Shock at passing of popular former parish priest

The death has been announced of the former parish priest of Ss Peter and Paul's, Fr Martin Mulvaney.

Fr Mulvaney died suddenly over the weekend. He had served as parish priest of Ss Peter and Paul's in Athlone from July 2017 to August 2018.

His death has come as a shock to his former parishioners and to people across the Diocese of Elphin where he had served as a priest for almost 40 years.

His successor in Ss Peter and Paul's Fr John Deignan said: “There has been an outpouring of grief in the parish. People are in deep shock.”

Describing Fr Mulvaney as a light-hearted and jovial man, Fr Deignan said the people of Ss Peter and Paul's parish had fond memories of him.

In a tribute, the Diocese of Elphin said, Fr Mulvaney, who was a native of Sooey, Co. Sligo was a relatively young 65 years of age and walked on a daily basis to keep fit.

“We offer our sympathies to his sisters and brothers, to his parishioners in Rooskey and Kilglass and, of course to all his colleagues and friends among the priests and deacons of the Diocese.

Following his education at Summerhill College, Sligo, Martin went to St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained to the priesthood on 15th June 1980 at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

“Fr Martin’s ministry extended throughout the length and breadth of Co. Roscommon, beginning with a temporary appointment in Strokestown. During his forty years as a priest, he served in Breedogue, Kilmurray, Elphin, Roscommon Town, Croghan, and Athlone, before his most recent appointment to Rooskey in August 2018.

May he rest in peace.