The death has been announced of retired parish priest of Clontibret, Canon Philip Connolly.
Canon Connolly was a native of Dromod in the Parish of Latton-Bawn in County Monaghan.
He passed away at St Anne's Nursing Home in Ballybay at the age of 94, Canon Philip Connolly was the oldest priest in the Diocese of Clogher,
Canon Connolly served as Parish Priest of Clontibret for twenty years during which time he oversaw important projects such as the building of two new schools at Annyalla and Doohamlet and a significant extension to Scoil Mhuire in Clontibret.
He also undertook restoration projects at the three churches in the parish and brought about a parish development and renewal initiative. In 2004, the Monaghan native moved to Doohamlet where he continued to serve the people of that area and the wider parish as Pastor Emeritus until his retirement in 2021.Canon Connolly is mourned by his brothers Monsignor Vincent Connolly PE, Smithboro and Pat Connolly (Carrickmacross) along with his many nieces and nephews and wider family circle.
Paying tribute to him, the Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy noted that Canon Connolly's priestly ministry spanned a total of 68 years, a period of enormous change in the life of the Church and in wider society. 'During those years, Canon Phil gave generously of himself to many people across several parishes, most notably the parish of Clontibret in which he served for almost 40 years in different capacities.
His Removal will take place to St Michael's Church, Annyalla, this evening to arrive at 6pm. Following the Removal Liturgy, there will be a prayer vigil by parishioners and others in the church, including the celebration of Night Prayer at 10pm. Midday Prayer of the Church and Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St Michael's, Annyalla at 12 noon tomorrow , followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
