Shock at death of former local curate Fr Phelim

THE death has taken place of Fr Phelim McKeown (48), a former curate in St Peter’s Parish and Kilsaran.

Born in Mullaghbawn, south Armagh, Fr McKeown (right) spent five years in St Patrick’s, Dundalk after he left Maynooth in 1996, and moved to Drogheda in 2001.

He spent seven years in Drogheda, working with Monsignor Donnelly.

Before he left for Bessbrook, he spoke to the Drogheda Independent about the changing town.

‘I went for a walk from the presbytery one day and from Fair Street, to Peter Street to West Street, there wasn’t one person speaking English. It has been great to see, and has broadened our horizons and cultures.’

Outspoken at times about parishioners’ celebrations of events like christenings and communions, Fr Phelim said he was glad to see them becoming more family orientated again.

He returned to become PP in Kilsaran in 2014 and last year, moved, to the role of Pastor Emeritus and Priest in Residence, Caledon (Aghaloo) where he died suddenly on Sunday.

Tributes were paid to him in the wake of the news of his death, including one that simply read, ‘He was an absolute gentleman, and a wonderful decent Priest, who served the parishioners of St.Peters Parish Drogheda well.’