Shock on sudden death of parish priest of Kilcummin

THERE was widespread shock and sadness among parishioners in Kilcummin as news of the sudden death of parish priest Fr John Lucid’s spread on Sunday evening.

Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne was among those to express his ‘great shock’ at Fr Lucid’s passing, describing him as a ‘warm-hearted and outgoing’ priest who had just celebrated Holy Week with ‘great joy and energy’.

The Castleisland native had served as PP in Kilcummin since 2015 having previously served in Moyvane for over a decade. Fr Lucid was born in Meanus, Castleisland in October 1947 and educated at Castleisland Convent National School and later at St Brendan’s College, Killarney.

Fr Lucid trained for the priesthood at the Irish College in Rome and was ‘incardinated’ into the Kerry Diocese in September 1971 before his ordination at Holy Cross Church, Tralee, on July 2, 1972.

Fr Lucid’s life - both home and abroad - was one that brought him into contact with many people. He was very much loved by parishioners, wherever he went, and his loss will be keenly felt by those who had the pleasure of knowing him personally.

“It is with deep sadness I learned on Sunday evening of the sudden death of Fr John Lucid,” Bishop Browne said, adding: “Having with great joy and energy just completed celebrating the Holy Week and Easter ceremonies in his parish, his death is a great shock to us all. Fr John was ever outgoing and warm-hearted.”

Fr Lucid also served as curate in Milltown and Firies from 1972-75 and at the Emigrant Chaplaincy Scheme in Wembley, UK, in 1977. He returned to serve in Annascaul until 1986, before travelling overseas to Kenya and Wales. He was curate in Cahersiveen prior to becoming PP in Caherdaniel in 1997. He then moved to Moyvane and latterly Kilcummin. Fr Lucid will repose in Kilcummin Parish Centre from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday, followed by Requiem Mass at 11am on Thursday.

The late Fr John Lucid