Mass in Castlefin for priest who passed away after 60th anniversary of ordination

A priest who served in the parish of Urney and Castlefinn has passed away just days after he celebrated his diamond anniversary.

Fr Oliver Crilly died on Saturday. His death comes just over a week after he celebrated his 60th anniversary in the priesthood.

The Lavey native was presented with a cake to mark the special occasion on June 20. Fr Crilly, a former student of St Columb’s College in Derry, was known throughout the county and further afield. A regular on BBC Radio Ulster, he was also a former teacher at St Patrick’s College, Maghera. 

He served as parish priest between 2007 and 2015 in the parish of Greenlough.

Announcing the news of his death, a spokesperson for Greenlough parish said: “It is with deep regret we inform you of the death of our former Parish Priest Fr. Oliver Crilly.

“Fr. Oliver was a faithful and dedicated Parish Priest to us from 2007 - 2015. During that time he touched many people's lives and will be greatly missed by everyone in our Parish.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr. Oliver’s family and friends during this time. We will always remember Fr. Crilly fondly and have wonderful memories. Eternal rest grant unto your servant Father Oliver,  O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.”

The Parish of Urney and Castlefinn, where Fr Crilly had spent ‘his twilight years’ also paid tribute.

In an online post, Rev. Ciarán Hegarty, Administrator, said: “It is with immense sadness that we learned this evening of the passing from this life into eternity of Fr Oliver Crilly. 

“Just last week Fr Oliver celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of his Ordination to the Priesthood and we in Urney and Castlefinn feel tremendously blessed that he spent the twilight years of his priestly ministry among us.  

“Even though old-age and ill-health slowed him down considerably in the past few years it was of the utmost importance to him to continue to exercise his ministry by offering Mass in St Anthony's Oratory in St Mary's Church on Monday and Friday mornings. 

“Fr Oliver will be missed in all parts of our parish but especially, it should be acknowledged, by the congregation of St Mary's Church and the people of Castlefinn who had such great affection and admiration for him and of whom he was so immensely fond.” 

Rev. Hegarty continued: “Might I say how greatly I appreciated all the advice, counsel, help and support he gave me since my arrival in Urney and Castlefinn almost six years ago but especially since I became the administrator of the parish in 2020.  I will miss that, of course, but also our conversations about the state of the Church and the world, his reminiscences of his various ministries, the love of the Irish language that we had in common, and also his hearty laugh. 

“He was a good friend to us all and life won't be the same without him but as we say goodbye to him in sorrow we also joyfully send him onward to life without end in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.”

Fr Crilly’s remains will repose in St Mary’s Church, Castlefinn from 7pm tonight, Sunday. Mass will be held at 4pm on Monday, followed by removal to Church of St Oliver Plunkett, Greenlough to repose overnight. Requiem Mass, which will take place on Tuesday, July 1, at 12 noon, in Church of St Oliver Plunkett followed by burial in the cemetery at St Mary’s Church, Lavey.