Much-loved Franciscan friar served as Guardian in Multy

The Franciscan priest Fr Florian Farrelly who died following a two-car collision in Limerick on Wednesday September 7, spent three years as Guardian at the Franciscan Friary in Multyfarnham, where his funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday of last week, September 13.

The tragedy that claimed Fr Florian’s life occurred at Newcastle West, as he travelled to Kerry for a holiday in Killarney.

A native of Sutton, Co Dublin, where he grew up as John Farrelly, Fr Florian entered religious life in 1953. He studied in Galway and in Rome, and in 1961, in Rome, he was ordained. His younger brother Paschal (Michael) also joined the Franciscans, but predeceased him in 2000.

Tributes have been paid to the much-loved priest who is remembered for his commitment to his vocation and his service to others.

Announcing his death, Franciscans Ireland said: “Florian’s kindness, his attentive listening and gentle presence were a blessing in the lives of the many people he came in contact with over his decades of Gospel service.”

LARCC Cancer Support, which is based on the Franciscan campus at Multyfarnham, expressed their condolences.

On their Facebook page, they stated: “Our sincerest sympathies go to the family, friends and Franciscan Community of Fr Florian Farrelly OFM who are grieving his loss and sudden and untimely passing.

“Fr Florian was a dear friend of ours here in LARCC, having been Guardian here next door to us in the Franciscan Friary Multyfarnham for three years until August 2020.

“Many are the great chats and laughs we had, and we know he kept our work in his prayers at all times.”

Over his 69 years in Ministry, Fr Florian served all over Ireland – Waterford, Killarney, Drogheda, Multyfarnham and latterly, Rossknowlagh.

In Drogheda, he was deeply involved with the Irish Wheelchair Association, the town’s youth club and the Franciscan Choir.

"We, in the Drogheda Branch wish to acknowledge the contribution that Fr Florian made in the early days of the Drogheda Branch and his support of our mission for full social and sporting inclusion for people with disabilities," a Drogheda IWA spokesperson told The Drogheda Independent.

“Fr Florian always strived to enrich the lives of those he came in contact with and we will be forever grateful for his loyal support over many decades”.

Predeceased by his brother Fr Paschal, Fr Florian is survived by his sister Mary, his nephews Gerard and Denis (Debbie), his niece Maeve (Mark), grandnephews and grandnieces and all his extended family as well as by the members of the Franciscan community in Ireland and all those who know and loved him.

Fr Florian remains were received on Sunday September 11 at The Franciscan Friary, Rossnowlagh. On Tuesday, they were removed to Multyfarnham Friary, where his funeral Mass was celebrated. Following the Mass, Fr Florian’s remains were buried in the Franciscan Cemetery at Multyfarnham.