Nallen, Fr. James
June 30, 2007
Very Rev. Fr James Canon Nallen, Mullenmore North, Crossmolina, who passed peacefully to his eternal reward on June 17th, was a highly regarded educationalist who was a noted footballer and athlete in his youth.
Coming from a family with a strong tradition in sport, Fr Nallen represented both club and county at various levels. He was a member of the Mayo Junior team that won the All-Ireland in 1957 and he also won a number of county titles with Deel Rovers. A fine all-round track and field athlete in his youth, he was regularly among the medal winners.
A keen salmon angler, he liked nothing better than to spend his leisure time fishing on his beloved Lough Conn. He also had a great love of the land and being able to walk the fields around his home place when his health began to fail in recent times brought his great comfort.
Fr. Nallen was educated at Crossmolina National School, St Muredach's College, and St Patrick's College, Maynooth. Following his ordination in June, 1958, he was appointed Emigrant Chaplain to England where he took great satisfaction working among the large exile population of those years, many of whom were his own friends and neighbours from North Mayo.
Returning to Ireland, he took up the post of Dan of St. Muredach's College in 1960 and, over the next twenty years, he became one of the school's finest teachers. He will be fondly remembered by former students who attended his maths and geography classes.
Not surprisingly, Fr Nallen played a pivotal role in training St Muredach's College football teams during the Sixties and Seventies and his love of amateur drama came to the fore when he directed many of the college's annual concerts and drama productions.
In 1983, he retired from teaching and moved to Ardagh as Parish Priest where he remained until his retirement in 1996.
He was laid to rest in Ardagh Church graveyard following concelebrated mass.
Fr Nallen is survived by his brothers; Mick, (Crossmolina), and John, (Cavan); nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May his soul rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Western People. 2 October, 2007.
Most Read Stories