17 Sep 1928 – 30 Apr 2009

People came from all over Lismore diocese for the funeral for Fr Paschal O’Halloran, who died on April 30, aged 81. Young and old filled St Mary’s Church, Casino, on May 5 as Bishop Geoffrey Jarrett and 28 priests of the diocese celebrated the funeral Mass. Friends and parishoners gathered at the church the night before for a Vigil prayer service.

Fr O’Halloran asked to be buried in Casino where he had been assistant priest to Fr John Relihan (1957-1959 and 1965-1971). He retired here in 2007 after 30 years as parish priest of South Grafton. During his time in Casino, health permitting, Fr O’Halloran regularly visited hospital patients. He was also a member of the Casino St Vincent de Paul Society conference and chaplain to St Mary’s parish office staff.

Every Friday he attended and gave a reflection at staff prayer. As a resident at St Michael’s he celebrated Mass each Sunday.

Fr Paschal would have been very surprised to see what a fuss people were making. He was a priest who, throughout his life, lived very simply. Fr Paschal’s life was spent entirely for his people. He was not a clerical politican. He did not claim to be a brilliant preacher nor did he seek high honour or preferment. He was content to minister among the people of the parish to which he was assigned.

Fr O’Halloran’s ministry was, as for all parish priests, a ministry to the sick and the dying, the young and old. He celebrated Mass daily, heard confessions, witnessed marriages, presided at funerals. Like most, he built schools and worried about how to find the money to pay for them.

May he rest in peace.

Fr Peter Slack, PP Casino