Very Rev. Martin Canon Downey, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish

Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the Downey and extended family on the very sad loss of Fr. Martin. He is already greatly missed every day by the local community. I knew him for more than 20 years and he was always full of craic and chat and was so kind to children. May he Rest in Peace.
Elaine & Eoin, Presentation Road

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Fr. Martin. He was such a gentleman and always so kind to everyone, especially our uncle Lal, which meant so much to our family. Sincere condolences to Brendan, Lorna, PJ and Helen and all the Downey family. May he rest in peace.

We offer sincere condolence to Brendan,PJ, Helen,Lorna,the Downey family,to the Bishop and Priests of the diocese. . .. Fr Martin was a treasured friend of our family for well over 50yrs. We will always cherish fond memories of his visits,which very often went late into the night. He will be greatly missed. Fr.Martin rest now in the peace and happiness of your eternal home .

He was a kind and gentle man. May he rest in peace. Sincere sympathy to the Downey family.

Deepest sympathy to Fr Martin's brothers and the extended Downey family. It has taken me a while to put up this condolence because what does one say that hasn't already been said about this truly wonderful, kind hearted, empowering man? I had the privilege of knowing Fr.Downey through my years of singing in St.Joseph's. After my husband and I got married in St.Joseph's and I was then no longer a parishioner there, he still baptised three of our four children. Unfortunately he was too ill and passed away before he got the chance to meet, bless and baptise our fourth child. However, I am sure he will be looking down upon them on the day of their Baptism. No matter how busy he was Fr.Downey always had time for a chat and he was a great listener. He never turned anyone away. Even when you weren't quite feeling yourself, you always felt much better after leaving his presence. Anyone who knew him had the privilege of doing so. He was a walking Saint and is in my opinion deserving of Sainthood. Heaven has gained what St.Joseph's has lost. A truly remarkable man. He will be sadly missed by all. There will forever be a void in St.Joseph's without him. Rest your gently soul and rest in peace Fr.Downey, until we meet again 🙏🏻 🌹. Helena (nee Kelly) & Gerard Costello, Fermoyle, Costelloe PO, Co.Galway

We extend sincere sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of the late Canon Martin. We got to know him very well through our visits to Bushy Park, where we had several very enjoyable get-togethers in the McDermott household. His unreal kindness towards Joe McDermott of Drum East during Joe's illness, and towards Joe's wife, Marian following Joe's passing, showed clearly Canon Martin's true Christian values. He will be greatly missed by so many people. RIP Canon Martin.

Deepest sympathy to Fr Martin's brothers and the extended Downey family. Also to the Bishop of Galway and his parish and community colleagues and his beloved parishiners. I remember Fr Downey visiting my late grandmother back in the 80s and they had such crack together. A fantastic priest and a wonderful human being. He celebrated my grandmothers funeral mass in 2001 and more recently my mother Nuala's (March 2022) in St Josephs. I wont ever forget either mass. They were deeply personal to them and he really 'got' their personality and spirit. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude. He will be sorely missed but may he rest in eternal peace. RIP

Sincere sympathy to the Downey families and to all the friends of Martin...I've known him for over 50 years and a regular visitor to his house up to 2 weeks before the end...a great friend...we always enjoyed his speciality the KILTARTAN coffee!!!

Deepest sympathy to Brendan, Pat and extended Downey family on the sad passing of Canon Martin. May he rest in peace

We wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Very Rev. Martin Canon Downey. May he Rest In Peace.

Deepest condolences to Brendan Pat & the Downey family on the loss of Cannon Martin. Martin was an exceptional inspirinational human being. He had a deep understanding of life & the human person. He dealt with all that life threw at him with courage and dignity. I had the honour of his support and friendship both at Scoil Fhursa but also personally . He enriched my life in many ways but especially with our many conversations over Bailey’s coffee at his home. The passing of Martin has left a huge void in our lives but it was an honour and privilege to have known him . Beidh sé deacair a bhróga a líonadh.
Táim cinnte go bhfuil leaba i measc na Naomh aige cheanna féin. Rest easy Marin.. job well done..

Bríd Ní Neachtain. Bushy Park.

