Arva native Fr Vincent Brady served his Californian parishioners with distinction for over five decades

The area was shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Fr Vincent Brady which occurred suddenly but peacefully at his residence in Rocklin, California on Thursday, January 19.

Fr Vincent, formerly from Gurteen, Arva, attended Warteraughey National School and the Latin School, Moyne.

He then attended St Kieran’s Seminary, Kilkenny and was Ordained as a Priest of the Diocese of Sacramento, USA in 1967 where he served in various parishes in the Diocese. 

Fr Vincent served his Californian parishioners with distinction for over five decades and celebrated his golden jubilee in 2017 and whilst he was deeply embedded in the communities in which he administered his duties, he never forgot his roots and held a deep sense of affinity with the Arva area and its residents. 

A key element of staying in touch with his family and friends was Fr Vincent's annual trip home to Ireland. He used this opportunity to reconnect with the locality taking great pride in seeing families grow, local businesses flourish and communities coming together for all types of altruistic activities. 

Fr Vincent was a passionate GAA supporter and would always take in as many games as he could when he was back in Ireland.

He cherished his visits to Michael Cully Park, Kingspan Breffni Park, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park and Croke Park and loved to regale stories of his playing days with Cormore and Arva and the many colourful characters that lined out alongside him in the 1950's and 1960's. 

Fr Vincent is predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Kate, his brother Paddy and his wife Lily, his sister Beesie McCarthy and her husband Mick, his brother Philip and his wife Marie, his brothers Fr Charlie, Thomas, and Gerard, his brother-in-law John Conefrey, nephews Gerard Brady and Aiden Conefrey.

Fr Vincent will be sadly missed by his sister Kathleen Conefrey (Cammagh, Moyne); brothers, James and his wife Madeline (Portarlington), John Joe and his wife Margaret (Gurteen), Donal and his wife Mary (Longford), sisters in law Angela and Maureen, his much loved nieces and nephews and his grand nieces and nephews, relatives and many friends in both USA and in Ireland, to all of whom we extend our sincere sympathy. 

His funeral will take place in Sacramento and a Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will take place at a later date. May he rest in peace.