Tipperary parish priest found dead after failing to turn up for Mass
THERE is a great sense of shock in a community close to the Limerick/Tipperary border following news of the sudden passing of Parish Priest, Fr Tadhg Furlong.
A most popular cleric in Cappawhite and the surrounding areas, Fr Furlong failed to arrive to celebrate Monday morning Mass and this caused parishioners to call to his home.
On arrival there they found that Fr Furlong had passed away overnight.
Ordained in 1976, Fr Tadgh was a native of Annacarty, County Tipperary.
He was a wonderful priest to his parishioners in Cappawhite and was hugely involved in all aspects of community life.
Cappawhite Community Council issued the following statement on social media.
"It is with immense sadness that Cappawhite Community Council extend their sympathies to the family, relatives, and friends of Very Rev Tadhg Furlong PP of Cappawhite.
"Fr Furlong has been part of our lives here for many years, he has celebrated the good times with us and has also been there for so many of us during the sad occasions.
"Those special moments in our lives has seen him at the centre of them; Christenings, First Holy Communions, Confirmation and Weddings. He led us in prayer as we said our final farewell to loved ones.
"He visited the sick and the bereaved. He called to the schools, supported our clubs and attended many meetings. He served on the Community Council for many years and was an active member of the current Community Council, organising and helping at events and celebrations.
"He will be sorely missed. Cappawhite parish mourns today, for the loss, not only of our Parish Priest, but our friend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," concluded the post.
Just shy of his 74th birthday, Fr Furlong had a kindly and very spiritual disposition and the esteem in which he is held is evidenced by the huge outpouring of sympathy at his passing on social media.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his siblings and to all the extended Furlong family and to the Archbishop and Priests of the Cashel & Emly Diocese.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.