Remains of Mayo born London priest are being flown home for burial

The remains of a Mayo born priest who spent his entire pastoral career ministering to the Catholic faithful in various parts of south-east England are being flown home for burial this weekend in his native Louisburgh.

Canon Patrick J. (PJ) Sammon, formerly of Carramore, Louisburgh, will be laid to rest on Saturday in Kilgeever Cemetery following Requiem Mass at noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Louisburgh.

In advance of the 74-year-old’s funeral, Bishop Alan Williams, Bishop of Brentford Diocese, has paid this tribute: “Fr. Pat was a much loved priest. He will be missed by clergy and lay people alike."

Canon Pat had been parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Wanstead, London, for more than 20 years and is credited for the significant development of the local Pastoral Centre.

Following his education locally in Louisburgh, Fr. Pat went on to study for the priesthood at Mount Melleray (Waterford) and St. Peter’s College in Wexford. He was ordained in June 1973.

Among the church positions he has held over the years include that of Diocesan Youth Officer, Diocesan Director of Vocations, chairman of the Diocesan Child Protection Commission, a trustee of the Diocese and chairman of the Finance Board.

One of the first projects he undertook was the construction of the Centre, next to the church. The building includes five meeting rooms and a large hall for parish events.

Fr. Pat, who passed away at Whipps Cross Hospital on September 16, was born in August 1948. He was one of five children born to the late John and Janey (nee O’Toole).

Predeceased by his parents and infant sister Margaret, he is survived by his sisters, Assumpta (Carramore) and Bernadette Walsh (Ballina), his brothers Justin (Westport) and Francis (Carramore), brother-in-law Gerard Walsh, sisters-in-law Valerie and Agnes, nephews, nieces,cousins, extended Sammon and O' Toole families, Bishop Alan Williams, brother priests, and religious of Brentwood Diocese, parishioners and a large circle of friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.