Munster Express Online

It was early on Sunday 21st January that we received the sad news of the unexpected passing at his residence in Ardmore of Fr. John Boyle who was in his seventy ninth year.

Son and only child of Thomas and Baba, Fr. John was a native of Western Terrace, was educated at the Mercy Convent, Dungarvan C.B.S. and Mount Melleray. Answering the call, John Boyle entered St. John’s College to commence his studies for the Priesthood. Ordained in 1955 Fr. John was assigned to the English Mission and began his ministry in Preston, later he returned to Ireland was Chaplain to Carriglea Convent. He was curate in St. John’s Parish in Waterford, became Chaplain to The Little Sisters of the Poor on Manor Hill, Curate in Ballybricken Parish and eventually as Administrator and Parish Priest of St. John’s Parish, Waterford where he served the people so faithfully for many years. He was a wonderful servant as Chaplain to De La Salle Scouts for many years. In 2001 after his labours in the vineyard of the Lord he returned to Ardmore where when needed he assisted in Church Ministry and was a great favourite with the local community.

He loved all sports, especially affairs of Gaeldom; he starred on many a Dr. Hackett and Dean Ryan team for the local CBS. He hurled with Sarsfields and his red letter year was certainly 1948 which saw him on the Waterford Minor Hurling Panel that won Munster and All-Ireland honours. Truly a wonderful time when the T.W.A. and Irish Press trophies won by the Minors were added to the McCarthy Cup won by the seniors for the first time. Fr. John loved to recall and converse on such happenings. Not surprisingly having spent some years in Preston, he was a great fan of Preston North End and was a regular at Deepdale.

Reposing at the residence of Ann and David Connors in Lackenfune, Fr. John’s remains was brought on Monday afternoon to the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan where later that evening Canon O’Connor A.P. led us in Rosary and prayers. Indeed Fr. O’Connor shared wonderful memories of Fr. John with us, a tribute that was so much appreciated by all.

On Tuesday prayers were led by V. Rev. Fr. Milo Guiry P.P. after which the funeral cortege left for St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan where they were received and blessed by Most Reverend Dr. William Lee Bishop of Waterford & Lismore assisted by a full choir of Clergy, V. Rev. Fr. W. Ryan P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Guiry P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Ml. Walsh P.P., V. Rev. Fr. P. Ahearne P.P., Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor C.C., Rev. Fr. P. Waldron C.C., V. Rev. Fr. K. Mulcahy P.E., V. Rev. Fr. Jim Mulcahy P.E, V. Rev. Fr. P. Creed P.E., Rev. Fr. P. Fitzgerald A.P., V. Rev. Fr. M. O’Connor, V. Rev. Fr. R. Power, Rev. Fr. P. Hayes, Rev. Fr. P. Pierce (Rosminian), V. Rev. Fr. S. Humphries O.S.A., Rev. Fr. F. O’Callaghan O.S.A., Rev. Fr. M. Cooney O.S.A., Rev. Fr. D. Slator O.S.A. On Wednesday morning Concelebrated Mass was offered in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. John Boyle. His Lordship Dr. Lee was Chief Celebrant with co-celebrants V. Rev. Canor N. O’Mahony P.P., V. Rev. Fr. William Ryan P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Michael Walsh P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Pat Fitzgerald P.P., V.Rev. Fr. Michael Cullinan P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Matt Cunningham P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Michael Curran P.P., Canon Thomas Nugent A.P., Mons. Michael Olden, Pastor Emeritus, V. Rev. Fr. Michael Kennedy P.P., V. Rev. C. Kelleher P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Ml. Enright P.E., V. Rev. Fr. R. Liddane A.P., V. Rev. Fr. P. Cooney P.P., V. Rev. Fr. J. Kiely P.P., V. Rev. Fr. C. Kelly P.P., V. Rev. Fr. F. Lucey P.P., V. Rev. Fr. P. Ahearne P.P., V. Rev. Canon O’Connor A.P., V. Rev. Fr. S. O’Dwyer P.P., V. Rev. Fr. T. Rogers P.P., Rev. Fr. F. Lloyd P.E., Rev. Fr. Joseph Flynn, V. Rev. Fr. R. Arthure A.P., V. Rev. Fr. Milo Guiry P.P., V. Rev. Fr.B. Crowley P.P., Rev. Fr. Gerry Purcell, V. Rev. Fr. W. Callanan A.P., V. Rev. Fr. R. Power P.P., Rev. Fr. Gerard O’Connor C.C., V. Rev. Fr. Éanna Condon P.E., V. Rev. Fr. Paul Murphy P.P., V. Rev. Fr. Pat Condon P.P., Rev. Fr. P. Gear, Rev. Fr. P. Hayes, V. Rev. Fr. M. Slattery, V. Rev. Fr. Gregory Power, Rev. Fr. S. Humphries O.S.A., Rev. Fr. M. Cooney O.S.A., Rev. Fr. J. Flynn, Rev. Fr. P. McCarthy O.S.A., Rev. Fr. J. Browne, V. Rev. Fr. P. Creed P.E., Rev. Fr. P. Waldron C.C.

The Liturgy of the Word was shared by Liam O’Connell and Niamh Kilbride (nee Mansfield). Prayers of the Faithful were read by Sarah, Laura and Nicholas Connors. The Offertory gifts of bread and wine were brought to the altar by Ann Connors and Mary O’Donnell. Words of Remembrance were delivered by Jim Mackey while St. Mary’s Parish Choir and friends under Lena Walsh gave us beautiful music appropriate to the occasion.

In the adjoining cemetery we gathered for final prayers and blessing with Dr. Lee Bishop of Waterford and Lismore officiating, Fr. John Boyle was laid to rest as the Salve Regina was sung in tribute.

Very many attended Fr. John’s funeral obsequies, both laity and clergy. Monsignor Celestine Murray, Texas, a classmate of Fr. John’s was unable to travel from the U.S. due to illness.

We sympathise with Fr. John’s relatives on their loss, the Boyle, O’Connell, Mansfield and Casey families and his many friends especially Lorette Morgan and the Connors family. Fr. John Boyle was a native of the Old Boro and was proud of his Dungarvan roots, he loved to meet the locals in times past where in Fuges Bar on Mary Street (owned by his cousin Maura Casey) he would recall, debate and relate on happenings in the town of times past. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh sé.

Month’s Mind Mass for Fr. John will be celebrated in St. Declan’s Church Ardmore on Friday March 19th at 7.30p.m. Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.