Tipperary parishioners devastated over the unexpected passing of popular parish priest

There was great sadness in the parish of Gortnahoe Glengoole when parishioners heard of the unexpected passing of their parish priest, Very Rev Nicholas J Irwin PP on the evening of 10th July in St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

Fr Jim was born in Carlow town in 1956, moving to Tuam when he was nine years of age, and to Thurles when he was a teenager due to his father’s employment with the Irish Sugar Company.

He received his secondary school education in CBS Tuam and CBS Thurles.

He entered the seminary in St Patrick’s College, Thurles in September 1975 and was ordained on 12th June 1982 by Archbishop Morris.

Fr Jim’s first appointment was as a curate in Walkinstown parish, Dublin after which he served in Knocklong, Co Limerick and had a brief stay as curate in Moyglass, Killenaule.

In 1985, he was sent to study Communications with the Jesuit Fathers in Fairfield University, Connecticut, USA.

On his return in 1987, he was appointed curate in Ballingarry and began part-time teaching in St Patrick’s College which he continued for fifteen years.

After eight years in Ballingarry, he served almost three years in Knockavilla before moving to Borrisoleigh for thirteen and a half years.

In 2003, Archbishop Clifford asked him to take up the post of Diocesan Secretary in the Diocesan Office, a role he continued the rest of his life.

In February 2012, he was appointed Parish Priest of Gortnahoe Glengoole, following the retirement of Fr John Joe O’Rourke.

Fr Jim is remembered fondly in every one of his parishes, as well as by his colleagues in the Diocesan Office and his fellow priests, for his spirituality, intelligence, kindness and his wit.

In celebrating the sacraments he communicated a great sense of reverence, and his sermons were thoughtful and thought-provoking: he had a knack for explaining difficult texts of scripture in a way that cleared the ground for the Word of God to shine through.

After mass, and at the various parish meetings, many enjoyed a chat and a joke with Fr Jim.

He supported many parish activities: in Gortnahoe Glengoole he welcomed the Listening Process and the setting up of the Parish Pastoral Team; he supported the introduction in the parish of the My Faith Programme of Preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation and promoted it to other priests of the diocese.

He was a board member of the Community Employment Scheme and appreciated their work with the upkeep of parish and church grounds.

Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly gave the following testimony to his friendship with Fr Jim:

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to recall my brother priest and collaborator in the Diocesan Office Fr. Jim Irwin who sadly went home to the Lord on the 10th July 2023.  

"When I was appointed to the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, in late 2014, Fr. Jim was one of the first of the diocesan priests that I met.

"At the time, he was the Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese a position he held for the previous twelve years.

"He continued in that position with me up to the time of his death.

"I soon realised that his knowledge, understanding and grasp of the many issues that come to the Diocesan Office for attention was second to none. He had expertise not only in church matters, but also in finance, property matters, education, and a sound knowledge of issues around safeguarding children in the church.

"Over the years when I consulted him, I was always assured of sound advice and good judgement in the matter under discussion.

"He was highly regarded by the priests of the diocese and was the “go to person” around many challenging issues. He had also been involved in the formation of many of the priests when he served on the formation staff of St Patrick’s College, Thurles.

"Together with his work in the Diocesan Office his commitment to pastoral life was his main priority.  He loved the parish of Gortnahoe - Glengoole and was happiest when visiting the schools and helping with the preparation of the children for the sacraments.

"During his recent illness - after he contracted the Covid virus, the people of the parish showed their care and their love for him in a myriad of ways. Indeed, he was a bit embarrassed by the kindness and love shown to him. I would like to thank his neighbours, carers and friends in the parish of Gortnahoe-Glengoole for their care and support for Fr. Jim.

"My sympathy goes to his mother Betty, brothers and sisters, his many priest friends and parishioners who miss him greatly."