Mayo priest fondly remembered in Galway community after death

Fr Oliver McNamara, Annaghdown, Co Galway, who died peacefully at home following a brief illness, served in a number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Tuam over the years.

He was 73 and a native of Chapel Street, Louisburgh, Mayo.

Fr Ollie, who was son of the late Eileen (nee Flannery) and George McNamara, was in the 48th year of his ministry to the priesthood.

He was ordained on June 11, 1977, and served as CC on Clare Island from 1977-1979.

He was then assigned to Claremorris where he spent the next ten years and in 1989 he was appointed to Ballinrobe where he ministered until 1998.

Fr Ollie was made CC in Annaghdown in the summer of 1998 and spent all the rest of his ministry in that parish.

He was noted for his kindness and compassion, caring nature and his warm smile that endeared him to so many.

Fr Ollie loved to share time and conversation with good friends and his warm sense of humour and easy-going nature were always to the fore.

He was very highly thought of in the Annaghdown region as reflected by this lovely tribute from Corrandrum NS.

“Our association with Fr Ollie goes back to his introduction to the parish where he served on our Board of Management. In doing so he carried out his duties with due diligence that included brevity in discussion and decisions and our school was greatly enhanced through his input.

“He was a faithful shepherd who guided his people with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to God, this as a school we experienced firsthand.

“His wit and wisdom were ever present and it was a true pleasure to meet and speak with him. May his life continue to offer solace and comfort to you all and may the memories of a life well lived bring you peace and strength. Comhbhrón ó chroí libh ar fad.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Corrib Celtic spoke fondly of his contribution to the soccer club and the community down the years.

“Fr Ollie faithfully served in the ministry of the priesthood for over 48 years, spending more than half of that time here in the parish of Annaghdown.

“He was deeply respected and greatly loved within our community. Corrib Celtic FC extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss.

"Fr Ollie was a genuine, kind, and warm-hearted person who shared in many special occasions throughout the life of our community. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.”

The GAA club also joined in the expressions of condolences to the McNamara family and friends: “All at Annaghdown GAA are saddened to learn of the passing of Fr Ollie McNamara, a long and beloved priest in the Parish of Annaghdown.

"Fr Ollie's loss will be greatly felt by all who knew him from his time in Annaghdown.”

Richard Carney, Claremorris, said he served for a decade as a curate in Claremorris parish with kindness, warmth and a genuine love for people.

“His gentle presence touched the lives of all who knew him. Even after moving on, Fr Ollie never forgot Claremorris - his visits were always a joy and it was a pleasure to see him and share a few words together.

"May his goodness and friendship be long remembered by all who were blessed to know him.”

Eileen Walsh, Mayfield, Claremorris, said Fr Ollie was “kind gentle and loyal and great to the elderly and the young and was everything as a priest.”

Reposing was in St Brendan’s Church, Annaghdown, with further reposing the next evening at Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Louisburgh, concluding with Vigil Prayers and removal to St Patrick’s Church.

Following the concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, interment took place in Kilgeever Cemetery.

Fr Ollie, who was predeceased by his brother Padraic and infant sister Mary, will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his brother Liam (Westport) and his wife Breda, nephews John, Oliver and Liam-Óg, niece Aoife, grand-nephews Oscar, Sean and Christopher, grand-niece Alice, cousins, Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop Emeritus Michael Neary, brother priests of the Archdiocese of Tuam, religious sisters of the Western Province, laity, parishioners, wide circle of friends, with a special thanks also to his carers and close friends in Annaghdown who looked after him with such kindness and loyalty during his illness, Martin-Joe, Nora, Michael, Mary, Mairtín, John, Myles, Siobhan and Bridget.