Father Cathal Cumiskey C.Ss.R.
Fr. Cathal was born in Mohill, Co. Leitrim in 1926. After attending local primary school he went to St. Mel.’s College in Longford for his secondary education. In 1945 he joined the Redemptorist novitiate in Dundalk, making his religious profession in 1946. Subsequently, he studied in Galway where he was ordained in 1954.
In 1955 he was appointed to teach in St. Clement’s College Limerick and became the school principal from 1971 to 1989. He was also College President from 1979 to 1989. In St. Clement’s he was highly regarded as a teacher and principal devoting his time to transforming the lives of young people. In 1989 he moved to the Redemptorist community in Clonard Monastery Belfast and then to St. Joseph’s Redemptorist community in Dundalk in 1990. He was a member of the parish staff in St. Joseph’s and his gentle presence , unwavering kindness and gracious spirit touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Due to failing health, he was a resident in Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home in Dundalk for the past 3 years. He was very proud of his Leitrim roots and only last week said ‘I must plan a trip to Mohill’. He has gone now to his heavenly home reather than to his earthly home in the west of Ireland. He will be missed – he was a real blessing for all of us.
May our dear confrere rest in peace
