Delvin to mark diamond jubilee of Fr Heaney’s ordination
Image 1 of 4
Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, RIP, with Fr Heaney in St Patrick’s Hall a few years ago.Image 2 of 4
The Heaney brothers played on the 1955 St Finian’s College football team. Seamus is second from right, front row; and Sean is on the far left in the back row.Image 3 of 4
Newly ordained Fr Seamus Heaney giving his first blessing, to his parents, on June 21, 1964.Image 4 of 4
Brothers Seamus (left) and Sean on their ordination day.The term ‘much loved’ is often bandied around and misplaced, but that is not the case when applied to the man who has been parish priest of Delvin for the past 30 years.
Fr Seamus Heaney is a much loved priest who celebrates his diamond jubilee this week, having been ordained on June 21, 1964.
Fr Heaney is a special person, and to say he is unique is as accurate as ‘much loved’. The first thing to report under the uniqueness is that Seamus Heaney and his brother, Sean, were both ordained on the same day. Fr Sean spent most of his life in Offaly, where he continues to minister. Fr Seamus, as well as being a wonderful priest, is also a Gaeilgeoir, a scholar and an academic.
The one thing that nobody can figure out is where he gets his energy!
On meeting Fr Heaney for the first time, you might at first get the impression that he is rather stern. Nothing could be further from the truth; he is kind, gentle and compassionate; and maybe even a little shy – but certainly not lacking a sense of humour!
In his spare time, Fr Heaney loves his sport – especially Gaelic football. He as no mean player in his youth, and both Seamus and Sean were on the 1955 St Finian’s College, Mullingar team. This, and despite the fact that the long-serving priest has spent most of his life in Westmeath; he remains a passionate ‘Royal’. The blue blood (or should that be green?) still courses undiluted through his veins!
Have we mentioned the man’s humility? (Apart from the Meath thing!) Be that as it may, Fr Seamus said he wants no fuss or presentation to mark his 60 years as a priest. Nevertheless, the people of Delvin are refusing to allow the occasion to pass without a little get-together, and all are invited to St Patrick’s Hall, after 7.30pm Mass on Friday evening next (28th). The small, devoted committee who have organised the cup of tea would like to see you there – and no doubt, Fr Heaney will enjoy the cuppa and chat as he always does.
Our esteemed Bishop of Meath, Most Reverend Tom Deenihan, is on the undercard!