'He never forgot his Kilkenny roots' - Popular priest will be laid to rest this weekend

Father Michael Fitzgerald is to due to be laid to rest in his home village of Tullaroan this weekend. 

Father Michael of Highfield Health Care, Whitehall, Co Dublin and formerly of Lates House, Lates, Tullaroan, Co Kilkenny died peacefully at The Mater Hospital on Sunday January 28. 

He is pre-deceased by his parents Tom and Kitty and his sister Mary (Ryan). 

His death is deeply regretted by his family, his brother Billy, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, his colleagues in The Diocese of Dublin, relatives, neighbours and friends. 

According to RIP.ie, Father Michael will repose in Molloy’s Funeral Home, Callan (Eircode R95 Y443) on Friday February 2 from 4pm, with funeral Prayers recited at 6pm followed by removal to The Church of the Assumption, Tullaroan (Eircode R95 CC99). 

Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday morning (February 3) at 11am with burial afterwards in Tullaroan Cemetery. 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the staff at Highfield Health Care, Whitehall for the loving care they provided to Fr. Michael over the last number of years. 

Family Flowers only with donations in lieu to SVP. 

Messages of sympathy and condolences for the Fitzgerald Family have been submitted to RIP.ie. 

One mourner stated, "Sincere sympathy to all Fr Michael's family. I remember him well when I came to North William St in the 1970's when he drove Sr Louise to visit Nursing homes and Hospitals. He was a patient and friendly priest. May he rest in peace." 

Another stated, "My sincere condolences to Billy and the extended Fitzgerald family on the passing of your beloved Fr Michael.

"I was saddened to hear of Fr Michael’s passing yesterday. He was a wonderful man who was very kind hearted and good natured to me during my involvement in Confey Parish many years ago. I remember him with great fondness and was delighted to meet him last year in Highfield Healthcare.

"He never forgot his Kilkenny roots and it is heartening to know that he is being buried in his home place. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. May Fr Michael’s gentle soul rest in peace." 

Another mourner commented, "Deepest sympathy to the Fitzgerald family on the passing of Fr Michael. Great memories of his time in Confey Parish, and his visits to our home and chatting with my late husband Nick. May he enjoy his eternal reward after a lifetime of service to the church, and the many lives he enriched in all the parishes he served in."