The death has occurred of Fr. Charles Meagher, a native of Killarney, who dedicated his life to working on the missions with the Columban Fathers.
A native of High Street, he was born in 1935 and attended the Presentation Convent, Presentation Monastery and St. Brendan’s College, Killarney, before leaving Killarney to study for the priesthood in Dalgan Park in Navan. He was ordained in December 1960.
Worked in the Philippines
He then moved to work in the Philippines in 1961, initially based in Gingoog City and, later, the densely populated Iligan City, until 1967 and he was then appointed parish priest in Ozamis City where he pioneered pre-marriage programmes.
In the early 1970’s Fr Meagher – known to his colleagues as Charlie – was transferred to London for further studies and he was assigned to the Catholic Institute for International Relations, working diligently to highlight the problems in third world countries.
He was appointed, by the then Bishop of Kerry Eamonn Casey, to work for Trócaire in Ireland before returning to the Philippines in 1976, serving as district superior of Cagayan de Oro from 1981-1985 and, later, taking up the role of formation coordinator for the society.
Columban Education Officer
An enthusiastic golfer and great with technology, Fr Meagher then returned to Ireland and managed the Columban Missionaries social media operations for a number of years as well as doubling up as the order’s education officer.
He loved to return to his native Killarney whenever possible and he enjoyed celebrating Mass in the chapel in the Presentation Convent.
Fr. Meagher, who died in Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan on Wednesday, was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Agnes, sisters Anne, Tottie, Lil, Una and Ena and nephew John.
Castleisland Connections
Fr. Meagher was a brother of Limerick Road, Castleisland shopkeeper the late Mrs. Anne Nelligan.
He is survived by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, Columban family and friends.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Friday followed by burial in the community cemetery in Dalgan Park.
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
