Death announced of Cork’s Canon Michael Riordan who served for more than 50 years

The death has been announced of Canon Michael Riordan who served in the priesthood for more than 50 years.

Canon Riordan passed peacefully on Monday at Cork University Hospital.

A native of Kilmichael parish, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 23, 1959 in the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree, and began his ministry on temporary mission in the archdiocese of Calabar, in Nigeria, for two years.

On returning to the diocese, he ministered as assistant curate in Ballingeary, curate in Muintir Bháire and Passage West.

He then served in the Cork and Ross South American mission in El Porvenir, Trujillo, Peru, from 1965 until 1971.

On his return home, he ministered as curate in Watergrasshill, Carrigaline and St Patrick’s parish.

Canon Michael returned to Peru to again serve with the Cork and Ross South American mission this time in La Esperenza, Trujillo, from 1985 until 1991.

He then ministered as parish priest in Togher Parish from 1991 until 2011.

Many parishes across Cork paid tribute to Canon Riordan following his passing, including St Michael’s parish who said the late Canon was in their prayers.

“May he rest in the peace of the Lord whom he so faithfully served in the diocese and on the missions,” the parish added.

Canon Riordan will lie in rest in the Church of the Way of the Cross in Togher this evening from 6pm until the Celebration of Vespers at 7pm.

The funeral mass takes place in the church at noon tomorrow.