Passing of Mayo priest is widely mourned

THE death has taken place of Very Reverend Canon James Kelly, retired AP of Tooreen, Ballyhaunis, and formerly of The Octagon, Westport.

In late-80s, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1955.

Predeceased by his parents James and Molly, his brothers Peter (Canada) and John (Westport), he is survived his brother Fr. Patrick (SPS, Drogheda), nieces Marie (U.S.A.), Eileen (Dublin), Jane (London) and Susan (Westport), his nephew James (Westport), his grace Archbishop Michael Neary and the priests of the Archdiocese of Tuam, his former parishioners and many friends, to whom sympathy is extended.

May he rest in peace.

Funeral Mass takes place in St. Mary's Church, Tooreen, Ballyhaunis, on Friday at 12 midday followed by burial in the Church Grounds.

Due to HSE and government guidelines Canon Kelly's funeral will be confined to family members only.

It will be livestreamed through our website on the following link:

http://www.gavinsfuneralhome.com

A tribute to the deceased by the Tuam Archdiocese stated: "Keep in your prayers please remember Canon James Kelly, Tooreen.

"Canon James was a native of the Octagon in Westport, part of a widely respected business family.

"He was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Tuam in Maynooth in 1955, and ministered faithfully in the Archdiocese for many years including Errew, Headford, where he taught in the secondary school, and Dunmore.

"He was both curate and Parish Priest in Achill. He was appointed as Parish Priest in Caherlistrane, from where he retired in 1997, he was subsequently appointed as Assistant Priest in Tooreen.

"Canon James was widely respected and greatly loved. Requiescat in pace."