Tributes have been paid following the passing of Fr Kevin O’Neill of Abbeyleix and Mountrath.
A respected teacher, Fr O’Neill joined Carlow College in 1972 and was a staff member for forty-three years.
He was involved in the training of seminarians for the priesthood and he lectured in English. He became President of the College in 1994 until 2015.
In that role he oversaw the transformation of the College, providing access to third level education in the Humanities and Social Care in the south east of Ireland and beyond.
He appointed many of the current staff members to the staff of the College. He was co-founder the Carlow Arts Festival, EIGSE Carlow.
It was during his presidency that the College Trustees provided the site on the College Campus for VISUAL – the new George Bernard Shaw Theatre and Exhibition Centre.
In recognition of his educational and cultural contribution to the Carlow Town and County and the wider region, Monsignor 0’Néill received the Freedom of Carlow (2006), was named the Carlow Person of the Year (2006) and he was created a Prelate of Honour with the title of Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
Fr Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest in Abbeyleix, paid tribute to Fr O’Neill on Facebook.
He said: “I lost a great friend, Fr O’Neill. A deeply reflective and honest minister of the Gospel.
“He was kind to me here in Abbeyleix and throughout my priestly life. A prophet who had a wide vision.”
Former Laois GAA Chairman Peter O’Neill remembers Fr O’Neill as a young priest.
He said: “The passing of Fr Kevin O Neill is with great sadness, condolences to all his family and order. Fr Kevin came to Edenderry in about 1969 as a young curate.
“He made a massive contribution to the people of the town in particular the youth.
“He started what was to become one of the most vibrant youth clubs in the Country and when he left Fr Pj Mc Evoy another Laois man grew the club to over 500 members.
“Fr O’Neill also started the Athletics club and I still have one of his certificate of Achievements for competing in Road races ( everyone got one) I met him last year in O Moore Park after almost 30 years and he still had a fantastic charisma about him.
“He left a lasting impression on anyone he crossed paths with and will be sadly missed by all.May he Rest in Peace.”
Predeceased by his parents Liam (Billy) and Brigid and his siblings Barbara, Aengus and Siobhán.
Cúis mhór bróin a bhás dá dheartháracha agus deirfiúracha Brenda, Diarmuid, Colm, Maria, Gráinne, Liam, Mairéad, Gertrude, Suzette agus Killian, nianna, gar-nianna ,neachtanna gar-neachtanna agus gaolta. Sincerely regretted by Bishop Denis Nulty and clergy of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.
Reception of Caoimhín’s remains will take place this Friday evening at 7pm in The Church of The Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix. Requiem Mass will be celebrated in The Church of The Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix, on Saturday at 11am. Caoimhín’s burial will take place in St. Fintan’s Cemetery, Mountrath.
May he Rest in Peace.
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