The funeral of Eamon Casey will take place over the coming two days.
The Bishop Emeritus of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora who resigned in the nineties under controversial circumstances, passed away at a Clare nursing home yesterday following a long illness.
Eamon Casey was seen as a progressive and highly influential member of the church up until his controverial resignation in 1992, after it emerged that he’d fathered a child with American divorcée Annie Murphy.
He was ordained a Catholic Priest in 1951 – 18 years later he was appointed Bishop of Kerry and in 1976 took up the role of Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, which covers a number of Clare parishes.
The 89-year-old passed away yesterday at Carrigoran House Nursing Home in Newmarket on Fergus, following a long illness.
Paying Tribute today, Bishop of Killaloe Fintan Monahan has described him as a man who did tremendous good for many people.
Eamon Casey was the first Chairman of Trócaire when it was set up in 1973 by the Catholice Bishops of Ireland.
His work helped to establish the organisation and aided in shaping its focus on human rights and justice issues.
Director of Trócaire and Kilmaley man Eamon Meehan says he was instrumental in what the organisation has become today.
Eamon Casey’s family, including his son Peter, have said he was a great source of love and support.
Speaking on Clare FM’s Morning Focus, Fr Brian Darcy of Passionist Order says the father and son had a good relationship, but he doesn’t think there’s enough understanding about Annie Murphy’s role.
Bishop Emeritus Eamon Casey will lie in repose at the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas in Galway on Wednesday from 7pm.
He’ll be laid to rest in the Cathedral crypt on Thursday, following Funeral Mass at 2 o’clock.
May he rest in peace.
