RIP: Galway priest dies as local community mourn 'man of great generosity'
He contributed to many local organisations especially charity and most recently with the Building for Children Fund
A Galway community is mourning the loss of a priest described as a man with “great generosity”.
Monsignor Michael F. Devine died on October 20 at the age of 95 with the Ballygar man serving the Diocese of Elphin and the Diocese of Saint Petersburg in Florida, US during his lifetime.
Peter Daly, who runs a local page detailing all things Ballygar, said that Monsignor Michael was a “great friend and neighbour”.
He said: “My deepest sympathy to the extended Devine family on the sad passing of their beloved uncle, Monsignor Michael. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.
“Monsignor Michael always dropped in to see us when he was home. A gentleman, a man of great generosity who contributed to many of our local organisations especially charity, like the Building for Children Fund. Michael will be greatly missed by his loving family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mo chomhbhrón ort agus ar do mhuintir.”
His RIP.ie notice reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Monsignor Michael F., native of Ballygar, Co. Galway formerly Diocese of Elphin, Ireland and Diocese of Saint Petersburg, Florida, October 20th, 2026. Peacefully (in his 96th year) in the excellent care of the staff at Summerville Health Care, Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
“Predeceased by his parents Dan and Theresa, his brothers Brian and Sean and his sister Kathleen. Cherished uncle of Treasa, Arnie, Danny and Donal, granduncle of Siofra, Finnegan, Liam and Sean. Sadly, missed by his loving family, sister-in-law Kitty, Bishop Kevin Doran, Diocese of Elphin, Bishop Gregory L. Parkes, Diocese of St. Petersburg, his fellow priests, relatives, neighbours and many friends, R.I.P.
“Reposing at Moran’s Funeral Home, Ballygar, on Thursday evening from 6 o’clock until 8 o’clock with removal afterwards to St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar. Funeral Mass on Friday at 11 o’clock followed by burial afterwards in the Church grounds. Funeral Mass can be viewed on http://ballygar.ie/ or on https://churchtv.ie/ballygar. It can be listened to locally on 106.5 F.M. radio.”