Death of Fr McNally
TRIBUTES have been flowing in for the late Fr Brendan McNally, who served in a number of parishes throughout Louth but is best known for his work in encouraging young musicians.
Fr McNally passed away on Sunday following a long illness. He had resided at Moorehall Lodge in recent years.
Originally from Co. Antrim, Fr. McNally was ordained in 1958 and began teaching music with string instrument classes while based at Ravensdale where he also established a youth orchestra and raised funds for a community centre to accommodate it.
Later, while a curate in Dundalk, he established the Redeemer Youth Orchestra which performed in the United States. While parish priest in Reaghstown, he taught violin and helped lead the parish choir.
To continually develop the skills he originally acquired from music teachers in Drogheda and Newry, Fr. McNally spent much of his annual leave attending music teaching master-classes in England.
He was a gifted teacher and many of the musicians he taught went on join the European Youth Orchestra, the RTE Orchestras and to carve careers as acclaimed musicians at home and abroad.
He was also highly regarded as a compassionate and understanding clergyman, and had served in a number of other parishes, including Tallanstown and Dunleer.
A number of his past pupils got together to form the Fr McNally Chamnber Orchestra a few years ago.
They have paid tribute say- ing: ‘It is with deep sadness t that we mark the passing of a great man, priest, teacher, friend and musician. Fr. Mc Nally has passed away after a brave battle with ill health. It truly is the end of an era and a very sad time for all who loved him so deeply. His musical legacy is immense, with generations of musicians owing their talent passion and careers to him. His legend will live on and through his faith we commend his spirit to God.’
Dundalk Institute of Technology had honoured Fr McNally through the dedication of the recital room in his name in May 2011 by President Mary McAleese.