Death announced of former Portlaoise curate

The death has taken place of Fr Eddie Lalor, from St Patrick's Missionary Society in Kiltegan, Wicklow and late of Raheen in Laois.

Fr Lalor SPS served in the dioceses of Eldoret, Nakuru and Nairobi, Kenya, and was a former curate of Portlaoise Parish.

He died peacefully on January 9, 2024, at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Agnes, his beloved sister Annette and brother P.J.

Deeply regretted by his sister Eleanor Robinson, his nephews Patrick and Eddie, nieces Úna and Emma, grandnephews and grandniece, niece-in-law Lorraine, his cousin Eithne Bowe, the clergy and people of Raheen and Portlaoise, and by his Society family in Kiltegan.

Reposing in St. Peter and Paul’s Parish Church, Portlaoise from 5.30pm-7.30pm, Thursday, 11th January.

Funeral Mass in St Fintan’s Church, Raheen, Co. Laois, on Friday, 12th January, at 12.00 noon followed by burial at the adjoining cemetery.

Among those expressing sympathy are the St Vincent de Paul committee in Portlaoise.

"Our sincere sympathies to the Lalor family, Bishop Denis, priests of parish and Kiltegan missionaries on the passing home of Fr. Eddie a great friend and supporter of St. Vincent de Paul Committee Portlaoise, our parish was greatly blessed with your very spiritual ministry, God's blessings on you as you travel home. St.Vincent de Paul Portlaoise Committee."

Sympathiser Anna Malone described his humility, humour and sense of empathy in a lovely tribute.

"It's with great sadness that I learn of Fr. Eddy's death. He held a very special place in our hearts going way back to his younger days and then later on his visits home from Kenya. He loved his later so called retirement days back at home. We always loved when he visited and hearing about the work he did in his priestly duties. He had a humility and graciousness about him but also a great sense of humour and empathy. He has surely earned eternal grace after his life dedicated to ministering to his very diverse flocks. He will have a great reunion with our Aunt Maria up there among the angels. May Fr. Eddie rest in peace. I extend my sympathy to the Lalor and Robinson families and to his confreres in St. Patrick's Missionary Society in Kiltegan. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam."

The Portlaoise Parish Lourdes committee described his listening ear and lovely big smiles.

"Extended condolences to Fr Eddies Family, and also all his clergy family, in Kiltegan, and Portlaoise, and also his many ministry friends from the many parts of Kenya etc where he ministered throughout his life. The portlaoise parish lourdes committee would like to Thank you for accompanying us on our parish pilgrimage to lourdes , and for your many blessings throughout our pilgrimages and your good listening ear and mostly your lovely big smiles for everyone every day.... Thank you Fr Eddie and may you now rest in Gods eternal care . rip"