Fr Patrick (‘Pat’) O’Herlihy died in St Columban’s Nursing Home early on 13 November 2018.
Born in Berrings, Iniscarra, Co Cork on 5 August 1933, Pat was educated in Berrings NS, Presentation College, Cork and St Colman’s College, Fermoy, Co Cork.
He came to Dalgan in 1952 and was ordained priest on 21 December 1958.
Pat’s first assignment was to the Philippines. He spent twelve years in Zambales, Luzon, serving in the parishes of Masinloc, Candelaria, Sta Cruz and Coto Mines.
After his second home vacation, he was assigned for two years to promotion work in Ireland. This was followed by a six-year term as Director of Irish Chaplains in Britain from 1973 to 1979. Pat enjoyed this work although it was stressful in its own way.
In 1980 he was happy to be reassigned to the Philippines. He enjoyed working successively in the parishes of Novaliches and Morong.
Then from 1992-1996 he worked in Tondo, Manila. There he ministered among the workers on the enormous rubbish tip known as ‘Smokey Mountain’. This was a truly challenging ministry among the poorest of the poor.
Pat was responsible for building a much-needed community centre where the people could meet and discuss their problems.
In 1997, he returned to promotion work in Ireland and in 2001 he asked to be assigned specifically to the Dioceses of Cork and Cloyne.
From his base beside the Church of Our Lady Crowned, in Mayfield, Cork City he made numerous contacts and never let pass an opportunity to promote the work of Columbans.
With a wonderful committee of dedicated men and women, he organised regular concerts and other events in aid of Columbans. He was a gracious host who loved to welcome visitors.
Right through his adult life Pat had to cope with regular periods of depression and these increased in his final years. His health deteriorated seriously over the past two years, and there were long periods in hospitals and nursing homes.
His family and friends were very faithful in visiting him regularly.
May the Lord reward him for his labours and may he rest in peace.
