‘Much more than a just a priest’

Last weekend the parish of Ballintemple said farewell to one of its most treasured and respected citizens.

Fr Phil Brady late of Legwee Bridge, Bruskey passed away on Tuesday 6th January just two days short of his 82nd birthday.

While he had been in ill health for the past while his death is deeply regretted in the area and in the Diocese of Kilmore where he ministered for almost 50 years.

Fr Phil was so much more than a just a priest, he was a charismatic person, proud family member and friend to many in all walks of life. He was a gentle, kind and humorous man who liked the simple life with no needs, no pretence and no airs or graces.

Following his school days in Bruskey school he attended St Patricks’ college and then studied for the priesthood in Maynooth College. He was ordained in Kilmore Cathedral on 16th June 1968 which was a very proud day for his parents and family.

He served as curate in various parishes in the Kilmore diocese and in 1997 he was appointed parish priest in Ballinagleara and then in Laragh in 2002 and he retired in 2017. During that time he endeared himself to all who knew him and is fondly remembered for his compassion and goodness as he served his people, often becoming as one of their own.

With his down to earth manner he impacted many lives as he went about his duties. During his time in St Patrick’s college he captained the 1960 McRory winning team and on the field of play whether it was for the college or his native Lacken he was formidable opponent.

Over the course of his ministry, Fr Brady served in numerous parishes across the Diocese of Kilmore, including Kinlough, Glangevlin, Corlough–Drumreilly Lower, Ballinaglera, Kildallan, Doobally, Cross, and as Parish Priest of Laragh. He retired from active ministry in 2017.

Fr Phil was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Roseanne, infant sister Teresa, sisters Margaret Mollahan and Rosie Galligan, brother Ned, aunt Molly, brother-in-law Michael Tully and nephew James Tully and is survived by his sister Maryann Tully and brothers John (Pat), Paddy (Lily), Monsignor James Brady and Hughie (Maggie), brothers-in-law Phil Galligan and John Mollahan and sister-in-law Kathleen Brady, nieces and nephews, Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop Emeritus Leo O’Reilly, brother priests and a wide family circle where his passing will be sadly missed.

His funeral on Saturday in his native St Mary’s church, Bruskey was a splendid occasion. The mass was celebrated by Bishop Martin Hayes assisted by Monsignor James Brady with a very large representative attendance of brother priests along with a packed congregation following which his remains were interred in the church grounds and indeed it was a privilege for the parish to host the final chapter in Fr Phil’s life.

I measc no naomh go raibh Sé .