Fr William’s life-long vocation was based on respect for one self, family and community
FATHER William Murtagh, who died on 26 September, 2017, was the oldest and longest ordained priest in the archdiocese of Armagh, serving 73 years in the wider catchment area of his native Dundalk.
He and younger brother Mick served as priests in the diocese for a combined period of well over a century, and hold most likely a unique place in its history, being appointed parish priests on the same day. Mick was assigned to Kilkerley, and Willie to Clogherhead.
Father Willie passed away peacefully in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in his 99th year.
He had been resident in Moorehall Lodge, Ardee, for the last two years, returning on loan, in a manner of speaking, to the Deeside town, where he was such a loved figure, and driving force, being a founder member of the Credit Union, the first branch set up in Louth in 1962.
He was a pioneer in different ways with the local Legion of Mary which he started, and was one of many organisations in which he was involved, including the golf club, where he derived much pleasure as a keen golfer.
Other bodies to which he lent his great energy and talents in Ardee, were the Saint Vincent De Paul society, Saint Brigid’s Hospital, and branches of the Hospitalite of Our Lady of Lourdes and of the Blind.
He was a man who truly practised being busy living in all of his parishes.
As a pastor, Fr. Willie was unfailing in his devotion to his parishioners, and his demise marks the end of an era, such was his affinity with people of all age groups, and three or more generations in some families.
This was borne out of a genuine interest in people, with his vocation based on three principles of respect for oneself, family and community.
This kindness and care was reciprocated when failing sight and mobility robbed him of his independence, and his people saw to it that he got to wherever he wanted.
Also, they brought him to the local senior citizens club, and to special occasions, such as Holy Communion and Confirmation. Last year he was a special guest at the celebration of the 1916 commemoration in the local school, where he was presented with a commemorative tricolour.
Nobody looked after him with such dedication and kindness as his faithful housekeeper Jane, who served in that capacity for 27 years.
Fr. Willie always remained in contact with family, and maintained his ties with his native town, making sure to visit every Friday. He also was closely connected with his fellow priests and was never known to have missed a priest’s funeral.
His parents Mick and Mary Jane lived until 96 and 98, respectively, and he clearly inherited their genes of longevity, along with other traits such as staying power and aptitude for his chosen vocation.
He was also blessed with a strong constitution and healthy appetite, and a liking for exercise clearly was an important contributory factor to a long life. He cycled everywhere, and swam through the summer and into the autumn until his 80s.
He also remained young at heart, evident from the fact that into his 80s he received invitations to attend 21st birthday parties.
His parents ran for half a century the family grocery and pub business in Francis Street, where Fr. Willie was born, the eldest of four children, two boys and two girls. His brother, Mick and sisters, May Murphy and Kitty, sadly passed away before him.
He attended the Christian Brothers School in Dundalk, and at the age of 12, went to study in Saint Patrick’s College, Armagh, from 1933 to 1937. He then moved to Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained on 18 June, 1944.
His first parish was Dunleer, where he served from 1944 to 1947, and he then spent two years in Beragh in County Tyrone, and from there transferred to Faughart in 1949 for nine years.
In 1958, he was assigned to Ardee, where he was senior curate, and he ministered on the Deeside for 19 years, before being made Parish Priest of Clogherhead in 1977, where he served the remainder of his distinguished clerical career.
He was a keen sportsman, who in his younger years played Gaelic football at college and with Young Irelands. He had an abiding interest and love for the sport, and was a regular spectator at club and schools’ matches.
He did game shooting with his grandfather, and fished earlier in life. But, golf was the big hobby he enjoyed playing all down the years. He was an honorary member/president of the Ardee club, and a member of County Louth.
He won the priests’ championship for the first time when he was 90, and retained it the following year.
Fr. Willie was wonderfully cared for by the staff during his stay in Moorehall Lodge.
His death leaves a big void, and is deeply regretted by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Cardinal Brady, the priests of the Archdiocese of Armagh, his nieces, Anna, Dara and Michelle, Blackrock; his grandniece, Clíodhna; grandnephews, Ronan and Joseph; nephews-in-law, Eamon Laverty and Shane O’Reilly, his dedicated housekeeper, Jane Marry; many friends and parishioners.
He reposed at Moorehall Lodge. His remains were removed for evening prayers in the Church of Saint Michael, Clogherhead.
Right Rev Dean Colum Curry PP VG Beragh, and Very Reverend Martin McVeigh, PP Clogherhead were the principal concelebrants of the Requiem Mass the next morning, in which many of the priests of the diocese attended.
The Readings were given by Michelle and Ronan O’Reilly, while the Prayers of the Faithfull were led by Anna Laverty, Muriel Tester, Shauna Tester and Dara Murphy.
Jane and Jean Marry formed the Offertory Procession.
Canon Peter Murphy PP Ardee gave a eulogy, and niece Michelle read a reflection.
The beautiful music was provided by Clogherhead senior choir and the children from Callystown National School, under the direction of principal, Ambrose McGinnity.
Burial took place in Saint Dennis Cemetery.
Month’s Mind Mass was on Sunday, 5 November, 2017, at 11.30am in Saint Michael’s Church, Clogherhead.