There is shock and sadness in Abbeyleix and Ballyroan this evening as Parish Priest Fr John Cummins has passed away.
The Parish Priest, who had only taken the post in 2017, was killed following a tragic accident.
Aidan McEvoy, principal of Scoil Mhuire in Abbeyleix, confirmed the tragic news in a post on the Abbeyleix Facebook page.
He said: “Dear parents/guardians, it is with great regret that I must inform you all of the tragic death following a suspected accident of our beloved parish priest and Chaplin Fr Cummins R.I.P.
“Please pray for him and his family at this sad time. A tragic event for our community and our school family.
“May he rest in peace. Aidan McEvoy Principal.”
Fr Cummins succeeded Fr Gerard Ahern in the role of parish priest in July 2017.
While the cause of Fr Cummins death has yet to be established, it is understood that the accident occurred at around 3pm today near his home.
Originally from Newbridge in Co Kildare, Fr Cummins was aged in his fifties and was well liked in the community since succeeding Fr Ahern.
May he Rest in Peace.
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