Comhbhrón ó chroí le Brendan Pat & clann an Canonach Martin ar a bhás. Aireoidh pobal Scoil Fhursa go mór uainn an tAthair Downey. D’fhág Martin rian a chuid creideamh agus lorg mór a phearsantacht orainn uilig. Bhí grá as cuimse aige dá phobal ach go háirithe na páistí. Chaith Martin os cionn 20 bliain ar Bhord Bainistíochta Scoil Fhursa áit a thug sé críonacht, tacaíocht agus spraoi.. Bhí an deá-fhocal ar a bhéal aige i gconaí. Naomh ar talamh a bhí ann ..
Deepest condolences to Brendan, Pat and the entire Downey family. Also to Bishop Michael, Fr. Frank, Fr. Richard and to the communities of Bushy Park and St. Joseph’s Parish on the loss of a wonderful Priest & human being Canon Martin Downey. The Scoil Fhursa community will miss Martin so much and we are indebted to him for his wonderful amazing ministry & service to us for over 25 years. Martin left his mark on us all through his wonderful ministry and through his lovely personality. His gentleness & kindness to all was his stronger attributes. He showed great love to his people but especially to the children. He had a lovely simple way of administering God’s word at mass & at school that the children understood. Cannon Martin spent over 20 years on Scoil Fhursa’s Board of Management. He brought great support wisdom & laughter to us and for that we are grateful. His positive nature brought great light. Our lives are richer because of Martin and his time with us. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Scoil Fhursa

Lorna, Susan, Gillian, Downey & Broderick families, sincere sympathy on the passing of Fr. Martin - a very caring and genuine person. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Sincere sympathy to the Downey family on the death of Fr Martin. He was a good and faithful servant of God. He gave 50 years of unwavering service to the church and its people wherever he went. May he be rewarded for his goodness and kindness to all. May he rest in peace after a life well lived.

It is clear The Very Rev. Fr. Martin Canon Downey was not only a dedicated priest but a man of great kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength.

His golden jubilee was a beautiful testament to a life lived in service, and Bishop Duignan’s words — calling him a “caring pastor and good friend to so many”. The The Very Rev. Fr. Martin’s Canon Downey's deep faith, his love for people, and his gentle spirit will undoubtedly be remembered always.

It is clear he had a way of making others feel seen, heard, and supported — in times of sorrow, as well as in celebratory moments. He gave his life fully to his calling, and in doing so, left an indelible mark on the Church and on the community he so faithfully served.

May he rest now in the arms of Jesus and in peace he so generously offered to others.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

The Griffins were very sorry to hear of Fr. Martin's death. He was a knd and gentle man. Our family are grateful for his help and support.

Our deepest sympathies to the Downey family on their sad loss. Fr. Martin was a wonderfully inclusive & engaging gentleman, invariably good humoured and empathetic. He will be sorely missed.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

My sympathies to all the Downey family on the sad passing of Canon Martin RIP

My mother Margaret Connaire RIP Knockash was his cousin .

Sincere condolences to the extended Downey family, the bishop and priests of the Galway Diocese and the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Parish, Presentation Road, Galway, on the passing of a fantastic priest - Fr. Martin Downey. He was bestowed with boundless gifts and shared them selflessly, striving always for goodness, kindness and compassion. One felt a better person just by being in his presence. The dozens of online tributes to Fr. Martin are testament to his deep religious faith, his service to the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Parish, his empathy and kindness and his commitment to spreading the word of God. Even one lady highlighted her husband’s bookshop and Fr. Martin’s custom there. I was deeply saddened to learn of Fr. Martin’s passing as I had expected that he would be ministering to the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Parish for some years in the future. Fr. Martin never sought the limelight or adulation, but his quite friendly disposition, excellent communication skills and commitment to his priestly duties endeared him to the people of Galway and beyond. God has called home a true and faithful servant to his eternal reward. The busy Parish of St. Joseph’s, Presentation Road, Galway is hushed, Martin’s fever for life is over, and his work is well done. May he rest in eternal peace and rise again in God’s glory.

