This article is from page 6 of the 2009-07-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
THE diocese of Killaloe is mourning the loss of two long-serving priests who died at the weekend.
Fr Michael McNamara was parish priest in Doora-Barefield and served as priest for the Killaloe Diocese for 40 years. He died on Saturday morn- ing at University College Hospital, Cre NA
Rev Neil Campion SPS, Knock- erra-Killimer, died on Saturday, July 25 at Regina House Nursing Home, Kilrush. He served as a priest in Kil- laloe Diocese for nearly 15 years.
Fr Neil was a native of Tralee, County Kerry where he was born in 1934. He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Kiltegan where he was ordained in April 1960. After ordination he went on Mission to the diocese of Ogoja in Kenya, where he worked until 1991. He then retired from overseas missionary work due to ill health. He served in the Diocese of Elphin for one year and in the US for one year. On return to Ireland, in late 1994, he began his ministry in Killaloe diocese, serving in the parishes of Cooraclare, 1994 – 1996 and Kilmurry Ibrickane 1996 – 1998. From 1998, Fr Neil continued to serve in a variety of west Clare parishes as a resource priest. Since 2002 he acted as administrator, first in Killballyowen parish and, in re- cent years, in Killimer-Knockerra.
Concelebrated funeral Mass for Fr Neil was held yesterday at Knockerra
burial grounds.
Fr McNamara was a native of Kil- maley. He studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained in Kilmaley Church in 1969. After ordination, he was ap- pointed to the staff of St Flannan’s College, Ennis, as Dean of Studies.
In 1971, he was appointed tempo- rary Assistant to Shannon and in 1973 he undertook a course at Swan- sea University, Wales on Youth and
Community Services. In July 1974, he was appointed to the staff of St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon. Since July 2001, he has served in the parish of Doora-Bare- field, first as curate and, since 2005, as parish priest.
Fr Ger Nash, Diocesan secretary, described Fr McNamara as a man hugely committed to his parish.
Fr McNamara was also well known in Clare GAA circles. He served as
both vice-chairman and chairman of the Clare County Board and was actively involved with St Joseph’s Doora Barefield GAA club.
Heyes eeelrcemalnlonVM\V Ew COan ale McNamara takes place at 3pm today in Sts Peter & Paul Cathedral, Ennis followed by burial in the grounds of Barefield Church.