Neale-born priest, teacher, archivist and photographer dies

Neale-born priest, teacher, archivist and photographer dies


Fr Séan P Farragher, CSSp, a native of The Neale, has died in Co Dublin. Fr Farragher, who was an uncle to Fr Stephen Farragher, PP, Ballyhaunis, and Fr Pat Farragher, Castlebar, taught at Blackrock College, Co Dublin, for many years.
Born in The Neale in 1922, Fr Farragher studied in Ballinrobe CBS and Rockwell College, Co Tipperary, before joining the Holy Ghost Congregation in 1939. Studying at Kimmage Manor and UCD, he was awarded a BA, MA, and H Dip Ed (and later a Sarah Purser Scholarship in the History of European Painting). He was ordained in 1948 and was appointed to Blackrock College, where he taught Religion, Irish and English until 1987 and organised and ran a very successful photography club.
Having researched the history of both the Holy Ghost Congregation and Blackrock College, he began publishing his significant findings in 1954. In 1957, he was appointed archivist and his meticulous research continued throughout his lifetime.
His published works are many and varied. They include books on the founders of the Congregation and of Blackrock College, on Bishop Joseph Shanahan CSSp and Éamon de Valera. He also published a collection of short biographies of members of the Irish Spiritan Province and biographical material on notable past students. In 1988, he was awarded a PhD from UCG for his work on Père Leman, CSSp, Educator and Missioner, and founder of Blackrock College.
Fr Farragher’s photography club yielded remarkable results. His students over the years have won numerous awards in both Ireland and England, and in the German-sponsored European Young Photographers’ Competition. Many of his students have gone on to become well-known photographers. He himself won several Photographic Society of Ireland competitions and in various open competitions, notably in ‘Ireland’s Eye’.
Above all, however, Fr Farragher was a man of the Spirit and the heart. His dedication to things of the Spirit, his gentle presence and his deep authenticity impressed all his students. It is not surprising that during his time teaching in the College many students followed his footsteps and became priests; a good number of them joined the Holy Ghost Congregation. All over the globe, particularly in Developing World countries, among the poor, these past-students speak with great fondness of their former teacher, Fr Séan ‘Vicky’ Farragher.
Father Séan was also a great upholder of the dignity and rights of women and had a very special place in his heart for the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Thérèse of Lisieux, patroness of the missions.
His love and dedication to his own family was a very big part of his life. They were never far from his mind and heart.
Fr Farragher is mourned by his sisters, Sr Mary, Poor Clares, Galway, Bride Cheeseman, Athenry and Kitty Trainor, US; nephews, including Fr Stephen Farragher, PP, Ballyhaunis, and Fr Pat Farragher, Castlebar; nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family, Spiritan confrères, past students and friends.
Following repose in Blackrock College Chapel on Sunday concelebrated Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul took place yesterday (Monday), with burial afterwards in Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, Co Dublin.