Cardinal with Offaly roots to be remembered in his "home town"
Published 30th Oct 2025, 11:33 GMT
Bishop of Ossory to celebrate Mass in Clareen in memory of Cardinal John Heenan
CARDINAL John Carmel Heenan, Archbishop of Westminster, was born in Essex in 1905 and died in London in November 1975.
His parents, James and Anne (née Pilkington) both came from Clareen which the Cardinal himself often referred to as his "home town". He visited many times through the years, and there are still numerous relatives in the Clareen, Birr and wider South Offaly district.
A 50th anniversary Mass will be said in St Kieran's Church, Clareen on Sunday November 9th at 10am. Most Revd. Niall Coll, the Bishop of Ossory, will say the Mass.
There will be refreshments in Seir Kieran Parish Hall immediately afterwards. All are welcome.