Tapestry honouring martyred priest Fr Paddy Reilly visits his native Drumraney

By Mairead O'Brien

The 75th anniversary of the martyrdom of Drumraney native Fr Paddy Reilly was marked in his home parish recently, with the visit of a tapestry.

Fr Reilly is one of seven Columban priests murdered during the Korean War (1950–1953) who were honoured in the evocative tapestry commissioned by Jacqueline, née Creaven d'Towey, a relative of Fr Frank Canavan, one of the martyrs.

After a blessing at Headford Church, Co. Galway, the tapestry, Woven into Memory, began a journey to the home parishes of several of the martyrs. Last Sunday, it was warmly received in Drumraney by relatives of Fr Paddy Reilly, another of the Columban Martyrs. There, Fr Michael Kelly O. Carm. celebrated Mass in honour of Fr Paddy, his first cousin.

Paddy, the son of Thomas Reilly and Alice Moran, was born in Drumraney in 1915. He received his early education at the local National School and later attended St Finian’s College in Mullingar. After completing his studies, he joined the Columban Fathers and, in 1940, was ordained priest in Dalgan, Co. Mayo.

Due to travel restrictions during World War II, he was unable to begin his missionary work in Korea.

Instead, he carried out pastoral work in the Diocese of Clifton, England, until 1946. In 1947, he was finally assigned to Korea, where he took on the responsibility of the new parish of Mukho, a harbour town on the east coast of South Korea. There, he purchased a house and began converting it into a church.

After World War II, tensions between Russia-backed North Korea and West-backed South Korea constantly smouldered. On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People’s Army launched a blitzkrieg attack on South Korea. Alarmed by the escalating conflict, Fr Paddy began the 24-kilometre journey to Sam-chok to consult with his fellow Columban, Fr Jim Maginn. However, for whatever reason, he turned back halfway. Fr Maginn was tragically executed over a week later by the Communists.

By June 27, North Korean forces had reached Mukho. Despite intensifying anti-Catholic persecution, Fr Paddy refused to leave, stating, “A pastor cannot desert his flock.” His congregation of twenty-five parishioners escaped, leaving him with only his cook.

With no one left to serve, and learning that there were Catholic refugees in Manu-dong, he sought shelter there in the home of his catechist, Francis Nam, where he remained hidden for nearly four weeks. Once, he celebrated Mass and heard confessions, but, for fear of endangering fellow-Catholics, he did not do so again.

Meanwhile, the Communists were anxious to get possession of Fr Paddy’s clothes, food supplies, and any weapons he might possess. In an effort to divert attention from the search for Fr Reilly, Francis Nam confessed to having some of the priest’s belongings and delivered them to enemy headquarters. He was then escorted home under guard.

Some days later, North Korean soldiers searched Nam’s house. Fr. Paddy was discovered, beaten and tied up. Before being taken away, he protested to his captors: "I have done nothing to harm you, nor has my country done anything against yours or any other Communist country. Loosen these ropes! I will not flee. There is nowhere for me to escape to." The soldiers untied him and brought him to Mukho station.

Nam was also arrested and taken to Mukho, where Fr Paddy pleaded for his catechist’s life. His efforts were successful, and Nam was eventually released.

What happened next is uncertain, but it is believed that Fr Paddy was being force-marched to Gangneung. Weakened and unable to continue, he was summarily executed. While his chalice was stolen, his cherished wooden crucifix - an ordination gift from his parents - was untouched and subsequently returned to Drumraney. His remains were later recovered and interred in the grounds of the Cathedral in Chuncheon.

In 2014, Fr. Paddy, along with six confrères, was declared a Servant of God —a title granted to individuals at the first stage of canonisation.

Fr Paddy Reilly is commemorated in the Woven into Memory tapestry, a handcrafted work measuring over 1.5 metres by 1 metre. It was designed and created over a six-month period by visual artist Frances Crowe, who is based in Tulsk, Co. Roscommon. On the left side, Frances features a depiction of Korea, with a bamboo border and a smattering of pink flowers. These are the Mugunghwa, or Hibiscus Syriacus—commonly known as the Rose of Sharon - and Korea’s national flower.

The Celtic cross on the right symbolises Ireland as the Island of Saints and Scholars. Across the top is a representation of the infamous Tiger Death March, which Fr Canavan endured, though he died shortly afterwards. Frances highlights its more human aspect, with individuals supporting others who were struggling.

The tapestry will be displayed at the Korea Festival 2025, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea at Farmleigh House and Estate in The Phoenix Park, on August 31.

In December, Jacqueline will present this exquisite piece of needlecraft to the people of South Korea via the Irish Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with the Columban Missionary Fathers, also based in Seoul.