Bishop confirms death of priest who was named Carlow Person of the Year

The death has been announced of Laois priest Monsignor Kevin (Caoimhín)  O'Neill by the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.

Bishop Denis Nulty said in a statement that was with "great regret" that he announce the death of Msgr. Caoimhín who died on Thursday, June 29.

A native of Trumera near Mountrath, he ordained in Mountrath on 15 June 1969. He taught in the Parish School in Edenderry from 1969-1972 while also ministering as CC in the parish.

In 1972 he was appointed to Carlow College, St. Patrick’s where he held many roles and served as President from 1994-2015. His many achievements in the College and elsewhere included being granted the Freedom of Carlow in 2006 and being named Carlow Person of the Year in 2009. He was also elevated to Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

"Many priests in Kildare & Leighlin and far beyond these Irish shores will be forever indebted to his guidance and support during their formation days. In 2015 he retired to Abbeyleix where he had an opportunity to pursue his great love of art and culture.

"He will be remembered as an accomplished artist, a scholarly poet, a raconteur but most of all as a faithful priest who served Kildare & Leighlin for 54 years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal," he concluded Bishop Nulty.

The deceased is a brother of Liam O'Neill who is a former President of the GAA.

His remains will be received at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix at 7pm Friday evening, June 30. Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11am Saturday, July 1 with burial afterwards in St Fintans Cemetery, Mountrath.