After achieving an incredible amount in his short life and always for the benefit of others, a passionate and dedicated parish priest passed away leaving the parishes of Abbeyside, Ballinroad and Garranbane in mourning. Fr. Tim O'Riordan P.P., of Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co Waterford and Iveragh Road, Killorglin Co. Kerry died on Tuesday, November 12 following a short illness.
Tim was born on December 23, 1957 at Iveragh Road, Killorglin to the late Timmy (Thado) and Norrie O'Riordan (nee McCarthy). He attended Scoil Mhuire National School and Intermediate school (known as the Carnegie) Killorglin. He left home at that point to train as a chef in the Two Mile Inn Hotel in Limerick where he spent three happy years. He was well regarded and made many friends.
Tim spoke of becoming a priest on several occasions and maybe even the foreign missions. He obviously felt a calling and entered St. John's in Waterford in 1977 and studied there until he was ordained a priest for the Dioceses of Waterford on June 5, 1983. His first parish was St John's in Waterford city as curate. He was next appointed Chaplin to Waterford Institute of Technology where he blossomed and many made lifetime friends. He then moved to Dungarvan town where he felt very much at home.

Energy
His last position began in 2005 when he was appointed P.P., in Abbeyside just across the Causeway from Dungarvan where he served until his untimely passing. Tim had three churches in his parish; Abbeyside, Ballinroad and Garranbane and several schools. He embraced his new position with his usual vigour, thoroughness and passion. He threw himself heart and soul into the activities of the parish and injected new life and energy into the parish as a whole, for which he was rewarded with tremendous support.
While there he formed links with a little place called Maramanti in Kenya where through a partnership great work was carried out. Essential wells for clean water supply were bored there. This work was ongoing and plans for a new hospital were under consideration. On occasions that Tim visited Kenya he took a hands on approach and just got stuck in to the work.
Tim achieved an incredible amount in his short life and what he achieved was always for the benefit of others, putting himself last at all times. He was a born organiser with a true vocation to serve others. He never believed in half measures. If it was going to be done, then doing it right was the only option.

Witty
Tim was the master of the one liner and was beautifully witty. This was always used to good effect either at drawn out meetings or when socialising. He had a special interest in history and politics and was gifted in the use of words.
He delivered wonderful homilies which were always well received. The reason they were so good is they came totally from within. Tim made many friends throughout his short life and they have remained friends which tells a lot about his character.
Though Tim gave the majority of his life amongst the people of Waterford, Killorglin was still home. He always made his annual trip to Puck Fair and tried to pay flying visits as often as he could in between. He remembered every special occasion of his three nieces and his nephew. He was always interested in how they were getting on and ever encouraging of their endeavours.

Lover of Music
Tim was an avid reader and writer from a very early age. He loved music, was a good singer though not inclined to do so in public too often, he could also knock a good tune out of the clarinet. The people of Abbeyside will tell you what he has done for music there with the choir and pushing congregation participation in Mass. Tim had a great interest in all sport but particularly in the GAA. He played at home as a young lad in both Gaelic football and basketball, being quiet handy at both.
Many the time when he first went to Waterford he commented about hurling and the difficulty in trying to keep an eye on the 'small ball'. He had a keen interest in and indeed got involved with the local club of Abbeyside/Ballinacourty.
The outpouring of sympathy during Tim's funeral in Abbeyside speaks volumes of the high regard in which he was held by the people of Waterford. On return for Mass and burial in his native Killorglin relatives and friends again mourned his passing in great numbers.
Tim will be sadly missed by the two communities, by his friends, relatives and by his immediate family, his brother John, his sister Catherine, sister-in-law Brid, brother-in-law John McGrath, his nieces Anna, Danielle and Grainne O'Riordan and nephew Timothy McGrath.

Waterford News & Star, December 17th, 2013 Tweet

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