Mayo island in mourning as it is set to bid farewell to ‘dear friend’

The close knit island community of Inisturk is ‘heartbroken’ to hear of the passing of dear friend and devoted priest, Fr Declan Deasy.

Islander Eamon Heanue described Fr Deasy as a ‘dear friend to everybody’ on the island over the last seventy years and told The Mayo News that “especially with the small community here, he will be badly missed.”

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Fr John Kenny remembers Fr Deasy as "an honorary Islander, and I describe him as an ambassador for Inisturk. He visited there anytime he had free time since 1956. It's incredible that he would have been 70 years visiting the island next year.”

“In recent years, he would have joined the people there for Christmas and Easter celebrations, which are the highest, the biggest occasion for community and liturgy. He was consistently loyal to the pastoral needs of people at that time of the year.”

In a statement on the Inisturk Island Facebook page, islanders expressed their heartbreak upon hearing of Fr Deasy’s passing:

“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear friend and devoted priest, Fr. Deasy.
Fr. Deasy first travelled to Inishturk in 1957 and has been a welcome and much-cherished part of our community ever since, holidaying here every summer and celebrating Mass during his many visits.

"He was held in the highest regard and was embraced by young and old alike. A modest and unassuming man, he was as interesting as he was witty, highly intelligent, and so well read and travelled, but with a glint in his eye for a giggle or two when the opportunity presented itself. His Mass ceremonies were as educational as they were sacramental, and often required an answer or two from the congregation, the teacher always at the fore.

"Fr. Deasy was one of all; from the most devout to those who celebrated their religion and faith in their own way, he found common ground with everyone and instantly made you feel at ease. A man who became part of our identity and our culture, and with whom we celebrated the highest highs and the lowest lows, a voice of comfort, one so familiar and easy.

"A photographer and a gardener, his pictures made their way to every home with a brief description and date of the moment captured in his distinctive penmanship. His plants adorn the island gardens and churchyard, a piece of him and his passions that we will refer to and enjoy forevermore.

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"Our religious celebrations, be they Easter or Christmas, will never be the same, as the association of those times with him will be a reminder of his absence, but we will continue to celebrate the spiritual presence of a man who gave us so much, with generosity and selflessness. Our lives were all the richer for having had him with us, and what an honour and privilege it was to share so many wonderful memories, he was one of our own.

"The islanders who have gone before him will meet him with open arms and the warmest of welcomes. While their gain is immeasurable, it is most certainly our loss.

May the angels surround him, and may he rest in the heavenly arms of our Lord forever. His earthly devotion is now done.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Fr Deasy will be reposing in Conneely's Funeral Home, Flood Street, Galway (H91 A786) on Friday, 26th September, from 5.30 pm. Removal at 7 pm to St. Augustine’s Church, Middle Street, Galway. Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 27th September at 11 am.

It is poignant that he will repose on Sunday night in the church where he often said mass. Burial will take place on Inisturk Island, Co. Mayo, on Monday, 29th September.