North Wexford’s sadness at loss of Monsignor Kehoe
NEWS of the passing of ‘genuine gentlemen’ Monsignor Lory Kehoe was met with heartfelt sorrow in North Wexford where he spent half of his 50-year ministry.
His first posting following his ordination was Ballycanew parish, where he served from 1959 to 1969, and during this time there, he was instrumental in the building of the new school for the village which is still in use today.
It opened in September 1969, and present was Fr J L Kehoe, who was transferred to St Peter’s College just a week before the official opening. Tributes were paid to him for his work on the project.
He returned to North Wexford in 1994 when he was posted to Craanford, and from there, he moved to Gorey to take up the role of parish priest in 1999, where he spent ten happy years until his retirement in August 2009.
Monsignor Kehoe celebrated his Golden Jubilee at St Michael’s Church, Gorey, in June 2009, after 50 years in the priesthood. Participating in the celebratory Mass were 64 clergy, including Bishop Denis Brennan. Those who paid tribute to him on the day reflected on ‘a genuine gentleman’ whose humility and generosity of time was appreciated by all in the community. They spoke of the care and attention he gave to parishioners at a time of a death or an illness, and how he visited parishioners in hospital, no matter how far the journey.
He was invited back to Gorey in July 2010 where he was honoured with a civic reception hosted by Gorey Town Council. The then cathaoirleach Robbie Ireton told those present that he knew Monsignor Kehoe for most of his ordained life. He recalled joining Ballycanew Boxing Club in the 1960s. Monsignor Kehoe recalled the occasion telling those present ‘I thought we’d have a champion in the boys’ six stone seven class, a future Cassius Clay’, adding that unfortunately that was not to be.
He told those present that he had many rewarding times over his ten years in Gorey, and said he was very grateful for the warmth and hospitality of local people. He was particularly proud of the new pastoral centre and car park which were developed during his tenure.
Paying tribute to him this week, Cllr Joe Sullivan, cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District said that Monsignor Kehoe maintained strong links with Gorey, Craanford, and Ballycanew.
‘His easygoing and gentle manner endeared him to the communities in which he ministered,’ he said. ‘He was hugely well known and people were very comfortable in his presence. He was always out and about and he had lots of close friends which he remained in contact with.’
He said that Monsignor Kehoe had a particular passion for the GAA and regularly attended matches and functions. ‘He had good time for all sporting organisations,’ added Cllr Sullivan, recalling his early association with Ballycanew Boxing Club.
St Michael’s Church sacristan John Woodbyrne, who worked with Monsignor Kehoe during his ten years in Gorey, remembered him as a ‘particularly pastoral man’.
‘He was very much a people’s man, and he had a very successful ten years in Gorey,’ he said. ‘He oversaw the construction of the pastoral centre and the car park, and he introduced the parish Novena which drew huge-crowds.’
Monsignor Kehoe was remembered at Masses in the parishes where he served at the weekend, while there was also a strong North Wexford representation at his removal on Friday, and the funeral on Saturday.