Rahan Mucklagh and The Island Parish

Congratulations to Michelle Murphy, Tegan Court and John Connolly, Ferbane who were married in St. Carthage’s Church, Killina on Wednesday 30th December. Fr Johnny McEvoy, Mucklagh, officiated at the marriage. He was assisted by Fr Frank Murray, PP Ferbane.

Congratulations to Nicola Clavin, Glaskill and Neil Hardy, Artane, Dublin who were married in St. Colman’s Church, Mucklagh on Wednesday 30th December. Fr Nicholas Clavin, uncle of the bride came home from his parish in California to officiate at his niece's wedding. He was assisted by Fr Anthony McKinney.

The Sudden and Unexpected Death of Fr Seamus Dunican Parish Priest Rahan

In the early hours of Saturday morning, 23rd Jan the parish awoke to the very sad news of Fr Seamus’s Death. He passed away at about 4.15am. The parish is in a state of shock. We sympathise with the members of his family, friends and parishioners. Fr Seamus was ordained in 1963 and initially served for brief periods in Navan and Rahan. The following year, he began his ministry in the Archdiocese of Wesmninster and, in 1970 – 1971, he attended Saint Mary’s, Strawberry Hill. He taught at Saint Patrick’s Classical School, Navan from September 1971 until his appointment as Chaplain to the Army at Gormanston in August 1981. He became Parish Priest of Moynalvey in September 1991 and, ten years later, he moved to Rahan in Aug 2001 where he served faithfully as Parish Priest for the past 9 years as a hard working and beloved pastor.
The following are the Funeral Arrangements: Reposing in the Presbytery Rahan from 7.00pm to 10.00pm on Monday 25th Jan and from 12.00 noon Tuesday until removal at 6.30pm to Killina Church. Funeral Mass at 12.00 noon on Wednesday 27th Jan followed by burial in the church grounds in Killina. May he Rest in Peace.

The Wake, Removal Service and Requiem Mass for Fr Seamus Dunican, PP Rahan, 25th – 27th Jan 2010

One could only describe it as a most moving and spiritual occasion. It brought out the best in our parishioners. One would feel proud of being associated with the parishioners of Rahan, Mucklagh and The Island Parish. The respect, dignity, hard work and the unity that was evident over these days was noticed, talked about and marvelled at. A ‘blanket’ word of gratitude is expressed to all without mentioning names - Hall Committee, Choirs, Traffic Controllers, Caterers and those who prepared Food and Tables, Sacristans, Grave Attendees, Caretakers, Altar Servers, Liturgy involvement, School Principals, Parish Organisations all who dove-tailed to ensure that no stone was left unturned to honour Fr Seamus in death who in life was our hard working pastor for the past 9 years. Those of us who took part in this great parish Celebration will have long lasting memories of Fr Seamus’s Funeral. The memory of these days will be a benediction for us.
Many phone calls and emails were received from people expressing thanks to us as how ‘marvellous’ and well everything was done. Fr Tony Egan’s email will serve as a summary ‘As a native of the parish, I wish, first of all, to sympathise with Fr. John McEvoy and all my fellow parishioners on the recent and sudden death of our much loved Parish Priest, Fr. Seamus Dunican. May his gentle and considerate soul rest in peace! Secondly, I wish to commend and congratulate all the parishioners who so actively participated and contributed in any way whatsoever towards making Fr. Seamus’s burial such a memorable, solemn, yet joyous occasion. It was a credit to all concerned, and one, which made a very positive, and lasting impression on all who were there! I have no doubt but that Fr. Seamus himself would have been ever so pleased! May God continue to bless your good work’. (Fr. Tony Egan, O.S.A Dublin).

Historical Note: Thanks is expressed to Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath who was main celebrant for the funeral Mass, Bishop John Kirby, Clonfert, classmate of Fr Seamus’s in Maynooth, the ninty priests who attended, Frs Barry Condron & Joe Gallagher for coordinating the liturgy; to Commandant Michael Treacy representing An Taoiseach, Brien Cowen, Brigadier General Denis Murphy, General Officer commanding the 2nd Eastern Brigade, Staff Officers from Air Corp Headquarters, Baldonnell, personnel from Gormanstown Camp, Commandant Conor Bates, representing the General Office commanding the 4th Western Brigade.

Colin Dunne’s 1st Anniversary Mass was celebrated in a packed St Colman’s Church, Mucklagh on Wednesday evening 3 March. (Colin, from Roscore, Rahan Parish, 27 years of age, died suddenly while running the Barcelona Marathon on Sunday 1st March 2009) His team mates from the Shamrock Club were in attendance as were his teacher colleagues from St Patrick’s School Killeigh. The main concelebrant at the Mass was Fr Brian Wheelan, Wexford who was class mate with Colin in Maynooth college together with Fr Padraig Corcoran, Tullamore Parish and Fr Johnny McEvoy.
The memory of the multi talented sportsman was celebrated at the Barcelona Marathon on Sunday 7 March where 6 of his former team mates ran the marathon in his memory. They were Finian and Damien Minnock, who ran alongside Colin last year, his fellow Shamrock’s Club colleagues, Cormac Minnock, Anthony Condron and Ger Keyes together with Niall Leavy from Mountbolus. They were running this year to raise funds to help provide defibrillators for community use in Mucklagh and Rahan. They were among a group of twenty five family and friends who travelled to Barcelona for the marathon including his parents Tom and Bernie; sister Ciara and fiancée Yvonne Kearney.