I was very saddened to hear of Fr. Martin’s passing and I wish to express my sincerest condolences to his family, many friends and parishioners.
I’ve known Fr. Martin since 1977 when we sat in Archaeology and Classical Civilisation lectures. We became friends and had met often over the passing years. He was a fantastic customer of my husband’s bookshop, (Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop) and indeed encouraged the many benefits of reading from the pulpit. Martin christened our daughter Hannah in 1999 in the tiny church in UCGH when he was the priest there. He also had a deep connection with my brother who met Martin through his missionary work.
Fr. Martin was a very great person and throughout his life made many friends and had parishioners who adored him. He had compassion and empathy for all who entered his life. May He Rest In Peace.

We offer our sincere condolences to the Downey family and are deeply saddened by Martin’s passing.

Martin was a rarity; a calm, caring, compassionate, selfless, dedicated and inspiring vocationalist. Touching the lives of so many in his 50 years of service both at home and overseas.

I will always cherish fond memories of Martin; he and Fr Frank stayed with us in the UK in 1983. I recall our conversations about Roman poetry and translated Latin together. We were also privileged to have him preside over our wedding in 2008 and, more recently, my parents’ memorial mass. Hugely supportive to us when my parents passed away during Covid.

We will miss Martin enormously.

Rest in Peace.

We offer our sincere condolences to the Downey family.

Deeply saddened to hear of Martin’s passing. Martin was a selfless, compassionate, caring, dedicated vocationalist, never ceasing to serve others. He has touched the lives of many over years of service in Ireland and overseas.

I will always cherish my fond memories of Martin; we were privileged to have him preside over our wedding in 2008 and, more recently, my parents’ memorial service. A truly inspirational individual.

We will miss him enormously.

Rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to all of the Downey family on the sad passing of Fr Downey. He was always a very welcome visitor to Fiddane. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Just heard about Martin. So sorry to hear such sad news, and I offer my condolences to Martin's family and friends. We soldiered together for a while in Malawi where he was a great man for the news and fantastic company. A man with his heart firmly fixed in the right place.Pitani bwino Bambo Martin.

Just heard sad news that Fr Martin has died, sincere condolences to his family (of whom he spoke often) and Fr Frank and Bishop Brendan. Many's the concert we attended in St Joseph's over the years, a great man to support his parish. His life was a blessing, may he enjoy his eternal reward.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a kind and gentle soul. Martin touched the lives of so many with his warmth, generosity, and quiet strength. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him. May you find comfort in knowing how loved and respected he was, and may his spirit continue to live on in the kindness he shared with the world. May he rest in eternal Peace.

My sincere sympathy to Canon Martin’s beloved family & friends. I have treasured memories of him throughout the years. God grant him the glory of Heaven.

Sincere sympathy to the Downey family on the sad passing of Canon Martin . May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to the Downey family on the sad passing of Canon Martin. A true gentleman.
May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy and prayers to the Downey family and extended families on the sad loss of Fr. Downey.

Sincere condolences to the Downey family on the sad passing of Canon Martin may he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to the Downey family on the sad passing of Canon Martin. May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy &prayers to the Downey family and extended families on the very sad loss of Fr. Martin.
Go raibh leaba i measc na Naomh aige.

Sincere sympathies to the Downey family on the passing of Canon Martin . Fr. Downey married us in 2019 and was so good to us before, during and after the wedding . We are very grateful to have had him in our lives . RIP

Our heartfelt sympathy to all the Downey family and to Fr. Frank Larkin and all the clergy of the diocese and the Presentation Sisters, on the sad death of Fr. Martin. He was a true and faithful shepherd to us all and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Sincere Sympathy to the Downey family on the passing of your beloved Canon Martin.
A great listener & a wonderful Pastor.
Lovely memories of him in Merlin Park.
May he Rest in Peace 🙏

Sincere sympathy to all of the Downey family on the sad passing of Martin Canon Downey.May he rest in peace

Sincere condolences to the Downey family,cousins and friends on Cannon Martin's passing. May he rest in peace 🙏🙏

So sorry to hear this sad news and sincere condolences to Canon Martins family and friends. He had a very special way about him and was loved by everyone. May he rest in peace .

