Roscrea bids farewell to Fr Lorcan

Popular priest’s outstanding sevice

On Friday, October 27, a Mass of celebration was held in St Cronan's Church, Roscrea, to say farewell and show appreciation to Fr Lorcan Kenny for the 26 years of outstanding service that he has given the parishes of Roscrea, Bournea and Kyle and Knock.

Fr Lorcan was the main celebrant and Mass was concelebrated by nine of Fr Lorcan’s colleagues and friends, some of whom had travelled long distances to attend this very special occasion.

James Gleeson, one of Lorcan’s first students, came forward at the beginning of the Mass to light a candle to represent all of the departing priest’s students over the 26 years.

The Mass was enhanced beautifully by Roscrea Youth Centre choir, the Church Choir led by Séamus Dyer and the Folk Group led by Margaret Moloney. Tadhg Maher and Sophie Rowland sang ‘A Mhuire Mhathair’ together beautifully and Mai Phelan played ‘The Bells of Shandon’ on the accordion. All the music was chosen by Fr Lorcan and each piece had very special meaning to him.

There were 27 white candles lighting across the front of the altar for the 27 of Lorcan’s students, who had sadly passed away. Fr Lorcan said he prays to them every day and he is asking them to pray that the school will get a new chaplain soon.

Pamela Landy, Chairperson of Roscrea Pastoral Council, welcomed everyone on the night and a special welcome was given to Lorcan’s family, his colleagues from Coláiste Phobal, both past and present, and Lorcan’s former students of all ages.

Lorcan spoke about his time in Roscrea as being half his life and he would always remember the people of Roscrea in his prayers.

Lorcan thanked everyone involved in organising the night with a special thanks to his friend, Anne-Marie Rowland.

In the 26 years of Fr Lorcan’s ministry, he has had a huge impact on countless numbers of young people through his job as Chaplain in Coláiste Phobal Roscrea. He treated every student with sensitivity and kindness, going above and beyond year after year to be there to support and help the students in every way possible.

GREAT INVOLVEMENT

Fr Lorcan has been involved with numerous organisations and projects in the community over the years. Roscrea Youth Centre has always been close to his heart and he will be hugely missed by the children and the committee. Lorcan has a great connection with Sr Mona and Sr Eileen Maher and the two girls Elizabeth and Christine. He has raised countless amounts of money for the Uganda mission through all the little things, such as no-uniform days, coppers for Sr Mona, singing Christmas carols, street collections, cake sales and the proceeds from his three books.

Fr Lorcan was thanked for all his work, prayers and friendship and for being a huge part of the story of Roscrea.

Fr John Molloy (PP) and Fr Tom Corbett (AP) presented Lorcan with a beautiful bog oak piece, carved by Para Havatitye, representing unconditional love being poured onto the nations of the world.

Fr Tom spoke with emotion about Lorcan’s warm personality and his willingness to always help those around him.

Fr Tom wished him every blessing in his new parish and said Roscrea’s loss is Portroe’s gain.

After Mass everyone was welcomed to Roscrea Youth Centre where Bernie Teehan had prepared a delicious array of cakes and sandwiches and teas, which were enjoyed by all.