'A gentle and kind man' - Carlow community pay tribute to well respected parish priest

Tributes have poured in following the death of Father James (Jim) McCormack who served as the parish priest in Hacketstown for many years.

Fr McCormack, late of Downings, Prosperous, County Kildare, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 15 July surrounded by his family in the care of Parke House Nursing Home in Kilcock.

His RIP.ie notice reads: "Pre-deceased by his loving parents Daniel and Marcella, siblings Anne, Jack, Tommie, Donie and Mick and sister-in-law Pattie. Deeply regretted by his sisters-in-law Mary and Mary, nieces and nephews Marcella, Mary, Neil, Anne, Danny, Jackie, Siobhán, John, Tracey, Stephen and Daniel and their partners, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family, Bishop Denis Nulty and his brother priests in the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese, former parishioners and many good friends."

There has been an outpouring of tributes online since Fr McCormack's passing as testament to the impact he had on the community in Hacketstown while serving there as the parish priest. Many have shared their respects for the "true gentleman" Fr McCormack was as well expressing their condolences with his family.

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Among the touching tributes from parishioners, St Vincent de Paul Hacketstown wrote: "Fr McCormack was instrumental in setting up St Vincent de Paul in our community and gave the same unfailing support to us as to so many other causes close to his heart. We miss his guidance, generosity, care and sense of humour. Eternal light shine on him and may he rest in peace."

Someone else shared: "Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Fr McCormack and to the communities who valued him so much. My memory of Fr McCormack during my time at the school is of his great kindness and support to both students and staff alike during his many visits."

Another person said: "Fr Jim was a true gentleman and champion of the people he served. His unassuming, kind nature, yet ability to get so much done, was inspiring."

Fr McCormack's funeral mass will take place on Saturday morning at 11am at St. Brigid’s Church in Hacketstown. Burial will take place afterwards at Killybegs Cemetery, Prosperous, County Kildare.