The late Fr Noel Boylan.

Community says farewell to much loved priest

Tribute penned by Danny Brady

Bruskey correspondent

A heart of gold stopped beating on Tuesday, June 15, when Father Noel Boylan from Crosserlough passed from this world to eternal life after being in failing health for some time. His death will be felt right throughout the Diocese of Kilmore, especially in the parish of Ballintemple and nowhere more so than in the community of Bruskey where he spent many happy years as curate and also as appointed priest in residence in the twilight years of his priesthood.

A humble man, Noel was born just before Christmas 1939 in Kilnaleck a town that was always dear to his heart as were the great old characters he grew up among. After his early education, it was off to UCG medical school from which he graduated in 1971. For a number of years, he was Registrar of Paediatrics in Temple Street and Crumlin.

In 1979, he returned to his native Cavan and became a GP in Virginia. It was here he became very well known and was recognised as a top-class doctor, in particular with young children. He loved his practice but he had a calling from the man above and so, on June 9, 1996, Doctor Noel became Father Noel.

After spending four years in Killargue, he was appointed curate in Bruskey in 2000 and right away won our hearts with his pure, simple, humble and caring way. Always a listening ear, his counsel and prayer was much sought after and many of them were answered.

Sport was dear to his life and he donned the famous black and amber in his prime and many times he would recall the glory days of the seven in a row and the many great players of that era, one in particular John Joe O’Reilly. When curate in Bruskey, Fr Noel took a keen interest in the fortunes of Lacken. A player who really impressed him was the wholehearted Trevor Crowe.

Music was most special to Fr Noel and many times over a cup of tea he would recall the wonderful nights of music and song in his hometown where out on the street the reels and jigs would fill the night air. Hundreds would gather to take it all in and musicians like the great Doctor Brian Galligan and Frank Harten were often mentioned, as well as many more.

Visiting the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes and those living alone was something that Fr Noel enjoyed. Many days he dedicated to this, always trying to make their lives more happy and meaningful. He always, no matter how busy, found time - and God how those same people appreciated his visit.

A fun-loving man, Fr Noel always game for a laugh and, in particular, enjoyed the company of late Johnny Conaty also gone to his eternal rest.

Golf was a big hobby of Fr Noel's and he played many rounds on the picturesque Crover house golf course with his friends.

His affinity with children was something that endured and, while in Bruskey, he made almost a daily visit to the local St Patrick's school where his soft and gentle way won the hearts of pupils and teachers alike. When their big day came for First Communion and Confirmation, there was no need to worry everything would be just fine.

After five very happy years with the local community, word came that Fr Noel was being appointed to Teemore and many hearts sank but it was his ministry and so he bade farewell. Later he would move to the parish of Kill.

Roll on the years and, in 2014, the word was out Fr Noel was returning to Bruskey. It was news that was greeted with great joy and he was delighted to be back in a place that was special to him. He took up where he left off 10 years earlier, saying his daily mass and attending to all his duties with great support from his parish priest Rev Sean McDermott.

With his health beginning to fail, with a heavy heart, he retired in 2018 and moved back to his home in Kilnaleck and it was there that many old friends called to see him. Everyone was welcomed in his warm and friendly way until Covid restrictions hit.

Fr Noel moved to College View nursing home a few months ago as he became more frail. It was there he got loving care from the staff and his family. His time was growing shorter and the final sunset came to a man who had devoted himself to God and his people like no other. We are left with hundreds of beautiful memories and the absolute certainty of a saint in heaven. Rest in peace Fr Noel you were one of the best.

The remains of our beloved priest lay in repose in Briody’s funeral home where many people came to pay their final respects before being removed to St Patrick's Church, the place where he received his first sacraments and next morning his funeral mass was celebrated with principal celebrant Most Rev Bishop Martin Hayes.

After his funeral celebration, which included a beautiful oration by his brother Brian, it was down the road to Mullaghboy cemetery, his final resting place. In the warm June sunshine, the gentle, kind and good hearted man that was Noel Boylan was laid to rest overlooking the community of Bruskey where he spent many happy days around his beloved St Mary's. To his brothers Brian and Gary; sisters Grainne and Carol and all the extended relatives and friends of the late Father Noel, we extend our heartfelt sympathies.