Butlersbridge mourns loss of priest who‘made a difference’ in the lives of so many

The recent death of Monsignor Aiden Foynes, formerly of Butlersbridge, at the Mease Countryside Hospital, Clearwater, Florida was received with deep regret.

In his 90th year, Mons. Aiden Foynes was the second youngest of eight children to Michael and Ellen (nee Leddy) Foynes.

Having attended Coolboyogue National School and St Patrick’s College in September 1955, eight months after the death of his mother Ellen, he entered the seminary in St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, embarking on his journey of 65 years ministry.

He was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1961, less than a month after the death of his father, Michael, and on June 6, he celebrated his first Mass in St. Aidan’s Church in Butlersbridge, much to the delight of his family and friends there.

He was first assigned by the Diocese of St Augustine in Florida to St Cecelia’s Church, Clearwater. During his years in Florida he served in numerous parishes and schools including Our Lady of Lourdes in Dunedin, Clearwater Catholic High School as President, Cardinal Mooney High School, Sarasota, Espiritu Santo Safety Harbour and Our Lady Queen of Peace in New Port Richey.

In 1993, he returned to St Cecilia’s as Pastor until his retirement on July 1, 2005, where he remained active in this parish for as long as his health allowed. In 1999 Pope John Paul II appointed him as Prelate of Honour, granting the honorary title Monsignor.

Although living in Florida for all of his priestly life, he never lost touch with his family and many friends in Butlersbridge returning almost on an annual basis.

Celebrations were organised in the village in 1986, 2001 and 2011 to mark the 25th, 40th and Golden Jubilees of his Ordination.

Football was a very important part of his life. He was a member of the Butlersbridge team that won the County Minor championship in 1953 and was a member of the County Minor team in 1954.

In 1955, he along with fellow Butlersbridge men, Con Smith and Terry Smyth were members of the victorious St. Patrick's College MacRory team, bringing the first Ulster football medals to the village.

He maintained his connection with the GAA Club in the village and was one of the club’s honorary Presidents.

Mons Aiden was the recipient of many other honours, including the Father Luis de Cancer Award for Distinguished Priestly Service in 2014, and in 2015, the parish hall in New Port Richey was dedicated to him. Within the Diocese he held many leadership roles including the role of VF and was a member of the College of Consultors.

His last visit home was only a few weeks before his death. He concelebrated Mass for the local Cemetery visitation, and on the following Sunday in St Aidan’s Church, just over 65 years from the date of his first Mass there.

Mons Aiden will be lovingly remembered as a special priest who made a difference to the lives of so many. He died on Thursday, August 20, and his funeral, which took place on September 4 at St Cecilia’s Church, Clearwater, was a fitting tribute to a warm, faithful and distinguished son of Butlersbridge and to the appreciation of his gifted work and blessed presence among his parishioners over sixty five years of ministry in Florida.

The chief celebrant was Bishop Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St Petersburg, assisted by Bishop Emeritus Robert Lynch. Family members from New York, New Jersey, Chicago, England and Butlersbridge also attended.

Mons Aiden was predeceased by his brothers, Patrick, Mick, Willie, sisters Sarah, Lizzie Condell, Eileen Greenan and Bridgie Lloyd. He is survived and fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Lori, his nieces and nephews and his many friends.

Mass for the repose of his soul, will be offered in St Aidan’s Church, Butlersbridge on Wednesday, September 23 at 7.30 pm.