Tributes paid on death of Lavagh’s Fr Joe Finan, 88
THE death occurred last week of Fr Joe Finan. Fr Finan, originally from Carrowcorragh, Lavagh, passed away on Thursday, February 11 in the care of the Sisters and staff at the Sacred Heart Residence in Dublin. For several years he was the priest of the Diocese of Leeds in England where he served in several parishes before permanently returning to Ireland upon his retirement from active duties.
Fr Joe was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Mary-Ann, brother Fr Chris, sisters Margaret McEneaney (Leeds) and Mary Stack (Kerry). He is survived by his brother Fr Jim, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, relatives, friends and the bishop and priesnts of the Diocese of Leeds. His funeral Mass was held on Saturday morning in Dublin. The priest who celebrated the Mass said prayers for Fr Joe, his family and those who cared for him.
“We pray for Fr Joe today that God may give him a place in his heavenly kingdom. We pray for his family who are here, and his family who cannot be here due to restrictions – we keep them all in our prayers.”
“I think Fr Joe would also like us to pray for all those who looked after him so well over the last couple of months since he became ill. He always respected their care and their attention.”
A nephew of Fr Finan’s spoke about his uncle’s early life in Sligo in education and as a keen enthusiast of several sports.
He said: “Fr Joe was born in the parish of Achonry-Mullinabreena on October 6, 1932, to his parents Charlie and Mary-Anne.”
“Fr Joe attended Achonry National School and for secondary school he followed his older brother
Fr Chris in being a boarder at St Nathy’s College in Ballaghderreen.” “He honed his football skills playing with St Nathy’s as a steely back on the senior team and later with the parish team in Mullinabreena. “Football was not the only sport Fr Joe had a passion for. He had a keen interest in all sports including rugby, soccer, snooker, darts, tennis and cricket. If he ever missed a match, he would always check for results.”
When he wasn’t following sport, Fr Joe would spend time with “the residents of Coronation Street and Emmerdale”.
He went on to say that Fr Joe spent much of his time in the Diocese of Leeds in England, but frequently returned home – with every visit usually including a trip to Knock Shrine.
He said: “Having completed his second level education, his calling in the priesthood brought him to All Hallow’s College in Dublin which culminated in his ordination in June 1956. Fr Joe began his ministry in Diocese of Leeds, serving as a curate and priest in a number of parishes before retiring in August 2007 from active duties. Fr Joe being a humble and sincere man gave outstanding service to all his parishioners.”