'A lovely gentle soul' - Tributes paid after death of beloved Offaly priest

Ferbane Parish in Offaly have led tributes after the death of beloved priest, Fr Michael Morris SPS, who passed away last Friday.

"It was with great sadness that the parish learned of the passing of Fr Michael. He was a much loved priest and carried out his ministry with dignity until the very end," the parish said.

Before is time in Ferbane, Fr Michael worked with the St. Patrick's Missionary Society, Kiltegan, Wicklow, the diocese of Chikwawa, Malawi, Diocese of Mutare, Zimbabea, New Jersey U.S.A.

Fr Michael died on Friday, July 4, 2025, peacefully at Tullamore Regional Hospital.

Formerly on Loch Gowna in Cavan, he was predeceased by his parents James and Bridget, brothers, Tony and Peadar, sisters, Mary Buttigieg and Ann Mulligan. He will be sadly missed by his brothers, Brian and Gerry, sisters, Betty Murphy and Breege Connors, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, parishioners of Ferbane Parish, relatives, neighbours, friends and his society family in Kiltegan.

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Tributes have been flooding in for Fr Michael from all over the world. One condolence on RIP.ie read: "Sincere sympathies to the Morris family, to Fr. Peter and Fr. Pat in Ferbane Parish, to St. Patrick's Missionary Society in Kiltegan and his fellow Priests and Religious on the sad passing of Fr. Michael. A true shepherd of his flock. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in heavenly peace."

Another person said: "Deepest sympathy to Gerry, Brian, Betty, Breege, Eimear & families on the passing of Fr. Michael. He was such a kind and friendly man and will be greatly missed. May Fr. Michael rest in peace.

A third added: "Deepest sympathy to the Morris Family and also Fr Peter and Fr Pat, he will be greatly missed, a lovely gentle soul. May God reward him for all his work."

Funeral Details:

Fr Michael will repose in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ferbane on Tuesday (July 8th) from 3pm until the celebration of Mass at 5.30pm. Removal afterwards to the Church of the Holy Family, Loch Gowna, Co. Cavan arriving at 8pm.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday (July 9th) at 12noon, which may be viewed on Facebook, after which, he will be laid to rest in the adjoining Church Grounds.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal