Tributes across West Offaly to late former curate

Warm tributes have been paid to a former Offaly curate, much admired across West Offaly.

The Very Reverend Michael Campbell, P P. of Abbeylara, Co. Longford, and formerly of Cloonohill, Drumlish, Co. Longford, died on Friday, August 30, peacefully surrounded by his family at Drumderrig House Nursing Home, Boyle.

Fr Campbell had previously been a curate in the Ferbane parish and was the first chairman of the Ferbane/Belmont Minor Club in 1988.

The club said it was deeply saddened to hear of his passing and paid tribute to his work leading the club through its formative years with great success.

“We are eternally grateful for the work he and others did to promote underage Football and Hurling in our parish. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

The late Fr Campbell also held key roles in both Ferbane GAA and Belmont GAA clubs.

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary-Anne, sister Anna-Margaret and his brother Joe, the late Fr Campbell is deeply regretted by his brother J.P (Gortletteragh) and Raymond (Bornacoola) sisters-in-law Josephine, Martina and Ann (Tooman), nephews, niece, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, his Bishop Paul Connell, Bishop Emeritus Colm O’ Reilly and Priests and Religious of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois and the people of Abbeylara parish.

Fr. Michael was also formerly a curate in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Removal on Tuesday evening from residence at Cloonohill, Drumlish, leaving at 5.40pm to St. Bernards Church, Abbeylara for prayers at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in local cemetery. Donations if desired to Parkinsons Association of Ireland.