The death has occurred this week of Fr Denis O’Sullivan (94), long-time parish priest in Monasterevin.
There is also tremendous sadness among Bishop Denis Nulty, the priests of the Kildare & Leighlin diocis, and parishioners of Monasterevin and Fr Denis’s former parishes.
Having been ordained in March of 1953 in St John Lateran Basilica, Rome, Fr Denis was first appointed to Killashee and then St Patrick’s College, Carlow.
He was curate in Edenderry from 1958 to 1961 and in Borris from 1961 until 1970 when he moved to Monasterevin.
He was curate for 10 years before becoming parish priest in 1980 until his retirement in 2004.
“Denis, or ‘Fr O’ as he was affectionately known to his parishioners here in Monasterevin, was a much loved priest,” Fr Liam Merrigan, current PP in Monasterevin said.
“As well as being the oldest priest in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, Fr O’Sullivan ministered as a priest in this parish for 34 years.
“In the porch of our church there is a plaque on which is inscribed the names of all the former Parish Priests of Monasterevin Parish. This week Denis O’Sullivans name will be added to that illustrious list and I feel privileged to be following in their footsteps.
“An undertaker once told me that every priest makes a contribution to whatever parish they serve. And that is certainly true of Fr Denis.”
Reposing in St Peter and Paul’s Parish Church, Monasterevin on Wednesday the 12th from 2.30 to 7.30pm with prayer recital at 7.30pm.
Requiem mass on Thursday at 12 with interment afterwards in St Evin’s Cemetery, Monasterevin.
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