THE funeral of a priest found dead after he failed to turn up for Mass will take place today.
The remains of Fr Phelim McKeown were discovered in a bed at his home in Caledon, Co Tyrone, on Saturday.
Fr McKeown was attached to the parish of Aughaloo and Carnteel, which takes in a large area around Caledon and Aughnacloy.
The popular priest had been expected to say vigil Mass on Saturday night in nearby Eglish but failed to show up.
It is understood the parish priest at Aughaloo, Fr Sean McEvoy, was then contacted and made his way to Fr McKeown's home where the discovery was made.
Originally from Mullaghbawn in south Armagh, Fr McKeown was ordained in 1996 and had previously served parishes in counties Louth and Armagh.
Archbishop Eamon Martin described him as "a very caring and pastoral priest” and said he had to take leave due to ill health from 2016 but in recent months had begun a gradual return to pastoral duties.
Requiem Mass for Fr McKeown will be held at the Church of St Mary, Mullaghbawn, at noon today with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
