Well-known Limerick priest passes away following health battle
Ennis Road native had revealed he was battling Motor Neuron Disease last month.
TRIBUTES are being made to the late Very Rev Frank Canon O’Connor who passed away on Thursday last following his tragic diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) earlier this year.
Paying tribute to the late priest, Teacher at St Munchin's College, Eric Nelligan, remarked that Fr O'Connor “is and will always be synonymous with the school.” He described him as “an exemplary teacher and colleague.”
“For many of us he celebrated our wedding mass or baptised our children or said funeral masses for our loved ones. Frank was an outstanding public speaker. He never required notes or prompts. He just spoke naturally and fluently, and his sermons were inspirational to all, to people who had faith and to those who had none,” stated Mr Nelligan.
He said Mr O'Connor was an “excellent source of support” to new and young teachers. “Frank will be remembered as being professional, funny, kind, and bursting with charm and charisma. He will always be highly regarded in SMC for his guidance, leadership approach and amicable demeanour.”
Former Limerick Mayor Thady Coughlan previously worked with the late Fr O'Connor in St Munchin's College and paid tribute to his friend for life who he enjoyed coaching schools teams with for 16 years. Mr Coughlan said: “He was the enforcer, keeping discipline with the players and making sure they were all there on time for training.”
He added that Fr O'Connor has an amazing legacy and said “when you had Frank as a friend, you'd a friend for life.”
Fr O'Connor was late of St John’s Cathedral Parish, Limerick and Lansdowne Park, Ennis Road. He was the former Co-Parish Priest of St John’s Pastoral Unit of Parishes, Limerick and former Principal of St Munchin’s College, Limerick.
In early July, the late priest detailed his diagnosis and struggles with his health in recent times in a a message to the parishioners of St John's Cathedral. He said that he had been diagnosed with MND and that he had completely lost his voice.
Fr O'Connor said: “The nine and half years I spent in St John's Cathedral were were among the happiest of my priesthood.”
Reposing at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ennis Road on Monday, August 5th from 5pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday, August 2nd at 12pm followed by burial in Mount St Lawrence Cemetery, Limerick.