Death of retired bishop of achonry thomas flynn

THE death has taken place of retired Bishop of Achonry Thomas Flynn, who was aged 84.

He served as Bishop of Achonry from 1977 to 2007.

Bishop Emeritus Flynn was born in Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon, in 1931 and was ordained a priest of the Achonry diocese in 1956.

He served on the teaching staff of St. Nathy’s College in Ballaghadereen, and was elected Bishop of Achonry in 1977, where he served until his retirement 30 years later.

His successor, Bishop Brendan Kelly, has expressed deepest condolences on his own behalf and on behalf of the people of the diocese, following news of his death.

Catholic primate Archbishop Éamon Martin said he was saddened to learn of his death.

“While his time at the Bishops’ Conference preceded mine, his reputation as a pastoral leader with a great love for Catholic education was known throughout Ireland,” he said.

His remains will be reposing in the Cathedral of the Annunciation and St. Nathy’s, Ballaghaderreen, from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow. His funeral Mass will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The death has also taken place of Canon Andrew Johnston, former parish priest of Foxford.

Canon Johnston was a native of Abbeyquarter in Ballyhaunis and went to St. Nathys College in Ballaghaderreen from 1952-1957. He was ordained on June 21, 1964.

Canon Johnston had served in Ballymote and Bonniconlon before going on to be the dean at St. Nathy's College in Ballaghaderreen in October 1966 to 1973 and then became teacher from 1973 to 1982.

He became president of the college in 1982 and served there until 1996 before going on to Rome for a sabbatical year.

He was later appointed parish priest of Foxford 1997 and retired in 2009.

He is pre-deceased by his brother Ambrose and his sister Josephine Phelan.