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Shock At Sudden Passing Of Popular Shinrone Priest

Thursday, 26 January 2012

The late Fr Frank Bergin, Shinrone. MT04800

There are very few people in Offaly or North Tipperary who did not know Fr Frank Bergin and news of his passing, when it was learned on Wednesday of last week, caused deep sadness to all who had the privilege of knowing this great man.
Very Rev. Frank Bergin, AP died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, having served as priest of the Killaloe Diocese for nearly 64 years. He had been active in the parish of Shinrone up to the time of his sudden death.
Fr. Frank Bergin was a native of Kinnitty, Co Offaly where he was born on July 24th 1922. He studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick's College, Maynooth where he was ordained on the 20th of June 1948 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid. Seven other men ordained on that day were assigned to the diocese of Killaloe.
He began his priestly ministry in the diocese of Nottingham, England. Fr Bergin's first appointment following his ordination was in a parish where RAF planes had taken off and landed during the Battle of Britain. In 1950 he returned to take up an appointment as curate in Cloughjordan. In 1951 he was appointed chaplain to Sean Ross and in 1953 became curate in Templederry.
He was transferred to Kilkishen as curate in April 1956 and in October 1960 he was appointed curate in Bodyke. In July 1975 he was appointed curate of Shinrone, Co Offaly and in July 1981 was promoted to parish priest of Shinrone where he served until his retirement in 1998. He was appointed Assistant Pastor to Shinrone Parish in 1998 a post which he retained until his death.
One of Fr. Bergin's greatest legacies in his beloved Shinrone is the magnificent Community Centre, which along with a group of equally dedicated local people, he brought into existence through his unequalled gift for fundraising.
There are many other local projects that also benefited by Fr. Bergin's involvement, including the weekly bingo game in the hall every Thursday night. This was cancelled on last Thursday night as a mark of respect to Fr. Bergin.
Speaking at a celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Fr Bergin's ordination in 2008, his cousin, Very Rev. Michael O'Meara, PP, Kinnitty, said that in Westminster Abbey, at Sir Christopher Wren's tomb, are the words 'Si monumentum requiris circumspice', which translates as 'If you want to see my legacy then look around you', and this applies to Fr Bergin who has such a rich and compassionate legacy.
Fr O'Meara also referred to Fr Bergin's involvement in the concerts which took place over the years in Shinrone Community Centre, concerts which drew enormous crowds to hear some very famous musicians including the Pogues, Don McLean and Daniel O'Donnell.
He spoke of the understanding and respect that exists between the different churches in the Shinrone parish.
Fr Bergin was often known for giving out wise counsel. People greatly appreciated it when he visited family members who were sick, or when he consoled someone on their dying bed.
One of his hobbies was gardening and visitors to his house would be presented with scallions and vegetables as presents. They would also see his terriers. He also enjoyed a game of cards.
Fr. Frank's emains lay in repose at the Church of St. Mary in Shinrone on Thursday last with a huge gathering of mourners attending Funeral Prayers at the Church.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday last, January 20th, where Most Rev. Kieran O'Reilly, Bishop of Killaloe officiated, and his predecessor Most Rev. Willie Walsh and many other priests from around the diocese were also present, along with representatives of the other Churches in the area.
The Church was packed to overflowing as people gathered from near and far to pay tribute to Fr. Frank. Following the Requiem Mass he was laid to rest in the Church grounds of St Mary, Shinrone.
Suaimhneas síoraí tabhair dó a Thiarna, agus go lonraí solas suthain air.

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