Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Tributes for popular priest
Tributes have been paid to Monsignor Thomas O’hare, of Motherwell Diocese, who died on Thursday following a lengthy illness.
The 86-year-old passed away in the parish house at St Anthony’s in Rutherglen, where he resided following his retirement.
Born in Motherwell in October 1935, he was ordained in his hometown on June 19, 1959.
Over the years he served in a number of parishes, including assistant priest in St Margaret’s, Airdrie; Our Lady and St Joseph’s in Glenboig; St John Bosco in New Stevenston; and St Mary’s, Hamilton.
He was also parish priest of St Benedict’s, Easterhouse, St Serf’s in Airdrie and, latterly, in Our Lady and St Anne’s in Hamilton until his retirement in 2014.
In addition to parish work, Monsignor O’hare was a member of the College of Consultors and held the posts of Diocesan Treasurer and Vicar General.
In 2007, the Prelacy of Honour was bestowed on him and he became a member of the Chapter of Cathedral Canons in 2011.
Tributes were paid to the popular priest, with Margaret Anderson saying online:“so sad. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
Robert Henderson wrote:“he was chaplain when I was St Holy Cross, Hamilton. He was also on the school trip to Rome in 1975. Some great memories, sorry to hear of his passing.”
Chrissy Rooney said:“a wonderful priest, now with God. Rest in Peace Monsignor.”
James Goodwin added: “Rest in Peace. God Bless.”
A spokesman for Motherwell Diocese said: “Information on funeral arrangements for Monsignor O’hare will be provided soon. Our Lady, Queen of Priests pray for him.”