Monday, March 13, 2017

IRL : Family describe Bishop Eamonn Casey as 'a great source of love' on news of his death

Update - 7.05pm: President Michael D Higgins has expressed his sadness at Bishop Casey's death.

He has praised his work as Chairman of Trócaire, and his role in campaigns for justice in the developing world.

Update - 6.35pm: The family of the late Bishop Eamonn Casey, including his son, have released a statement on his death saying he "was a great source of love and support".

They said: “On behalf of his son, Peter, his brother, Father Micheál, his sister, Ita Furlong, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews, we wish to acknowledge the priestly work of Bishop Eamonn, especially in the pursuit of social justice for the marginalised, as evidenced by his work with Shelter in London in the 1950’s and 1960’s and later with his involvement in the setting up and development of Trócaire. 

"Notwithstanding the demands on his time, Bishop Eamonn was a great source of love and support, making himself available to celebrate and to empathise with us in all our important family occasions.


“We wish to thank all of those who supported him in the past, in particular, the clergy and the people of the dioceses of Galway and Kerry, the Irish community in London, his many friends in Limerick and throughout the country and abroad. 

We would like to extend a very special and sincere thank you to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the management and staff of Carrigoran Nursing Home, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co Clare, whose care for Bishop Eamonn was of the highest possible standard and ensured that his comfort, dignity and pastoral needs were provided for at all times.



“We respectfully ask that members of the media facilitate the privacy of the family during and after the funeral ceremonies.”

Funeral arrangements have not been finalised.

Update - 6pm: Father Diarmuid Hogan of the Diocese of Galway and Kilmacduagh confirmed the death of Bishop Eamonn Casey.


The statement said: "Having been ill for some time, Bishop Eamonn Casey, Bishop Emeritus of Galway and Kilmacduagh, died peacefully early this afternoon at Carrigoran Nursing Home, Co Clare. 


"There are no further details available, including funeral arrangements, at the present time.


"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."

Bishop Casey had been in the nursing home for six years.

Earlier: Bishop Eamonn Casey has died, aged 89. 

He is reported to have passed away peacefully at a nursing home in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare, this afternoon.

Bishop Casey left Ireland amid controversy in the early 90's after it was discovered he had fathered a child with an American divorcee Annie Murphy.


Eamonn Casey was ordained a Catholic priest in 1951- he was appointed Bishop of Kerry 18 years later, and Bishop of Galway in 1976. 

He was seen as a progressive and highly influential member of the Church, until his resignation in 1992 after reports surfaced of his sexual relationship with Annie Murphy - with whom he had a son. 

It was a pivotal moment for the Church in Ireland, which until then held considerable influence over society and politics. 

It is understood Bishop Casey passed away this afternoon following a long illness.