Mayo island community mourns beloved priest
THE community of Inishturk is mourning the passing of much beloved Fr. Declan Deasy.
From his first visit in the late 1950s, Fr. Deasy established firm friendships and bonds with the island, leaving a wonderful legacy that will endure.
Fr. Deasy, O.S.A., Galway City, and Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, died peacefully on September 24, at the age of 94, in the 69th year of his priesthood.
He will be laid to rest on Inishturk on Monday.
A warm tribute was paid to him on the Inishturk Island Facebook page.
It stated: We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend and devoted priest, Fr. Deasy.
Fr. Deasy first travelled to Inishturk in 1957 and has been a welcome and much-cherished part of our community ever since, holidaying here every summer and celebrating Mass during his many visits. He was held in the highest regard and was embraced by young and old alike.
A modest and unassuming man, he was as interesting as he was witty, highly intelligent, and so well read and travelled, but with a glint in his eye for a giggle or two when the opportunity presented itself.
His Mass ceremonies were as educational as they were sacramental, and often required an answer or two from the congregation, the teacher always at the fore.
Fr. Deasy was one of all; from the most devout to those who celebrated their religion and faith in their own way, he found common ground with everyone and instantly made you feel at ease. A man who became part of our identity and our culture, and with whom we celebrated the highest highs and the lowest lows, a voice of comfort, one so familiar and easy.
A photographer and a gardener, his pictures made their way to every home with a brief description and date of the moment captured in his distinctive penmanship. His plants adorn the island gardens and churchyard, a piece of him and his passions that we will refer to and enjoy forevermore.
Our religious celebrations, be they Easter or Christmas, will never be the same, as the association of those times with him will be a reminder of his absence, but we will continue to celebrate the spiritual presence of a man who gave us so much, with generosity and selflessness. Our lives were all the richer for having had him with us, and what an honour and privilege it was to share so many wonderful memories. He was one of our own.
The islanders who have gone before him will meet him with open arms and the warmest of welcomes. While their gain is immeasurable, it is most certainly our loss.
May the angels surround him, and may he rest in the heavenly arms of our Lord forever. His earthly devotion is now done.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.