RIP: 'A lovely gentle soul' - Tributes paid to beloved priest and former Arva footballer

The death of Fr Michael Morris, Ferbane, Co Offaly occurred at Tullamore Regional Hospital on Friday, July 4, 2025.

A native of Lough Gowna, Fr Michael joined St Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan , Co Wicklow and served in Malawi, Zimbabwe, New Jersey, USA, before returning home to Ireland and spent his latter years ministering in Ferbane.

He was a very popular figure wherever he went and was a much loved Curate in Ferbane.

Fr Michael was predeceased by his brothers Tony and Peadar, sisters Mary and Ann and will be sadly missed by his brothers Brian and Gerry sisters Betty and Breege, his sisters and Brothers in law, nieces and nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and a large circle of friends.

In his younger days , Fr Michael played football with Arva GAA Club who formed a Guard of Honour as his remains returned to the Church of the Holy Family, Lough Gowna.

Following Requiem Mass the Gowna Club formed a Guard of Honour as Fr Michael was interred in the adjoining cemetery. We extend deepest sympathy to all of his relatives and friends especially Eimear, Sarah, James and Peter Morris, Arva and his Kiltegan family in their sad loss. 

Ferbane parish also led tributes to their beloved priest, Fr Morris SPS.

"It was with great sadness that the parish learned of the passing of Fr Michael. He was a much loved priest and carried out his ministry with dignity until the very end," the parish said.

Tributes poured in for Fr Michael from all over the world.

One condolence on RIP.ie read: "Sincere sympathies to the Morris family, to Fr. Peter and Fr. Pat in Ferbane Parish, to St. Patrick's Missionary Society in Kiltegan and his fellow Priests and Religious on the sad passing of Fr. Michael. A true shepherd of his flock. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in heavenly peace."

Another person said: "Deepest sympathy to Gerry, Brian, Betty, Breege, Eimear & families on the passing of Fr. Michael. He was such a kind and friendly man and will be greatly missed. May Fr. Michael rest in peace."

A third added: "Deepest sympathy to the Morris Family and also Fr Peter and Fr Pat, he will be greatly missed, a lovely gentle soul. May God reward him for all his work."

Fr Michael reposed in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ferbane on Tuesday, July 8. Removal afterwards to the Church of the Holy Family, Loch Gowna, Co. Cavan.

Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, July 9 and he was laid to rest in the adjoining Church Grounds. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal