Priest and sister who died same day laid to rest

A priest and his sister who were extremely close in life and died on the same day, have been laid to rest in Youghal, Co Cork, following joint Requiem Mass.

Hospital chaplain Fr Joe McGuane, 67, died after he was struck by a car while walking on the N25 Carrigtwohill-Midleton Road in Co Cork shortly before 7pm last Thursday.

His death occurred just hours before the passing of his older sister, Maura McGuane. Ms McGuane died at Marymount Hospice in Cork City on Thursday evening following a lengthy illness.

Maura and Joe McGuane’s Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Mary’s Church in Youghal, Co Cork, yesterday at 11am. Chief celebrant Canon Tom Browne said it was very poignant to see the coffins of two siblings in the church at the same time .

“They (the bereaved) will have the support of the community in East Cork and beyond. Joe was a very well-known man. It is extremely sad to see brother and sister in the church together for burial.”

Bishop of Cloyne Rev William Crean said: “it is truly poignant that Maura was called to God on the same day as Fr Joe, who cared for her so diligently for so many years.”

Meanwhile, staff at St Raphael’s Centre also released a statement paying tribute to their late hospital chaplain.

“Fr McGuane ministered to the residents of St Raphael’s with dedication, kindness and compassion. He was their priest and their confidant but above all their friend. He will be missed by his congregation, colleagues and residents. There was no hour too late, no night to dark that would stall Fr Joe from coming, if called.”

Fr McGuane served the diocese of Cloyne for over 40 years. He was ordained in 1970.

Joseph and Maura were laid to rest at North Abbey Cemetery in Youghal yesterday following 11am Mass. They are survived by their sister, Olive, and her extended family.