Kilkenny community bids farewell to beloved priest

The Castlecomer community came out in force to bid farewell to Monsignor Michael Ryan on his retirement as parish priest at the weekend.

Monsignor Ryan, who came to the parish in 1995, was fondly remembered at a special Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, which was followed by a reception in the Community Hall.

At the Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Niall Coll, Fr Ian Doyle and Rev Edna Wakely, Rector Castlecomer Union of Parishes, Monsignor Ryan thanked the community for their warm wishes.

“I feel humbled and greatly honoured at this great gathering of parishioners,” he said. “It has been an honour and privilege for me to have been your parish priest for the past 28 years.”

There was a standing ovation, lasting several minutes, from the packed congregation.

At the Community Hall, Billy Moran, Chairman of the Parish Finance Committee, led the tributes to Monsignor Ryan:

"Fr Ryan’s tenure in Castlecomer has spanned 28 years in which this town and parish has seen a multitude of changes and improvements,” he said. “The parish and people of Castlecomer and surrounding areas give thanks and appreciation for the ministry that Fr Ryan has given to this community. He has touched every family in the parish with his kindly nature and comfort during the many tragic times in family life and has been a source of comfort and strength to all. We wish him a happy retirement and know that the thoughts and prayers of the people of this parish will be with him."