Meagher, Fr. Michael
June 02, 2007
The late Fr MI Meagher
On May 19th, 2007, at the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles, Father MI Meagher, AP., was called to his eternal reward, following a short illness. Father Michael was one of the five sons of John Meagher and Annie McCarthy, Liscahill lodge, Thurles. As a youngster he had a great interest in Gaelic games, as his uncle Gus McCarthy, Fethard, was a member of the Tipperary senior football that won the All-Ireland of 1920, played in 1922 and was also a member of the Tipperary team that played Dublin on "Bloody Sunday".
He was educated at Thurles CBS and was goalie on the Harty Cup team. Following in the footsteps of his granduncles Fathers Jos and Michael Meagher, Laha, Castleiney, he entered St Patrick's College, Thurles, to study for the priesthood and was ordained at Maynooth on June 17th, 1951. Among his classmates was the retired Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell. He served on loan to the archdiocese of Dublin until 1955 when he became chaplain to the Convent of Mercy, Doon.
In 1960 he was appointed curate in Knockavilla, moving to Cappamore in 1972. He became PP of Knockavilla in 1985 and in 1988 he succeeded the late Fr Denis Hogan as PP of Moyne-Templetuohy. During his time in the parish he contributed much to the various clubs and organisations in which he was involved. He had a great interest in history and played a leading role in Moyne-Templetuohy history group. He also encouraged the restoration of the cemeteries in Moyne and Templetuohy in the early 1990s. After retiring as PP in 2000 he came to live in Moyne and became an esteemed member of Moyne bridge club. He was a shrewd and skillful player who expected high standards of play from his partner. He was also very involved with the Moyne Voluntary Housing Association and was delighted to see that scheme come to fruition.
A deeply religious man he was a kind and caring pastor who was a frequent visitor of the sick and elderly.
His presence on our parish will be sadly missed. Father Meagher's mortal remains reposed in St Mary's Church, Moyne, on May 21st and in Templetuohy on May 22nd, 2007. As the funeral cortege reached Moyne the pupils and teachers of Scoil na Maighne formed a guard of honour and the pupils and teachers of Templetuohy. Principal celebrant of the concelebrated Mass at St Mary's Church, Moyne, was Fr Laurence Walsh, Cistercian Abbey, Roscrea, first cousin of Fr Meagher. Principal celebrant of the Concelebrated Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Templetuohy, on May 23rd 2007, was Archbishop Dermot Clifford, assisted by numerous diocesan priests and classmates. Moyne choral accompaniment to the ceremonies. Thanks to all the ladies who catered in Moyne and Templetuohy for the large crowds. Following the Mass a guard of honour comprising of members of the various clubs and organisations which he served so well lined the route between the church and Templetuohy cemetery where Fr Michael was laid to rest.
Deepest sympathy to his sisters in law, nephews, nieces, diocesan colleagues, particularly Fr Pat Murphy, PP, relatives and friends.
Courtesy of the Tipperary Star
02 June 2007
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