HomeNewsHomeless man died two days after seeking refuge at priest's house

Homeless man died two days after seeking refuge at priest’s house

-

2560611899by Andrew Carey

andrew@limerickpost.ie

A HOMELESS man who died in the early hours of Monday morning had been given refuge in a Limerick priest’s home for two nights before his death.

The man, who is from Cork and believed to be aged in his 40s, had approached Raheen parish priest Fr Michael Noonan who offered to take him off the streets four days before Christmas.

The man passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Monday morning and Gardai say that they are not treating the death as suspicious.

It is understood that the man’s personal circumstances had changed recently and he sought help from Fr Noonan, who had helped him in the past.

“This is a very sad time for me and for all concerned. This man has come to me for help on a number of occasions over the last seven years, but I had not seen him for about seven months until he turned up recently”, said Fr Noonan who added that “I helped him get accommodation, but two nights ago he asked could he stay a night or two.

“I have a spare room and offered it to him. He was delighted with having a bit of company and a warm bed to put his head down on. He said that for the first time in a long time he felt secure.

Fr Noonan said that he was” deeply saddened that he has passed away, but consoled very much by the fact that he died knowing there was a welcome for him and he is now at peace.

“I would ask that people keep him and others who find themselves homeless or in other vulnerable situations in their thoughts and prayers, especially at this time of year.”

Meantime, the Bishop of Limerick has asked the people of the Diocese to pray for the soul of the man who died.

Expressing his sadness over the man’s death and extending sympathy to his relatives and friends, Bishop Brendan Leahy said it was a stark reminder that, despite the good work of agencies across the country including in Limerick, many people are still vulnerable in Ireland today.

“Our first thoughts are with relatives of the deceased and with those who have offered their support over recent trying years for him. This is a reminder of the difficulties that some people in Ireland face today. In praying for his soul and recognising the sadness of his death, we are at least consoled by the fact that he was shown care at the end of his life.

“As we approach Christmas, we think of the infant Jesus and how there was ‘no room at the inn’ for Mary and Joseph on the night he was born. In asking for prayers for the deceased, I would hope that his death will be a reminder to us all of the need to make room in our lives for those who are down on their luck, in whatever way, this Christmas”, he said.

- Advertisment -

Must Read