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06 Sept 2025

Late Fr James Leavy was immensely proud of Longford and his home town of Lanesboro

Fr James absolutely adored his home parish and his pride of place was so evident

Late Fr James Leavy was immensely proud of Longford and his home town of Lanesboro

The late Fr James Leavy, Main Street, Lanesboro, Longford

Reporter:

Joe O'Brien

27 May 2024 11:04 AM

Email:

joeaobrien@outlook.com

On Sunday, April 28, our hearts were saddened when we learned of the death in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England of Fr James Leavy, formerly of Main Street, Lanesboro.
Fr James was predeceased by his parents J.P. and Brigid and his sister Anne Matthews.
During his ministry Fr James served in a total of nine parishes in the Diocese of Leeds. He was also Chaplin to the prisons and hospitals in the diocese. 
He had a tremendous pride in being Irish and was never slow to tell everybody, with great pride, that he was from Lanesboro in Ireland. He visited home every year and could always be seen cycling and walking through the town.
He absolutely adored his home parish and his pride of place was so evident and made you feel so great.
Although he was an avid reader of the local notes, upon arrival back home, he was straight in to know how the Rathcline club was doing and what was happening in the parish. He would always attend matches when at home.
Fr James always greeted you with his warm, cheery and friendly. His warm and infectious manner endeared him to everyone to he came in contact with and his passing saddens all our hearts.
His remains arrived in St Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Sunday, May 19 and his Funeral Mass took place on Monday, May 21. Burial took place afterwards in Lanesboro Cemetery where he was laid to rest alongside his parents.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his brothers Larry, Patsy and Eddie, his sisters Mary McGowan (New Jersey) and Breda O'Loughlin (Kilkenny), brother in law, sister in law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, by the Bishop and priests of the Diocese of Leeds, his many devoted parishioners, and wide circle of friends.

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