Birr parish in mourning following death of fr tony

Birr parish is mourning the passing of hugely popular former parish priest Fr Tony Cahir, who died in hospital yesterday, aged 75.

A native of Ennis, Fr Tony Cahir was a priest in the Diocese of Killaloe for 52 years.


He was dducated in St Flannan’s College, Ennis and the Pontifical Irish College in Rome where he was ordained in March 1963.


After ordination, he remained in Rome attending the Second Vatican Council until December. In January 1964 he was appointed to the Diocese of Dromore as Spiritual Director in St Colman’s College, Newry.


He returned to the Diocese of Killaloe in 1966 and was appointed to St Flannan’s College, Ennis. A year later he was appointed to teach in England, teaching for two years in secondary schools in London and Middlesex.

In 1969, he took a one year course in Catechetics at Corpus Christi College, London before returning to the Diocese of Killaloe in June 1970 whereupon he was appointed full time Chaplain to Roscrea Vocational School, Co Tipperary.


In July 1980 he was appointed curate in Roscrea and in September 1983 he volunteered for the first Killaloe Mission to Zimbabwe. He returned to Ireland in 1987 to become Curate in Nenagh and in July 1994, he was appointed Parish Priest of Crusheen, Co Clare.


Fr Tony was appointed Parish Priest of Birr, Offaly in 1999 where he quickly became a popular figure in the community. In August 2010 he retired as parish priest, continuing to serve as Assistant Priest regularly.


He was a hugely popular figure in the community and was known for his good humour and friendly manner, where he had a word and funny story for everyone.


His remains will reposes in St Brendan’s Church, Birr this Saturday, July 11 from 4pm to 7.15pm. Saturday vigil Mass takes place at 7.30 pm to be followed with Funeral Prayers after Mass. His funeral Mass takes place on Sunday at 3pm followed by burial in church grounds.