Fond farewell for Fr Naughton
A FAREWELL Mass for Reverend Father Tom Naughton, C.C. Charleville was concelebrated by Fr. Naughton, Very Rev. Donal O’Mahony, P.P., and Rev. Fr. Anthony Sheehan in the local Holy Cross Church, to mark his departure from the parish to minister in Mallow.
Fr. Naughton was in Charleville for the past six years and during that time he endeared himself to parishioners, who expressed their sadness at his leaving the town.
Fr. Naughton thanked the people for their kindness and generosity to him during his time in Charleville, and he said he would remember them in his prayers, even those who disagreed with him.
Ms Carmel Hannigan, chairperson of the local Parish Council, made a presentation to him on behalf of the parish, and said that while they regretted his departure, she wished him well in his new parish. “When he first came to town he pledged to visit every house in the parish and it took him three years to complete this task,” she said.
Very Rev. Donal Canon O’Maohny, P.P. Charleville thanked Fr, Naughton for his contribution to the many organisations in the town during his stay in Charleville, and he applauded his efforts in the parish over the past six years.
Fr. Naughton thanked Ms Hannigan for her kind words and Canon O’Mahony, saying it was important to feel appreciated. He got a standing ovation from the congregation. He was noted for his singing at Mass and advised the congregation to keep on singing.
He is replaced by Rev. Fr. Anthony Sheehan, C.C., who last ministered in Charleville in 2002.