Northern Ireland

Fr Michael Seery: Long-serving priest was `gentle soul'

Fr Michael Seery died on Thursday in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone at the age of 77
Fr Michael Seery died on Thursday in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone at the age of 77 Fr Michael Seery died on Thursday in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone at the age of 77

THE funeral will take place in Co Tyrone today of a priest who served in parishes across the Archdiocese of Armagh.

Fr Michael Seery, who was originally from Drogheda, died at his home in Stewartstown on Thursday.

The 77-year-old was ordained in 1967 and after being initially loaned to the Down & Connor diocese to serve in Belfast, he was a curate in Ballygawley from 1970 to 1977.

He then served in the Castlebellinghan area for a time before transferring to Bessbrook and Magherafelt.

In 1995, he moved back to Ballygawley as parish priest.

He retired in 2015 and moved to Coalisland and Stewartstown parish, where he helped as a curate in St Mary's Church in Stewartstown.

In a tribute, the parish said Fr Seery had been "an example to us all of the goodness of man, as with his kindness, quiet charm, peaceful and caring ways he has made us all better people.

"Over the years he has brought that same blessing to so many in all his parishes.

"Today we pray that God may reward him well for his years of service and grant him a place of perfect rest."

The parish of Lower Killeavy in Bessbrook also said Fr Seery had made a "massive contribution to parish life and touched the lives of so many during his time here. He will be fondly remembered by parishioners as a man of the people".

St Mary's Primary School in Stewartstown said its "dear school chaplain" had been a "gentle soul with each and everyone of us".

"Fr Seery called with us each and every week at school, saying hello to staff and making sure to visit the children in the classrooms.

"He was attentive to the classes who were preparing for their sacraments and had a genuine interest in how they were doing.

Requeim Mass for Fr Seery will take place at noon today in St Mary's Church in Stewartstown and can be viewed on the webcam.

Burial will take place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.