Ireland

Parish priest killed in 'freak accident' involving car at parochial house was 'much loved'

Fr John Cummins died in a 'freak accident' on Wednesday. Picture by Kildare and Leighlin Diocese
Fr John Cummins died in a 'freak accident' on Wednesday. Picture by Kildare and Leighlin Diocese Fr John Cummins died in a 'freak accident' on Wednesday. Picture by Kildare and Leighlin Diocese

A PARISH priest who was killed in a "freak accident" involving a car at a parochial house in Co Laois was "much loved", his bishop has said.

Fr John Cummins, who was in his fifties, died at his home on the Ballinakill Road in Abbeyleix on Wednesday.

It was reported that he may have lost control of his car in the grounds of the parochial house at around 3pm.

Gardaí confirmed they were called to the scene at around 4.30pm.

Originally from Newbridge in Co Kildare, Fr Cummins was appointed to the parish in 2007 and had celebrated Mass just hours before the tragedy happened.

He had previously served in the Carlow Cathedral parish and also worked at IT Carlow.

Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty paid tribute to the "much loved" priest.

"It is with deep regret and sadness that I announce the sudden death of Fr John Cummins, parish priest of Abbeyleix, after a freak accident yesterday with his car at the parochial house," he said.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Fr John’s loving mother, brothers and sister, his priest colleagues throughout the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin, his team in Faith Development Services and ACCORD, Carlow, and, of course, his many parishioners in Abbeyleix whom he held in his heart so dearly.

"At this time of profound heartbreak, I also remember his former colleagues at the Institute of Technology, Carlow, and the parishioners of Carlow Cathedral Parish.

"Fr John was much loved in the diocese and is a tremendous loss to all of us. I will hold all of you in my prayers over these very difficult and lonely days."

Parishioners have also been paying tribute to Fr Cummins, describing him as a "true gentleman" and a "wonderful and kind man".