Bishop pays tribute following death of Achill-based rector

THE Church of Ireland Bishop of the Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe has paid tribute to Achill-based rector Reverend Maebh O’Herlihy who died after a brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Reverend Maebh O’Herlihy passed away aged 75 years in the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar on Friday after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease having been diagnosed with the disease in December 2021.

The Dublin native lived for a number of years in Brussels with her family and studied Theology and Catechetics in Louvain University. She moved to live in Achill in 2000 and later took the decision to study to become a Church of Ireland priest. She was ordained in 2020 and was appointed as Rector of St Thomas' Church in Dugort on Achill Island.

Bishop Michael Burrows paid tribute to Rev O’Herlihy following her death stating that she battled her illness with dignity and described her as an inspiration.

“Her illness (MND) had been long and extraordinarily difficult; the courage and integrity she displayed throughout its course were an inspiration. But we must at this time also take the longer view of her character and service, and give particular thanks for her contribution to the rich spiritual life of Achill, her pioneering vision for the Sacred Path, her capacity to draw others into a shared pursuit of holiness and beauty. As we approach All Saints’ tide we rejoice despite our tears to number her among those who have been veritable saints for us in our time and context,” Bishop Burrows wrote on the Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe Facebook page.

A memorial service will take place in St Thomas’s Church, Dugort on Friday, November 17 at 2pm after which her ashes will be interred in the churchyard.

Bishop Burrows stated that Maebh had been 'carefully and courageously planning its contents for some time' and she has specifically requested people wear bright clothes and no black was to be worn while clergy and readers are asked not to robe, but to be part of the congregation with the rest of Maebh’s friends and family.

“So in these days we give thanks for Maebh as priest and companion on the Way, and we rejoice in the great reality that is the Communion of Saints,” he concluded.