Book of condolences to open following death of former Cork priest who ‘touched the lives’ of many

A book of condolences will open tomorrow at the Knocknaheeny Youth Centre following the death of a former priest and community activist “who touched the lives and hearts of many”.

Paul O’Donoghue, originally from Ballyphehane, served in a number of parishes including Knocknaheeny and Ballincollig during his time as a priest.

Fr O’Donoghue passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family at Cork University Hospital at the weekend.

Following his death, tributes poured in from across Cork. West Cork-based Fr Tom Hayes said Fr O’Donoghue had a positive impact on the lives of so many.

“Paul succeeded me as chaplain in Knocknaheeny and several years later he was my neighbour in Bandon.

“During his time as a priest he touched the lives and hearts of many people.

“His special gift was accompanying people when life was hard on them,” he told The Echo.

“He'd be the first to say he was no saint himself but through that he also knew God's love for him. 

“And that's what he brought to others,” he added.

Fianna Fáil councillor in the city’s North West ward Tony Fitzgerald said Fr O’Donoghue made a significant impact on the local community when he was stationed in Knocknaheeny.

“After his ordination in 1992, he was appointed as chaplain to Terence MacSwiney Community College here in Knocknaheeny.

“He was involved in setting up the youth centre here – a great community project – and he was here for seven years and he went from there to Ballincollig… he also did a lot of chaplaincy work in the hospitals.

“He was a very likeable character, very personable, very committed to his vocation and he had a great gift of connecting with people.

“Before his ordination he was involved in so many things – he was involved in St John’s Ambulance, Cope Foundation and he worked then part-time with a bus company.” 

Mr Fitzgerald said Fr O’Donoghue had a love of vintage cars and dogs and was particularly supportive to those who had been bereaved.

“He was one of a kind really, very funny and liked by everybody.

“He particularly loved working with young people. He was always a good colleague in terms of developing youth services,” he continued. 

“He will be sadly missed and my sympathies to his family.” 

Mr Fitzgerald said a book of condolences will open in Knocknaheeny Youth Centre at 12pm today.

The removal also takes place tomorrow from 2-3pm at Sullivan's Funeral Home, Turner’s Cross.

The Requiem Mass takes place on Wednesday at 11.30am in Church of the Assumption, Ballyphehane with the funeral afterwards to St Finbarr’s Cemetery.