Thousands of mourners are expected at the funeral of former Bishop of Galway, Eamonn Casey, who will be laid to rest this afternoon at the crypt in Galway Cathedral.
He has been reposing at the Cathedral since 7pm last night, and the funeral Mass will take place at 2pm today (Thursday), followed by interment in the crypt.
His brother Micheál and sister Ita will be among the mourners, as well as his extended family.
His former lover Annie Murphy and their son Peter are not expected to attend the ceremony, but it is understood they have not ruled out visiting Galway at a later date to pay their respects.
Dr Casey died on Monday afternoon at the age of 89, having suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years and suffered a stroke just over a fortnight ago.
The colourful, yet hugely controversial Bishop Emeritus had been resident at Carrigoran Nursing Home in County Clare for several years.
Tributes have flowed all week for him, including a statement from his family – with his son Peter – praising him for his tireless work and for setting up Trócaire, and also finding time to spend with them on family occasions.
“On behalf of his son, Peter, his brother, Father Micheál (Perth, Australia), his sister, Ita Furlong, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews, we wish to acknowledge the priestly work of Bishop Eamonn, especially in the pursuit of social justice for the marginalised, as evidenced by his work with Shelter in London in the 1950s and 1960s and later with his involvement in the setting up and development of Trócaire,” read the statement.
See full coverage in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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