Macroom-based Monsignor, 95, celebrates 70 years of service in Cork

Monsignor James O’Donnell, aged 95 and based in Macroom, is celebrating 70 years of service to the priesthood.

Serving as a priest since before 70-year-old Pope Leo XIV was born, Msgr O’Donnell still says Mass on a daily basis in Macroom and the surrounding areas, in a parish where he has been based since 1989.

A native of Castlelyons, Msgr O’Donnell was born on January 19, 1931. He studied for the priesthood in Maynooth from 1948.

Before moving to Macroom, Msgr O’Donnell served on the staff of St Colman’s College in Fermoy for 33 years.

He was appointed dean of St Colman’s Fermoy in 1956 and later served as president there for eight years commencing in 1981.

During his time in St Colman’s, Fermoy, he taught French and German and oversaw the development of sporting facilities including an indoor sports hall.

Msgr O’Donnell told The Echo the primary message he has learnt over his seven decades of service is strongly reflected by the Christian message from Jesus in the Bible.

“Love one another as I have loved you. It would be a wonderful world if people were to put that into effect,” he said.

“I thank God for my vocation. I thank him for all his blessings over the past 70 years and for the privilege of bringing Christ to the people and the people to Christ.”

Msgr O’Donnell reflected fondly on growing up in Castlelyons and the role his upbringing played in his life.

“Our home in Castlelyons was a faith-filled home. Mass, sacraments, and daily rosary were prioritised. There was special devotion to St Anne,” he said. “It was in that home that my vocation was nurtured. There was no pressure from my parents on me to become a priest.

“My mother’s last words to me as I left for Maynooth were, ‘If you are not happy there, come home.’ I was happy there.”

Msgr O’Donnell recalled his time studying to become a priest.

“We quickly adapted to the strict regime in Maynooth. There was an emphasis on silence, no phone, no radio, no newspaper, and no chocolate.

“Weekly letters from home and shared newspaper cuttings kept us in touch with the outside world.”

On his decades of service based in Macroom, he said: “The past 36 years in Macroom have flown.

“I thank God for the gracious and kind people of Macroom and the Macroom hinterland. They have always been generous, encouraging, and supportive.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to minister for so long, to a grateful people in Macroom and the surrounding parishes.

“Macroom is an oasis of prayer with its sacred space, which is the adoration chapel and its two fine churches.

“Caum is a somewhat hidden gem. In my view it is one of the loveliest churches in a beautiful setting.”

Throughout his career, Msgr O’Donnell has served under five bishops and eight popes.

Msgr O’Donnell also has a keen interest in sport. He was a vital cog in the first Castlelyons team to contest an East Cork Junior A hurling final in 1954 against Castlemartyr, losing by just one point, 2-4 to 2-3.

He also continues to play golf at Macroom Golf Club.