Our sincere condolences to the Downey family, we had the pleasure to meet Fr Martin in Galway and Dublin.
We will always have fond memories of his chats which were filled with not only intellect, but with plenty of wit and humour. May he rest in peace. Jean, David, Grace & Evan

Sending sincere condolences to the family and friends of Fr Downey. He was such a kind man, part of many masses for us as a family. A true gentleman. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Brendan , Pat and the extended Downey family on the passing of Canon Martin . May he rest in peace . Leaba i measc na Naomh dó .

Deepest Sympathy to the Relatives of Fr Martin
A Beautiful Person and a Real Pastor.
Remember His Time in Malawi .

To all of Rev. Fr. Downey's family, relatives, and friends, Please accept my most Sincere Sympathy on the death of FR. Martin A lovely Priest, May his gentle soul rest in peace.

We were truly saddened to learn of Fr Martin's passing. To Brendan, Pat & their familes we send our heartfelt sympathies. To the Presentation Sisters & fellow priests we extend our sincere sympathies. Fr Martin was a gentle caring soul who touched all our lives in different ways and was a true apostle. He lived and loved his faith and wanted to share it with everyone he met. Now the time has come for him to reap his reward in Heaven, a true good and faithful servant. Rest in peace until we meet again.

Our deepest sympathy to Very Reverend Martin's family, friends & St Josephs Parishoners on this very sad occasion. Martin was instrumental, along with the Management Committee of St Josephs Community Centre in helping our club to develop & grow to become a fixture in the community & the wider city of Galway. We are eternally grateful and will always hold his memory in high esteem.

Father Downey you will be missed by lots. A gentleman and a kind person. May you Rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to the Downey family on Canon Martin’s passing. A true gentleman.May his soul Rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to the Downey family on the passing of Father Martin. I knew him many years ago when I lived in Presentation Road. He was a lovely man. May he rest in peace.

My. Sincere codolence to all the. Downey fanìly oñ the. Pas.sing. of
Ŕèv. Canon Downeý. ŔIP



Ĺoughrea. Rd Gort

Rest in peace Fr. Downey. Thank you for your kindness, especially with the children of SCI, your support and wonderful sense of humour. You will be so dearly missed by all but always remembered and cherished.
Deepest condolences to all your family at this very sad time.

My deepest condolences to Fr. Martins family on his death. I was sorry to hear of his passing. A gentleman always. I first met Fr. Martin when he visited Mary Joe Madden in the Nurseries and many times since. He always took a great interest in talking to us about gardening and nature in general. Of course he also had plenty to say when it came to discussing hurling and history. A knowledgeable man. May his soul rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to PJ and the Downey family on the sad passing of Fr Martin.
He was a gentleman and an excellent priest.
We all loved meeting him.
Rest in peace.
Gearoid Keating and family, Killarney, Co Kerry.

Sending our sincere sympathy to all the Downey family on the sad passing of your beloved & wonderful Rev Martin .He will be sadly missed by his many friends & family . .May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace. God Bless you all during this difficult time.🙏🙏.

Sincere sympathy to the Downey family on the sad passing of Canon Martin . May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to all the Downey family on the passing of Fr. Martin a true gentleman and a wonderful friend. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Deepest Sympathy to the Downey Family, and extended Family, on the sad passing Martin. May he Rest in Peace.

Sincere condolence to Martin’s family and friends on the passing of a wonderful man who enriched the lives of all those who had the good fortune of knowing him. I pray that God will give you strength, and fill your lives with the love and precious memories that you share at this very sad time. Martin was a very caring, compassionate and empathetic priest who cared deeply about the poor, the marginalised and dispossessed. Social justice was high on his agenda throughout his life. I first met Martin when he was a clerical student at St. Patrick’s College Maynooth, and had the good fortune of meeting on numerous occasions in Galway over the intervening years. He had an infectious smile and he was always in good humour. He never complained about his failing health and accepted it as God’s will. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aige.

Sincere Sympathy to the Downey family on the death of Canon Martin.
May he rest in peace.

Rest in Peace Fr. Martin and thanks for all you have done - you were a
true Priest of Jesus Christ with a heart of gold. Our sincere sympathy
to all the Downey family.