A SECOND Limerick parish in the Cashel & Emly Archdiocese now has no resident priest.
First was Kilteely-Dromkeen and now Ballybricken-Bohermore after parish priest Fr James Walton was transferred to Gortnahoe and Glengoole in Co Tipperary with no replacement. His farewell Masses took place on Saturday evening and Sunday morning after almost nine years in the parish.
Fr Walton told the Leader that for any priest leaving a parish after a long time is very difficult as many connections, friendships and good friends have been made.
“Having to start over again in building up new connections and friendships and getting to know a new area is difficult, but therein also lies a challenge,” said Fr Walton.
One of the privileges of priesthood is sharing in the joyful occasions of peoples' lives - baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations and weddings, as well as sorrowful situations such as bereavements, he said.
One funeral Mass he will never forget is Dolores O'Riordan's after her untimely passing in 2018.
“During my years here I have officiated at over 60 funerals and perhaps the most poignant of them all was that of the late Doloroes O'Riordan of the Cranberries,” said Fr Walton.
As he says his goodbyes to his flock, he notes that Ballybricken-Bohermore is the only parish in the archdiocese without a village, housing estate or a semi-detached property.
“Although its parish boundary at its nearest point to the centre of Limerick city is about three and a half miles away, it is still very much a rural parish with a very good community spirit.
“It was very evident on many occasions and, in particular, during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when clubs and several individuals volunteered to do grocery shopping and look in on people such as the elderly and those living alone, including myself. In times of crisis and bereavement, the people of the parish were very supportive of others,” said Fr Walton.
One of his favourite memories will be the Sync The Stars fundraiser for local GAA clubs in 2017 when he performed on stage.
And now as he exits the stage, or altar, in Limerick, Cllr Brigid Teefy paid tribute.
“On behalf of the people of the parish of Ballybricken-Bohermore, I would like to say a huge thank you for all your service and commitment to our parish during your time here,” said Cllr Teefy. She said having no resident priest will be a big loss to the parish.
“It is very sad, and disappointing. I would like to welcome Fr Eddie Cleary as the administrator for the parish with help from Fr Roy Donovan and Fr Sean Finlay. Without a full-time priest, it will mean more involvement in running the parish by the parishioners,” said Cllr Teefy.
As Fr Walton is an avid Kilkenny hurling supporter she said there has been great banter over the years. She wished him well in his new parish.
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