There was deep shock across Co Wexford on Thursday as news broke of the untimely passing of popular priest Fr Odhrán Furlong, aged 54.
Having recently made the move to New Ross where he served as co-parish priest, the Adamstown native was discovered unresponsive by a colleague at the parochial house after he failed to show up for mass.
Early indications are that he suffered a major medical emergency at some point during the night.
He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and his remains were removed to University Hospital Waterford for a full post mortem examination.
Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash said that Fr Odhrán’s colleagues across the diocese were stunned by the news.
"We’re in a complete state of shock,” he said on Thursday evening. “It’s one of those things that’s very hard to process. It’s an awful shock for his family. His poor parents (Tom and Angela). Odhrán was involved in so many things and so many aspects of community life. He served as chaplain at the hospital and to Wexford GAA.
"He had only moved to New Ross last year and he was very happy. It was a place he had experience of early in his ministry and he felt at home there and was really settling in.
"It’s just very sad news and he’ll be a huge, huge loss to the diocese.”
Fr Odhrán was ordained in Wexford on May 28, 1995 and over the years, in addition to a brief stint in America, he served in parishes right across the county including New Ross, Templeudigan, Gorey, Tara Hill, Rathnure, Rathgarogue, Cushinstown and Enniscorthy.
In recent times he served as the diocesan communications officer and chairman of the board of management of St Peter’s College, as well as his roles with Wexford GAA and Wexford General Hospital.
It was through the latter that Independent county councillor and Ambulance Officer Ger Carthy got to know him quite well.
"Fr Odhrán was always a kind and friendly face around the place,” he said. “He was an absolute gentleman and everyone associated with Wexford General Hospital will be devastated by his passing.
"He was an absolute gentleman and was a significant player in the diocese of Ferns. He achieved a lot in his life and the county and the diocese is at a great loss. I’m sure everyone would wish to express their deepest sympathies to his family and the clergy on their devastating loss,” said Cllr Carthy.
Fr Odhrán had a great sense of fun, was great company and instantly put anyone at ease, something which no doubt contributed greatly to his popularity across the whole county.
On the occasion of his silver jubilee back in 2020, he stated: “'I thank God for this life of ministry and I always try to live life to the full.”
Fr Odhrán is the beloved son of Tom and Angela, brother of Niamh and Majella and is pre-deceased by his brother Tom Jr, who passed away in October 2021.