Father Seamus O’Connell has been remembered as an innovative and courageous priest who was also a source of strength to many colleagues during the dark years of the Troubles.
Born in Kilrea in 1935, he was a pupil of St Columb’s College in Derry city before studying to be a priest at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
After being ordained in 1960 in the Diocese of Derry, his first appointment was in the Pennyburn parish in the city, before serving as a curate in Ballykelly from 1961 to 1974.
He then became the first administrator of the new parish of St Brigid’s, Carnhill on the northern edge of Derry city, where he would remain until 1989.
Fr O’Connell went on to serve as parish priest of Maghera until his retirement in 2010, after which he took residence in St Mary’s, Altinure.
His funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Glen, Maghera, before his burial in the adjoining cemetery, heard that he was a fearless advocate of peace and truth as well as a great support to fellow priests during challenging times.
Bishop Donal McKeown said he was one of the generation of priests who had to build new churches and communities in a growing Derry and attempt to “hold things together when many of the pillars of society were falling apart”.
“That took its toll on many of the priests in different ways,” he said.
“But today in the communion of saints we stand on the shoulders of men and women who did not buckle under the crosses that they had to carry up and down many a Calvary hill.
Fr Seamus and many like him knew their primary mission was seeking ways to bring Christ’s grace and healing to those who needed it most. Comforting the afflicted and most definitely afflicting the comfortable
— Bishop Donal McKeown
“Fr Seamus and many like him knew their primary mission was seeking ways to bring Christ’s grace and healing to those who needed it most.
“Comforting the afflicted and most definitely afflicting the comfortable.”
Fr O’Connell died aged 88 at Altnagelvin Hospital on January 13.
He is survived by his brothers Paddy and Gerard and family circle.