Curran, Patrick
July 10, 2008
The Late Patrick Curran
Many tributes have been paid to popular Headford - born priest Canon Patrick Curran, PP, Castlebar who passed away suddenly at his home in Castlebar last week.
Cannon Curran was a native of Deerpark, Headford and he was a talented footballer in his younger days who was selected on various Galway teams.
Prior to moving to Castlebar in 1982, his long association with his native North Galway area was strengthened when he made new friends during two stints
as a curate in Belclare, from 1968 to 1970 and from 1976 to 1982.
In his homily at the funeral Mass for Fr Curran in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar on Saturday Archbishop Michael Neary paid tribute to the work of
the Headford - born priest over the years.
The Archbishop welcomed Canon Paddy's family, his seven brothers and sister, his nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and the extended family.
He also welcomed his pastoral family in Castlebar and Archbishop Joseph Cassidy and Bishop Christy Jones of Elphin as well as other priests and the Ordination
class of 1962.
The Archbishop, in his homily, traced the high points of the career of Canon Curran from the time of his ordination in Tuam in the earlys 1960's.
"On June 17, 1962 three young men were ordained for the Arch-diocese of Tuam. Dermot Maloney from tuam, Noel Lyons from Ballyhaunis and Paddy Curran
from Headford. At ordination God invited him to remain with the Lord in ministering to the people of God. Prayer and a close relationship with Jesus Christ
underpinned his whole priesthood. He would be seen at prayer here in the Church for lengthy periods before and after Mass.
'I first came into contact with him when I was a young student in St. Jarlath's College to which Fr Paddy was appointed after his ordination.
There he enjoyed a great relationship with the students, while at the same time, maintained discipline in a firm but very fair manner.
'He was a graet footballer and would give as good as he got. In later years he became an accomplished golfer and enjoyed the social occasions with his fellow
priests.
"In 1963 he became Administrator of Clare Island foe five years. From 1968 to 1970 he ministered in Belclare outside Tuam. It was a time when the
haemorrhage of emigration was leaving communities lifeless in the West.
"Many of those emigrating at the time were ill-prepared. Some were not streetwise; poorly educated, many were very vulnerable. These were very close to
Paddy's heart. Accordingly, he volunteered to work as an Emigrant Chaplain with our exiles in England, particularly in the London area and Scunthorpe.
His manly, courageous, understanding and exuberant approach resulted in his doing great work among them; providing them with a sense of their own dignity,
helping them to cope with loneliness and enabling them to integrate.
"In 1976 he returned to Belclare and ministered there until 1982. He became involved in group water schemes and other projects which had a transforming
effect on the rural community.
"In 1982 he was transferred to Castlebar and became Parish Priest ten years later. Energetic and enthusiastic, he communicated a totally positive approach.
He had no time for negativity or for the analytical hurler on the ditch. Recognising that there was work to be done, he was very focused and never allowed
personality issues to distract attention from the goal.
"Canon Paddy encouraged people to take initiatives and supported them in doing so. His style of leadership promoted experimentaton and had very positive
results in great participation of the laity in areas of Pastoral Councils, Baptismal Teams and Childrens' Liturgies.
In his relationship with people he was always personable, supportive and encouraging. His easy manner ensured that priests were happy to discuss situations
with him in a confidential manner, contributing to the efficient running of the parish.
He was acutely aware of the social implications of the gospel he preahed and set about addressing situations of deprivation.
"Acknowledging the great work being done by various apostolic groups like the Legion of Mary and the Society of St Vincent de Paul, he provided every support for them. In conjunction with the latter he was in the process of providing a centre for youth in the Castlebar parish.
"He enjoyed very good ecumenical relations with members of the Church of Ireland and generously supported the restoration of their Church.
"In so many ways tose who knew him, priests and lay people, regarded him as indestructible. The powerful strong voice communicated an energy and enthusiasm that was contagious. When illness struck he carried his cross bravely, with the courage and dignity that characterised his whole life" said the Archbishop.
He added that it was fitting that the ceremony should conclude with the prayer of John Henry Newman which was very dear to Canon Paddy's heart. 'O Lord, support us all the day long, 'til the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed and the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then Lord in your mercy grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at last.'
Courtesy of Tuam Herald 10th July 2008
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