Our brother, Oscar O’Leary OFM died in Cork on Sunday 29 June. Born in Cork city in 1939, he joined the Franciscans in 1957 in Killarney and celebrated his First Profession of Vows the following year. After studies in Galway and Rome, he was ordained a priest in Rome in 1965.
Over the decades, Fr Oscar served in different friaries in Ireland – Clonmel, Rossnowlagh, Galway, Dublin, Drogheda, where he was parish priest in Mel, and finally Cork, where he was to spend almost thirty years.
There he was appointed Priest to the Travellers in the diocese. And he carried out that task with great dedication and kindness. Bishop Fintan Gavin expressed his condolences. “I am grateful to have come to know Fr Oscar over these last six years. I have always been struck by his compassion and care of people. He imbued the compassion and mercy of Christ to all, especially the most vulnerable. The Traveller community found a real companion and friend in him as he journeyed with them in good times and challenging times bringing them the comfort and support of Christ. May he rest in peace.”
Fr Oscar, who this year marked the Diamond Jubilee of his ordination, was among a group of priests who attended a lunch just a week before he died, hosted by Bishop Gavin, to mark various jubilees of ordination by priests in the Diocese of Cork and Ross.
Through his long decades of service, with a true Franciscan spirit, Oscar stayed close to the people and their cares. A gifted guitar player and convivial company he befriend many with little connection to official religion.
He is deeply regretted by his sisters Aileen (Farley) and Carmel (Lambe), his large family circle, by his Franciscan brothers, former parishioners, the Traveller community and his many friends throughout the country.
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation at O’Connor Bros. Funeral Home, North Gate Bridge on Tuesday 1st July from 3:00pm to 4:00pm with prayers at 3:45pm.
Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 12:00noon at St. Francis Church, Liberty Street. Funeral afterwards to St Finbarr’s Cemetery, Glasheen.
Requiescat in pace.
