William (‘Willy’) Byrne was born on 6th August 1936 in Annagh in the Diocese of Tuam. He was educated at Mercy Convent, Ballyhaunis, Ballyhaunis NS, and St Jarlath’s College, Tuam.
He entered Dalgan Park, Navan in 1954 and was ordained priest on 21st December 1960. He was appointed to Japan the following year. After language studies his first assignment was to Kumamoto City followed by a period in the Archdiocese of Tokyo. On his return from his first home vacation he spent eight years in the Diocese of Yokohama.
In 1977, Willy was asked to prepare to be Bursar of the Region of Japan. He spent some time in studies at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA, and served as Regional Bursar from 1979 to 1984. After a renewal programme in the Philippines, he became assistant in Katase in 1986 and then Pastor in Konan from 1987 to 1992.
In 1992, Willy was appointed Bursar of the Region of Ireland and served in that role until 2000. After further studies in San Francisco, he returned to Japan as Pastor of Hadano, Yokohama Diocese, where he served for the following fourteen years.
Willy suffered a cerebral haemorrhage which resulted in the loss of his eyesight. He returned to Ireland and to the Dalgan Nursing Home in 2014 and remained there until his death on 10th October 2024.
Over these years, Willy kept up with international and local news and sports and was a prolific listener to radio and audio books. He enjoyed his conversations with family and friends, be it on the phone or at social gatherings which gave him much joy. He took an active part in the events of the Nursing Home and showed extraordinary patience and good humour in spite of his disability.
May he rest in peace.
