Passing of Fr. Paddy Gilligan

THE death has occurred this morning of Fr. Paddy Gilligan, following an illness.

The popular cleric served in a number of parishes in the Tuam Archdiocese, including Castlebar, Claremorris, Achill and more recently in Cong.

He retired as Parish Priest of Cong a year ago, returning to Castlebar.

Fr. Paddy was a native of Ballintubber and was a member of the Ballintubber Abbey Trust.

He was held in great affection and high regard in all the parishes where he served with dedication and compassion.

His remains will arrive at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for Mass at 12 noon on Thursday with the funeral proceeding to Ballintubber Cemetery. In line with government health guidelines, the funeral is private.

The funeral Mass can be viewed on the Castlebar parish webcam on http://www.castlebarparish.ie/webcam/ or listened to on Castlebar parish radio channel 105.3fm.