Wexford priest plans to continue to help others as he retires after 59 years of service

There was great celebration in Bunclody recently as friends, family, and members of the parish congregation gathered together to mark the retirement of Fr Lar O’Connor in the Holy Trinity Church.

Having graduated from the seminaries in Maynooth, Fr. O' Connor spent 25 years teaching in St. Peter’s Seminary in Wexford, 16 years in Ballycullane, and the remaining 13 and a half years in Bunclody.

Speaking on why he first wanted to enter the priesthood all those years ago, Fr O Connor said that the idea of serving others is something that stuck out to him.

"Religion was always in my family and there was this atmosphere of serving which was certainly a major factor. And I wanted to serve as best I could,” he said.

Having spent 59 years in the priesthood, he identified the period he spent teaching as a highlight he particularly enjoyed.

"I enjoyed being in the priesthood – I enjoyed teaching very much. I seemed to have a talent for it,” he said.

He added that he was very pleased with the send off the ecumenical community gave him, and appreciated the gifts he received from Canon Trevor Sargent who he served alongside with.

"We got on very well together,” he added.

Despite having served others for 59 years, Fr Lar is not in a rush to stop yet, revealing that his retirement plans consist of going to Wexford to help out where needed.

"I have always enjoyed helping others,” he said.