Fr Anthony J. Fagan R.I.P.

Fr Anthony J. Fagan R.I.P.

1950-2026

 

It is with deep sadness that the Diocese of Kilmore announces the death of Fr Anthony J. Fagan, a much-loved priest of the diocese whose gentle manner, kindness, and faithful pastoral service touched countless lives over many decades of ministry.

Fr Anthony was born on 22 July 1950 in Bailieborough, in the parish of Killann, son of Liam Fagan and Gretta Lynch. He received his early education in Bailieborough Boys’ National School and Ballinamoney National School before attending St Patrick’s College, Cavan, and later St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, where he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim, Cavan, on 8 June 1975 by the late Most Rev. Francis J. MacKiernan.

Following his ordination, Fr Anthony was appointed Curate in Cavan on 2 August 1975. In 1988 he was appointed Curate in Cootehill, where his caring pastoral presence endeared him to parishioners and colleagues alike. Following a period of sabbatical leave in 2000, he returned to ministry as Administrator of Cavan Parish on 1 January 2001.

In August 2005, Fr Anthony was appointed Parish Priest of Killinkere, where he ministered with dedication and great compassion. His priestly ministry was marked by a deep gentleness, humility, and genuine care for people. Parishioners remember him as deeply committed to the spiritual and pastoral life of his people.

In September 2015 he became Parish Priest of Drumlease, continuing his faithful service until his appointment as Parish Priest of Knockbride in 2019. In retirement in September 2023, Fr Anthony remained warmly remembered throughout the diocese as a priest of quiet goodness, wisdom, and kindness.

Fr Anthony’s death is mourned by his sisters Rita Clarke and Maura, brother-in-law John, nephews Sean and Damien, nieces-in-law Alison and Anne, grand-nephew Thomas, Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop Emeritus Leo O’Reilly, brother priests, former parishioners, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May the Lord whom he served so faithfully now grant him eternal rest and reward him for his years of devoted priestly ministry.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

We implore your kindness, O Lord, for Anthony, your servant and priest, that, as you made him a steward of your mysteries on earth, so you may bring him to be nourished by their truth and reality as unveiled in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN

 

Funeral Arrangements:

  • Reposing at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Bailieborough on Thursday 28 May from 4:00p.m to 7:00p.m.
  • Removal to arrive at St. Anne’s Church, Bailieborough at 7:30p.m.
  • Funeral Mass at 12 noon on Friday 29 May with burial afterwards in St. Anne’s Cemetery.
  • Funeral Mass can be viewed live via St. Anne’s Church Webcam.