‘We have lost someone very important to us’

Following requiem Mass on Tuesday morning, the remains of Canon Michael Fleming journeyed a final time through the parish where he leaves behind a rich and lasting legacy in the lives of parishioners.

Canon Fleming devoted over 50 years of his life to the priesthood, and parishioners were deeply saddened on Friday last when news of his passing came through.

He served as Parish Priest in Killorglin for the last 17 years, a place where his personable character made an immediate impression on people, and this is where his loss will be most keenly felt.

Chairperson of Killorglin Parish Pastoral Council, Margaret Naughton, worked alongside Canon Fleming for over 15 years. She described him as ‘very loyal’ and ‘forward-thinking’.

“He was very much part of the fabric of parish and community life,” Margaret told The Kerryman.

“He was a larger-than-life man with a large and kind heart that matched his stature. A man of very few words, but usually when he spoke it was worth hearing as there was real wisdom and substance to it,” she added.

A native of Scartaglin, Canon Fleming’s popularity with parishioners extended throughout the county.

But it’s Killarney and mid Kerry where he spent most time serving as Administrator of the Parish of Killarney and as Vicar Forane for Mid Kerry.

Canon Fleming administered in places like Cromane, Beaufort, Castlemaine, Glenbeigh, Dingle, Waterville, Milltown and even in Wembley, North London.

In 1977 he returned home to take up the position as curate in Glenflesk. Fr Fleming made a final positing in his native north Kerry, in Moyvane, before eventually settling in Killorglin, which would be his last parish.

“In terms of his most endearing feature, I would say it was his hard work and loyalty,” Margaret added.

“He had a great love of the sick, and he regularly connected with people who were sick or grieving. I have to say he was so loyal; it’s a word that keeps coming up every time I think of him because he was so committed to the pastoral area – a commitment that was mirrored through his loyalty.”

Sport was also a popular pastime for Canon Fleming, with golf and Kerry football among the sports that he enjoyed most passionately.

“We’ve lost someone who has been a huge part of parish life for over 17 years, and it’s the end of an era in many ways. Change brings anxiety, and the parish is hurting because we have lost someone who was very important to us,” Margaret said.

A memorial service for Canon Fleming will be arranged at a later date.

ABOVE: RIGHT: Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Bishop Ray Browne at Fr Gearoid Walsh, family and priests of the Diocese at the graveside of Very Rev. Canon Michael Canon Fleming at St James’ Church, KIllorglin on Tuesday. The funeral turns over Laune Bridge led by lone piper Ger Baynham with Laune View in the background in KIllorglin on Tuesday.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Parishioners Anna O’Neill, Pat and Mary Curran at the funeral of Canon Michael Fleming as its received at St James’ Church, KIllorglin on Tuesday.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin The funeral of Canon Michael Fleming turns over Laune Bridge led by lone piper Ger Baynham with Laune View in the background.

Candles on a shop window during the funeral of Canon Michael Fleming.

Lone piper Ger Baynham leads the hearse carrying Canon Michael Fleming in KIllorglin on Tuesday. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin

The Late Canon Michael Fleming. Photo Michelle Cooper Galvin