Mayo tributes to much-loved and respected Fr. Michael Nohilly on his passing
Fond tributes are being paid online to a popular priest who served in various parishes in the Archdiocese of Tuam for eighteen years as well as ministering abroad with the SMA Fathers in Africa.
Fr. Michael Nohilly served in Knock and Annaghdown (1996-97), Breaffy (1997-2007) and Parke/Crimlin (2010-2014). He retired in 2014.
During his time abroad with the SMA Fathers, Fr. Nohilly served in Sunayani, Ghana and Pretoria, South Africa.
The Archdiocese of Tuam has paid tribute to Fr. Michael on his passing.
He stated: “A good and decent man, Fr. Michael was both loved and respected wherever he served.
“With a gentle demeanour and a lovely sense of humour he endeared himself to many”.
One former parishioner, Frankie Forde Waldron, posted: “Fr. Michael was very highly regarded during his ten years in Breaffy and will always be remembered for his homilies, his love of golf and his cigarettes."
In further condolences, the O’Shea family of Breaffy wrote: “He supported us during our sad days and celebrated the good days with us."
Recalling bygone days at Ballinafad College, Kieran Kelly, Bishoptown, Cork, wrote: “Lovely memories of great and happy days. Michael was a classy footballer and his dummy left many a back standing in awe. Rest in peace Michael”.
Meanwhile, the Mannion family (Breaffy) painted an image of a humble pastor.
“An unassuming man, not one for the limelight but always kind and caring. Thank you Fr. Nohilly for all your care. Rest in peace”.
Fr. Nohilly, a native of Cummer, Tuam, Co. Galway, passed away on September 27 at Cork University Hospital.
He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Nora (née Burns), his brother Johnny, his brother-in-law Paddy Gilmore and his nephew Joseph.
He is deeply regretted by his sisters Peggy (Gilmore) and Una (Mitchell), his brothers Fr Seamus SMA, Tom and Eamonn, sisters-in-law Margaret, Marie and Gemma, and his brother-in-law Michael Mitchell, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as other relatives and friends.
Sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.
Funeral Mass took place today at St Joseph's SMA Church, Wilton, Cork, with burial afterwards in the community cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.