Fr William (Billy) Carrigan was born on 18th July 1933 at Conahy, Co Kilkenny. He was educated at Clinstown NS and St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny. He came to St Columban’s, Dalgan Park, Navan in September 1951. He was ordained priest on 22nd December 1957.
In 1958 he was appointed to the Philippines where he would spend the next 48 years apart from holiday periods. All of these years would be spent in the southern island of Mindanao.
After language studies in Catadman, Ozamis City, he spent four years in Kapatagan. After a year in Oroquieta, he spent four years in Ozamis City.
From 1967-1977 he served in Tambulig. There followed two years in Bonifacio, and then ten years, 1980-1990, in Sinacaban.
From 1991 to 2006 he ministered in Ozamis City and in 2007 Billy retired to Kilkenny in the Region of Ireland.
Billy was very much at home among the Filipino people. He was deeply appreciated for his kindness, his open house, and his generosity. He had a special ministry to the sick and the bereaved.
His own final illness was unexpected, but he accepted it with great fortitude. He died at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Saturday 21st May 2022.
May he rest in peace.
