Popular Kilmore priest laid to rest

Fr Clarke’s funeral mass took place at St Patrick's Church, Drumcor on Monday last, January 4, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

The funeral has taken place of popular local priest, Fr Eugene Clarke, who passed away on Friday, January 1.

Fr Clarke, a native of Tullynaskeagh, Bailieborough and latterly Brookside, Cavan Town, passed away peacefully at Cavan General Hospital.

Born June 10, 1931, son of Michael Clarke and Mary Gargan, Fr Clarke was ordained in the College Chapel of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth on June 23, 1957.

After his Ordination, Fr Clarke served in the Archdiocese of Birmingham (1957), before he was appointed C.C in Drumreilly Lower a year later.

He served as C.C. in Doobally (1962) before moving to Killargue (1969), and later as C.C. in Aughnasheelin (1980).

Fr Clarke was then appointed P.P. of Kilmore Parish (Ballinagh) (1987) and latterly C.C at Kilmore Parish (Ballinagh) (2002).

He retired from active ministry in 2007.

Fr Clarke’s funeral mass took place at St Patrick's Church, Drumcor on Monday last, January 4, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Fr Clarke is predeceased by his parents May and Michael, sisters Maureen, Rosie and Lil and brothers Benny and Philip.

He is survived by his brother Fr Bosco (Buckinghamshire, England), nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and all his extended family.

Fr Clarke’s death is also deeply regretted by Bishop Martin Hayes, retired Bishop Leo O Reilly and all the clergy of the Diocese of Kilmore, his former parishioners, good neighbours, carers and many friends.