Cork chaplain to travellers passes away a week after celebrating 60 years as priest

The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, has paid tribute to a Franciscan priest who passed away on Sunday, just a week after celebrating his 60th anniversary in the priesthood, more than three decades of which he served as a chaplain to Cork's Traveller community. 

Bishop Gavin described Fr Oscar O'Leary OFM as a "real companion and friend" to the Traveller community and said he was grateful to come to know him since his ordination as bishop six years ago. 

"I have always been struck by his compassion and care of people," said Bishop Gavin.  

"He imbued the compassion and mercy of Christ to all, especially the most vulnerable."

Bishop Gavin said that the late Fr O'Leary had journeyed with the Traveller community "in good times and challenging time bringing them the comfort and support of Christ.

"May he rest in peace," he said. 

Bishop Gavin had joined in the celebrations of Fr O'Leary alongside the Bishop Emeritus of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, as they both celebrated 60 years in the priesthood last week. They were both ordained in 1965.

In his role as chaplain to the Traveller community, he officiated at many marriages, christenings and funerals over the years while also intervening when disputes arose from time to time.