It is with great sadness that we announce the news of the death of Canon Patrick (Paddy) Marron, retired Parish Priest of Fintona, Co Tyrone, and formerly Parish Priest of Aughnamullen East, Co Monaghan, who has died at St Anne’s Nursing Home, Ballybay at the age of 91.
Canon Marron was a native of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, where he was born on 19 September 1932. Following his secondary school education at St Macartan’s College, Monaghan, he studied for the Priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He was ordained to the Priesthood by the late Bishop Eugene O’Callaghan in St Joseph’s Church, Carrickmacross on 23 June 1957. Following ordination, he was appointed as one of the first members of the teaching staff of the new St Michael’s College in Enniskillen, where he continued to teach for the next 20 years. In 1977, he was appointed CC in Lisnaskea and Maguiresbridge (Aghalurcher), Co Fermanagh, where he served until his transfer to Corracrin in Donagh parish, Co Monaghan in 1981. In September 1986 he was appointed Parish Priest of Aughnamullen East (Lough Egish and Carrickatee), Co Monaghan where he ministered until his appointment to Fintona (Donacavey), Co Tyrone, on 6 January 1989. He retired as PP in 2008 but continued to assist in parish ministry for several years afterwards until his health necessitated a move to nursing care in late 2020.
Canon Marron is mourned by his brother John (Carrickmacross) along with his many nieces and nephews and wider family circle.
Having received the news of Canon Marron’s death, the Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy expressed his deep sorrow with his brother, nephews, nieces and wider family, assuring them of his prayers for the repose of Canon Paddy’s soul. Paying tribute to him, the bishop noted that Canon Marron’s priestly ministry spanned a total of 66 years, a period of enormous change in the life of the Church and in Irish society. ‘Wherever and in whatever role he was called to serve, Canon Marron threw himself into it with his unique style and determination. As an educator and as a pastor, he saw the potential for human flourishing in all people. His love of the Irish language brought him into contact with many, especially through Cumann na Sagart and related initiatives. He took particular pride in being one of the first teachers appointed to the newly-founded St Michael’s College, Enniskillen, in 1957. At the time of his death, he was the last surviving member of the initial staff of the college. In the parishes in which he served, he endeavoured to promote our Catholic faith- especially its relevance to the world of today – and he was a staunch defender of community needs in the face of bureaucracy. Above all, throughout his priestly life, he ministered the mercy and love of God to those people to whom he was called to serve. May Jesus Christ, the eternal priest, in his great mercy now bring Canon Paddy to share in the heavenly banquet which has been prepared for him’, Bishop Duffy said.
Funeral Arrangements:
Reposing at St Joseph’s Church, Carrickmacross this evening (Thursday) from 6pm until 8pm with removal to St Lawrence’s Church, Fintona for arrival at approximately 9.30pm. Reposing at St Lawrence’s Church from 1pm to 9.30pm tomorrow (Friday).
Funeral Mass, with Midday Prayer of the Church for the Faithful Departed, in St Lawrence’s Fintona at 12 Noon on Saturday 18 November, with burial afterwards in St Lawrence’s Cemetery.
