Sadness at death of beloved Granard PP

There was widespread disbelief when news of the untimely death of the beloved Granard Parish Priest Canon Frank Kelly was made known on Friday afternoon, January 9. Fr. Frank as he was affectionately known passed away peacefully in the presence of his brother Michael and his family and the staff at St. Joseph"s Hospital, Dublin Road, Longford after a brief illness. Fr. Frank served the parish of Granard for the past 20 years. Prior to coming to Granard, he was in Legan from 1986 to 1988. He also served in Banagher, Co. Offaly from 1974 to 1986. His first assignment after his ordination on June 21, 1964 was to St. Mel"s college, Longford where he taught until 1974. Apart from his parish priest duties, he was Chairperson of CPSNA and was a great mediator within the educational system in the diocese and further afield. He was a wonderful parish priest, administrator, historian and scholar and he will be sadly missed by his brother Michael; sister-in-law Carmel; nieces; nephews; extended family; his devoted housekeeper, Josie Henry; Bishop Colm O"Reilly and his fellow priests of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois and beyond; all his parishioners and the communities of the neighbouring parishes. His remains were brought back to his native Molly in Colmcille on Saturday where he reposed at the family homestead until Sunday morning when his remains were brought back to St. Joseph"s Chapel, Longford. From 12 noon until prayers at 6.30pm, there was a constant flow of people from all over the country whose lives Fr. Frank had touched. On arrival at St. Mary"s Church, Granard on Sunday evening, his remains were received by Bishop Colm O"Reilly and his fellow priests of the diocese. Cardinal Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and a former classmate in Maynooth attended. Funeral Mass was concelebrated on Monday at 12 noon with Bishop Colm O"Reilly and Bishop Leo O"Reilly, Kilmore Diocese. The Church of Ireland was represented by Canon Janet Catteral and Rev. William Stafford with burial in adjoining church yard. May his noble soul rest in peace.