The parishioners of Moycullen Parish realised for a long time that their Parish Priest, Very Rev. Canon Sean Foy, was not very well, but there was a huge sense of sadness in the wider community, when the popular priest passed away at the Parochial House in Moycullen. He served in several parishes, both at home and overseas during his time in the priesthood and performed much good work. Sean Foy was a native of County Mayo but his family later moved to Galway and to Salthill. He attended primary school at Scoil Fhursa and later moved on to St. Mary's Diocesan College in the city, before going to Maynooth College in September 1952, to study for the priesthood. Following his Ordination, he taught or some time in Colaiste Einde in Salthill, before moving to Gaeltacht Chonamara to serve in Camus for two years. There he developed a fine interest in the Irish language and culture. Afterwards, he experienced a great cultural change, when he went to work with many Irish emigrants in London and spent four years performing very important mission work at a time when many Irish emigrants were going to the cities in England and the economic situation at home was anything but good. He worked there with the then Fr. Eamon Casey, later to be Bishop of Kerry and then Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. They remained very close friends over the years. Following this important period in the 1960's, Fr. Foy returned to Galway city and he ministered for some eight years in Galway city, with the late Very Rev. Canon Padraig O Laoi in St. Patrick's Parish. This marked a period of much change in the city on the Corrib, which he loved. This was followed by a further five years in Salthill, where he had very many friends and acquaintances. In this context the Dunleavy family of the Sacre Coeur Hotel come immediately to mind. Fr. Sean met many of the people visiting the resort from all parts of the country and abroad. He took an avid interest in sporting activities, was a loyal supporter of Mayo and Galway teams, and was especially associated with Fr. Griffin's G.A.A. Club during a period of great success for the renowned city club. He often took the field with the club and he always stated that he fondly remembered the great contests with Moycullen, where he was later to be Parish Priest for the past eleven years. He played minor hurling at inter-county level; and he recalled his meeting with Kilkenny stalwart, Paddy Buggy of Sliabh Rua, the former Uachtaran of An Cumann Luth-Chleas Gael. Sean Foy has many tales of his sporting days and of the characters he encountered. A big strong man, he won several shot putt and javelin contests throughout the province, when parish sports were regular. He loved the game of golf and played on very many courses over the years. Sean Foy was also a noted card player and in recent years regularly attended the weekly games in Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen on each Monday evening. His friends will also miss him from these friendly sessions. Over the past eleven years, he had contributed much to Moycullen Parish, was actively involved in all parish initiatives and of course, he witnessed huge changes. Fr. Sean came to Moycullen Parish, having spent the previous five years in Liscannor, County Clare, and had a deep love for the Moycullen-Lough Corrib district and the people-"the salt of the earth", he would say- He was a fine conversationalist on a wide variety of topics and could regularly be observed engaging people along the roads and boreens of the sprawling parish. Fr. Sean celebrated Mass each Christmas in Arus Uilinn for the Senior Citizens Party and was remembered fondly at this week's Senior Citizens get together in the parish. Very many visited Moycullen Parochial House throughout Wednesday to pay their respects and also for the removal of the remains to the nearby Church of the Immaculate Conception. He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery following the celebration of Solemn Requiem Mass at noon on Thursday. The ceremonies were led by Bishop of Galway, Most Rev. Dr. James McLoughlin and a large assembly of priests from all parishes in the Diocese and from other Dioceses. People came to Moycullen from long distances over the two days to pay their final respects to a much loved priest. All sections of society were represented and all had their memories of the priest, who was affectionately known to many as "Seaneen Foy". His passing will leave a great void in the lives of very many people. Somehow, Moycullen will not be the same without him. He experienced health difficulties in his life over the years but he always displayed courage, determination and great faith. It was appropriate that he returned home for his last days in Moycullen. Even in difficult times for him he kept his sense of humour and a smile and always felt that many others were worse off. He gave a lifetime of commitment to the priesthood and the people of many parishes. Fr. Sean Foy will not be forgotton by all those whom he assisted and came in contact with. Sympathy goes to the Bishop and all the priests of the Diocese, and, to his immediate family, his brother Brod (Templeogue), sisters Maureen Dwyer (Manchester), Emma (Killiney) and Brede (Rathgar), other relatives and a very wide circle of friends. To all, he will be remembered as a caring and understanding person, who gave of his best in all situations. Leaba i measc na Naomh aige, Sagart croga, diograsach ar lar agus iothlann maith, follan bainte aige, as a shaothar thar na blianta. Seamus O Gabhain Maigh Cuilinn Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune July 2002 Tweet

Most Read Stories