Funeral arrangements announced for ‘wonderful’ Longford parish priest Rev Fr Michael Campbell

The funeral arrangements have been announced for Abbeylara parish priest Rev Fr Michael Campbell who has been described ‘a wonderful priest’ and ‘a force of nature’. 

Fr Michael, who was formerly a curate in Ferbane, Co Offaly and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Drumderrig House Nursing Home, Boyle on Friday, August 30, 2024. 

Formerly of Cloonohill, Drumlish, Fr Michael was predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary-Anne, sister Anna-Margaret and his brother Joe.

PICTURE SPECIAL: Big gallery as Longford kids enjoy first day back at school

He is deeply regretted by his brother JP (Gortletteragh) and Raymond (Bornacoola), sisters-in-law Josephine, Martina and Ann (Tooman), nephews, niece, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, his Bishop Paul Connell, Bishop Emeritus Colm O’Reilly and Priests and Religious of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois and the people of Abbeylara parish.

Fr Michael will repose this Sunday evening September 1 at Gennon's Funeral Home, Ballinalee Road, Longford (N39 EC81), from 4pm to 8pm. 

Removal takes place on Tuesday evening, September 3 from residence at Cloonohill, Drumlish, leaving at 5.40pm to St Bernard's Church, Abbeylara for prayers at 7pm. Funeral Mass is on Wednesday, September 4 at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the local cemetery. Donations if desired to Parkinsons Association of Ireland. Requiescat in Pace.

PICTURES: Great night out at presentation of prizes in Longford Golf Club

As a mark of respect to Fr Michael, today’s (Sunday, September 1) Peter Hanley Motors Longford Senior Championship fixture between Mostrim and St Mary's Granard that was originally fixed for Oliver Lynch Park, Abbeylara has been switched to Emmet Park, Clonee. 

A minute’s silence was also observed prior to the throw-in of yesterday’s Peter Hanley Motors Longford Senior Championship between Abbeylara and Clonguish in memory of Fr Michael, who served as Chairperson of Abbeylara GAA Club for 12 years. 

The Abbeylara Handball Club centenary event due to take place this weekend, Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, was postponed. Fr Michael did wonderful work on the development of the handball alley and was an integral part of the club's activities and the building of a new handball centre.

Fr Michael was also instrumental in the setting up the AG (Abbeylara / Granard) Bingo and as a mark of respect, AG Bingo on Sunday was cancelled.

Also read: Longford SFC: Dramatic twist as Dromard hammer Slashers but exit the championship on scores difference