THE parish of Mungret, Crecora, and Raheen paid a fond farewell to parish priest Canon John O’Shea on his retirement after a decade of service to the community.
A retirement celebration was held at the Mungret St Paul’s GAA Community Hall in celebration of his work in the parish, where he served for the past 10 years.
Canon O’Shea arrived in the parish in 2016 from Abbeyfeale, where he spent 14 years working in the County Limerick town.
The respected Canon dedicated 55 years of his ministry to serving a number of communities across Limerick city and county. He began his ministry in Denmark Street in the city, and spent time as a parish priest in Moyross.
Throughout his long ministry, Canon O’Shea also served as chaplain to the Irish Defence Forces, which saw him serve two terms alongside peacekeepers in Lebanon. He also served as chaplain to NIHE, which later became the University of Limerick, as well as serving as director and board member of Limerick Social Services.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Canon O’Shea also found time to help establish GAA sports at the University of Limerick.
Praising his many accomplishments, chairperson of the Mungret, Crecora, and Raheen Parish Development Group, Betty Walsh, said that “it is hardly surprising therefore that he has a reputation to be a great man for getting things done”.
“His dedication, his compassion, his positivity, his energy and enthusiasm, his charisma are all hallmarks of the man who has brought a tremendous personal touch to everything he does.
“His homilies are engaging, relevant, and thought provoking, full of personal anecdotes that often evoke memories for all of us. We will miss him dearly and we wish him health, happiness, and contentment in his retirement.”
Ms Walsh said that “it was wonderful to see such a huge turn out on the night showing their gratitude and appreciation for Canon John’s great work in our parish”.
“We also look forward to working with Fr Seán Harmon, his successor here, and will support him in every way.”