Heartiest congratulations are extended this weekend on behalf of everyone in Liscarroll/Churchtown parish to Fr. Stephen O’Mahony PP who will celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood tomorrow Friday, June 19th. Having received his primary education in Aghabullogue School, Fr. Stephen then attend St. Coleman’s College, Fermoy before attending Maynooth Seminary. Fr. Stephen was ordained at Maynooth Seminary on June 19th 1960 along with Canon Michael Harrignton, Mons. Denis Reidy and Fr. Brendan Wrixon. Fr. Stephen’s first clerical appointment was in Cardiff where he spent two and a half years. On his return he spent two weeks in Cloyne where Christy Ring’s mother was his sacristan at the time. His next appoint-ment was chaplin to St. Raphael’s in Youghal, after that Fr. Stephen spent time in Kilnamartyra, Ballymacoda, Castle-martyr, Mallow and Castlemagner where he was appointed Parish Priest. His final appoint-ment was to the parish of Liscarroll/Churchtown from which he retired in 2013. During his time in active ministry in the parish he was very influential in the spiritual well-being of the people, his involvement with the students of both schools in preparation for the sacraments and their understanding of their faith. He shared his leadership with parents and teachers on the school board of management. Fr. Stephen was always recognised for his care of the elderly and was a regular caller to homes and nursing homes to check on the well-being of his parishioners. He along with Ann Marie Bourke were instrumental in the setting up of Lios Curan, as part of the National school academic year and he knew no fear regarding approaching the Department of Education or Government ministers to fight his corner. Fr. O’Mahony was very active in Accord – The Catholic Marriage Advisory Council and dedicated much of his time and energy promoting its aims and ideals. Fr. Stephen was a noted hurler and was one of Aghabullogue’s most prominent midfielders, winning and captaining them to two mid-Cork Divisional titles and on the strength of these displays Stephen along with brother Martin were selected on Cork hurling panels, as well as St. Coleman’s Harty Cup teams.
Fr. Stephen is eldest son of the late Denis and Catherine O’Mahony, Coachford and has one brother and three sisters. His eldest sister Kitty is a former Vocational/Secondary school team, his sister Marie is a nun with the Franciscan Divine Motherhood Order and his younger sister Cileish is a secondary school teacher, while his young brother Martin is a priest currently serving in Australia. Fr. O’Mahony is very proud of the fact that both his parents were teachers in the parish of Coachford, Aghabullogue, Rylane and his grandparents and great-grandparents were teachers in the same parish and currently his sisters Kitty and Cileish are teachers carrying on a fourth generation of teachers in the O’Mahony family.
In conclusion it is opportune to thank Fr. Stephen O’Mahony for his service to the ministry of the priesthood and for his service to his people and wish him continued good health and enjoy your retirement. Due to current social restrictions it’s not possible to have a parish celebration this weekend for Fr. Stephen, but hopefully when things return to normal the people of Liscarroll and Churchtown will get together and organise a parish function to mark this historical occasion.