Obituaries

Canon Liam Gaffney a pastor much loved by the people of South Fermanagh There is widespread sadness in his native Co Cavan and also in South Fermanagh, where he spent 46 years of his priestly life, at the passing of Canon Liam Gaffney, one of Kilmore's most revered priests. Canon Gaffney was a native of Killeshandra and never lost his fondness for his native place with his parents and family home providing a solid base for what was to become a fruitful life as a pastor of the church. He was one of three sons born to Martin J and Rose Gaffney (nee Dolan) natives of Manorhamilton who put down roots in Killeshandra when Martin, his father, a teacher by profession, was appointed to the Killeshandra school. One of a family of three boys and one girl, all of his sibling predeceased him. After national school Father Gaffney received his secondary education at St Patrick's College, Cavan and from there went on to St Patrick's College, Maynooth, to study for the priesthood. He was ordained in Maynooth in June, 1947 and his first appointment was to Edinburgh. It is worth noting that as there were so many priests being ordained in Ireland at that time that it was a common feature for many of the new priests to spend some of their early years working in Britain. Father Liam served as a priest in Edinburgh for six years and had fond memories of those formative years of his priesthood. In fact in recent years he made a much desired visit back to the parish in the Scottish capital, St. Ninian's, where he met parishioners who still remembered him and welcomed him with open arms. He also visited the grave of his then parish priest, the late Father Peter Higgins, with whom he remained firm friends throughout their lives. On his return to the diocese in 1953 he was appointed a curate in Drumreilly Lower, remaining there until 1958. He was then appointed curate in Kilsherdany (Kill) where he ministered for seven years and is fondly remembered by parishioners as a devout, hardworking priest. In 1965 his life's journey took him North, to the parish of Kinawley and it marked the start of a long association with those three Kilmore parishes in South Fermanagh, Kinawley, Killesher and Knockninny. The people of those parishes developed an abiding fondness and respect for Father Liam as he set about bringing hope to their lives through the gospel message during a phase in our history of great turmoil and challenge. He spent a total of 11 years as curate in Kinawley and amongst the community projects he was involved in was the establishment of the local boxing club which became a positive outlet for many young men from the parish and surrounding area. Amateur drama was also close to his heart and in Kinawley as in the other two parishes he was instrumental in revitalising local drama groups with many members going on to distinguish themselves on stage as their plays did the circuit of halls and community venues over a wide region. Father Liam knew how to draw the best out of people. He was a great supporter of the GAA and was a life long member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. A man with a gifted recall he knew everybody in the parish, both young and old and his friendly manner ensured that there was a natural rapport between priest and parishioners that was a positive factor in parish life. This was also reflected in his interaction with young people. He could always address them by their first names and engage with them in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Later when he met their parents he was always interested in the wellbeing of their children and how they were doing in life. Canon Gaffney had a great commitment to Catholic education and made a huge contribution to it at primary and post primary levels. He was a real believer in the Thomas Davis' maxim, "Educate that you may be free". He saw that a good education for young people was the way to better lives, not only for the young people themselves but also for the whole community. The teachers, members of the Board of Governors, students, parents and all associated with the schools in the three South Fermanagh parishes appreciated his contribution to education. Canon Gaffney will be most remembered for his incredible devotion to his priestly duties, his prayer, celebration of the Mass and sacraments. Fr Enda Murphy, a native of Knockninny recalls that Fr Gaffney arrived in Derrylin when he was eight years old. "My own memories of him are many and various but I will remember him most in the role which I have no doubt was most important to him, celebrating the sacred mysteries in St Ninnidh's church. It was always obvious to me that Canon Gaffney took the celebration of the Mass extremely seriously and there was little doubt that he expected all of us to take it seriously too...I have no doubt that his own example around the sanctuary had an influence on my decision to become a priest", stated Fr Murphy. Predeceased by his brothers, Matty and Joseph and by one sister Maureen he is sadly mourned by his nephew, nieces and other relatives. Also sadly missed by parishioners past and present, by his classmate and close friend, Monsignor PJ McManus and by many friends. See The Anglo-Celt for the following obituaries: Mr Patsy Rudden; former Meath GAA star and referee Peter McDermott; Terry Smith, Rocklands, Cavan and late of Butlersbridge; Cavan-born Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North, Michael Fitzpatrick; George Curran, Loch Gowna.