun .He was a man of iintegrity , generosity and kindness . A wonderful teacher and academic support , a person who listened and nurtured . As professor of Sociology in UCD he developed sociology and social science in Ireland and UCD where he also helped to foster generations of leaders in the social science arena .He was recognised as an international scholar and pioneered with his colleagues Colette Dowling and John Kelly the development of Bethlehem University . This work was a labour of love , of patience and persistence . His sense of community , his values and beliefs permeated all things that he was involved in . In later life his parish work contributed to that sense of community .He will always be remembered as a dear friend , scholar , a mentor , a person of who contribute to Irish society . He will be greatly missed . May he rest in peace .

I was deeply saddened by Conor's passing.
I was a colleague in
UCD and he was involved in choosing me to join the staff. Over the years1975 1991, Conor became not just the boss but a good colleague and friend.
He was a very remarkable man with a great memory and capacity for work.
So many of my former colleagues owe their careers to him.
After retiring from academia, Conor then went on a second period of pastoral care including becoming a parish priest.
The last period of his life was exceptionally sad.
May he rest in peace
Geoffrey Cook

I was deeply saddened by Conor's passing.
I was a colleague in
UCD and he was involved in choosing me to join the staff. Over the years1975 1991, Conor became not just the boss but a good colleague and friend.
He was a very remarkable man with a great memory and capacity for work.
So many of my former colleagues owe their careers to him.
After retiring from academia, Conor then went on a second period of pastoral care including becoming a parish priest.
The last period of his life was exceptionally sad.
May he rest in peace
Geoffrey Cook

Very sad to hear of Conor's death.

A warm and welcoming man who led our service in marriage, accommodating differing beliefs showing his level of kindness and broad minded thinking.

Alongside this was always a pleasure meeting him and talking with him at family gatherings, a fascinating man with such an interesting life.

My wider family too here in London also pass on their condolences.

Danny

My sincere sympathy to Conor’s family, friends and colleagues at his sad passing. I was extremely fortunate to have been one of his colleagues in UCD from 1973, when I came to Ireland when he appointed me in my first academic post. Conor was a great help and support to me at that time and throughout the next 36 years in UCD. He was an amazing teacher, researcher and friend, always willing to give of his time and offer appropriate advice. His contribution to the development of social science as a discipline in UCD was phenomenal together with the work he undertook in Bethlehem. He has been a significant influence on so many lives. May he now rest in peace
Valerie Richardson

My sincere sympathy to Conor's family and close friends. I am sure you must miss him a great deal.

I want to acknowledge Conor's support for the establishment of the Equality Studies Centre in UCD over 30 years ago. Without him, it might never have happened, and neither would all the good that followed from this initiative, including the subsequent development of the UCD School of Social Justice and the degree programmes and research that followed.

Thank you for your wisdom and courage Conor and for your quiet but strong support for social justice when it was needed. May you rest in peace.

Kathleen

When I was a master's student in his Department, Conor took the time to advise me to do a PhD outside Ireland and explained how I might obtain funding. When I opted to undertake doctoral studies at Oxford University Conor made introductions that opened doors. I owe him a great deal and extend my sympathy to his family and former colleagues.

We were very sad when we heard that Conor had died. Please accept our sincere condolences Emer.

To Emer and all the extended Ward family, please accept our deepest sympathy on the death of Conor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today. May he rest in peace. Anne (nee Heron) & David Craig

Sincere condolences on the passing of Father Conor. From all at St Maurs Gaa Rush

To Emer and the extended Ward family my sincerest sympathy to you all on the death of Fr. Connor. May he rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to family, friends, and former colleagues of Prof Conor Ward. As both a former student and colleague I enjoyed the benefits of his wisdom , guidance and support which he offered generously to all. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Emer and the extended Ward Family on the death of Monsignor Conor. May he Rest in Peace.

Sincere sympathy to Conor’s niece Marie O’Gallagher a former Social Science student at UCD. I was one of Conor’s students in the 1960s and joined Conor as a colleague in the Department of Social Science in 1973 and celebrated his appointment as Professor in 1974. For many of us Conor’s legacy as a teacher of Research Methods was hugely significant. I extend sincere sympathy to Conor’s sister Emer and her family and the extended Ward family.

Emer, Dermot and Malachi,
My sincerest sympathies on the passing of Fr. Conor to you and your families. He was a kind gentle person who responded to my request to come to Ireland and conduct research for my Master's Degree in Sociology at Catholic University in Washington, DC. He was a wonderful mentor. May he Rest In Peace.

I was so sad to hear of Fr Conor's passing. Such a lovely gentle man and a wise teacher who I came to know a little on a parish trip to the Holy Land. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

We are so sorry to hear about Fr. Conor’s passing- we got to know Fr. Conor through Cabinteely Parish - in particular the 4.30pm Taize mass. He was a very special person whom everyone took to their hearts - our sincere sympathies to his family- RIP - Darragh & Margaret Kavanagh - Cabinteely

Emer Dermot and family. Deepest sympathy on the death of Fr Conor. May he rest in peace

I have good memories of Conor from my years studying social science at UCD (1971-74). When I first met him he was a member of the sociology department, and during those years he succeeded Bishop Kavanagh as Professor. May he rest in peace and be received in love by the risen Christ.

Very sorry to hear of Fr Conor's passing. I always enjoyed our chats on his visits to Rush . Sincere condolences to Emer and family.
Rest in Peace Conor...

I am so sad to hear of Conor's death. I haven't seen him for several years, but I shall always remember how helpful he was to me when I arrived from Australia in 1993 to succeed him as Professor at UCD. At first I was quite bewildered by many aspects of UCD and Ireland, and for the first few years we used to have lunch together a few times a year, when he explained so much about UCD and about Ireland. Of course, by then he was Parish Priest of the Church of the Miraculous Medal, Bird Avenue, Clonskeagh. He told me that, actually, his ambition had only ever been to become a Parish Priest. But, he related rather humorously, when he returned from training in Rome, he was ordered by John Charles McQuaid to become a sociologist. "There are three good countries for sociology", announced John Charles, "America, Germany or Britain. Do you speak German?". "No", replied Conor, "but I speak fluent Italian." "Italy's no good for sociology", came the reply. So Conor, having already been away from Ireland for so long, opted for the nearest alternative, Liverpool, where he studied under Tom (latter Lord) Simey, and came back with a PhD instead of the MA that was first planned.

Conor was a good man. RIP.

Emer, Dermot and family
Our sincere condolences to you all on the death of Emer’s dear brother Conor
May he Rest in Peace

The Flavin family extend their deepest condolences to the extended Ward family on the death odf Mgr Conor. It was a privilege to have known Fr Conor, as we always called him, as parishioners and friends. He was one of life's true gentlemen and we were fortunate to have travelled with him on parish pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to follow him in the footsteps of St Paul. He was a truly humble yet erudite man with whom I was privileged to serve on the pastoral council of St Brigid's parish. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

Please accept our deepest sympathy to the Ward family on the loss of Monsignor Ward. May he rest in Peace.

Emer, Dermot and extended family sincere sympathy on the passing of Conor. Your are in out thoughts and prayers