On behalf of Maeve, Kay, Brenda and myself Peter, and our children, Seán, Ann and Deirdre of the O’Leary Family, I wish to thank sincerely everyone for their Mass Cards, their condolences, letters and messages of sympathy, phone calls, emails, floral tributes, etc., on the sad death of our beloved John. Our sincere thanks to the Priests and People of Ardee/Collon Parish for all their support.

Grateful thanks to the people and children who lined the footpaths from Moorehall to the Church on the day of his funeral. Your tribute was especially touching.

John was very special to all of us and his passing will leave a huge gap in all our lives.

He gave of himself to all parishioners in his priestly ministry, in Armagh diocese, in Lagos (Nigeria), in Berkeley (California) and in Brooklyn, (New York).

He bore his illness with great bravery over many years and never let the illness interfere with his relationships.

He was very caring with everybody he met. He had a special place in his heart for people who felt isolated or alone or felt they didn’t belong.

His devotion to his Church was total. He loved saying Mass, doing baptisms, weddings, funerals, and all the other functions of his priestly ministry, as he knew the comfort and encouragement they brought to people.

As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered up for your intentions, when the Covid restrictions are relaxed, and all will again be able to attend at the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Ardee.

O Lord, support us all the day long,
until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes,
and the busy world lies hushed,
and the fever of life is over,
and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in thy great mercy
grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest,
and peace at the last.

Cardinal Newman

Please note that details of John’s Month’s Mind Mass are outlined in the “Month’s Mind” tab in RIP.IE.