Tributes to Mayo priest who was at the heart of community life
The late Canon George McHale was devoted to the communities he served.
Fond tributes have poured in following the passing of a Mayo priest who made a difference in every parish he served.
Canon George McHale, a native of Rathnamanagh, Crossmolina, was a former Parish Priest of the Kilglass Parish in Enniscrone.
His previous parishes, including Castleconnor and Binghamstown also benefited from his incredible energy and care. Canon McHale previously served a diocesan advisor for the Killala Diocese and acted as chaplain for Gortnor Abbey in Crossmolina for more than a decade.
The retired priest recently celebrated 60 years since his ordination. Canon George displayed an unwavering commitment to bringing people together and fostering community spirit during his lifetime.
“Whether as diocesan advisor for Killala diocese, as a Parish Priest, primary school chairperson of a board of management, director of drama groups, pastor or friend, George always had a kind and encouraging word, generous to a fault, always mindful of the needs of others and with a deep and caring understanding, always mindful of his own calling, playful, jovial, energetic, talented, a Gaeilgeoir and so much more,” stated one of the many online tributes following the news of his passing.
He was instrumental in the foundation and development of Kilmurry Sports and Social Centre and his love and talent for drama saw him found the Castleconnor Drama Group.
“It is no exaggeration to say there would be no Drama group here if it wasn't for Fr George. A founder, and director of plays through the 80s and 90s, Fr George left his unique flair, and dramatic handprint on every production in that time. Even up to the present day, though his health was failing, he never waivered in his support for our group,” said Castleconnor Drama Group.
He even wrote one of the group’s most successful plays under a short-lived pen name!
Though at the time he wrote the play "When your numbers up" under the alias of Jack Walton, the secret identity of the author was revealed at its first staging in 2000! This caused some rethinking for Fr George, because he had already secured the groups staging of the play in his parish Binghamstown the week following the show in Castleconnor to raise funds for that community. The whole group, and extensive set, travelled by bus to the parish hall in Binghamstown to put on the show. At the final curtain, with the audience still standing in applause, Fr George stepped out on the stage, raised his hands, and declared "this play was not written about any of ye", which got the most uproarious laugh you could imagine!,” said the drama group.
“We will always remember Fr George for his warmth, his personality, his leadership and above all else, his support of people and community. His spirituality needs no further mention, and we are sure that he will arrive at the great stage of heaven,” the group added.
Enniscrone/Kilglass GAA club and the Western Gaels hurling club also paid tribute to the late priest for the contribution he made.
Fr Kieran Holmes, who previously served in the Kilglass and Enniscrone parish with Canon George said he was a “tremendous community man” who treated everyone the same.
Fr Holmes said the keen GAA fan was “delighted” to see Mayo lift Sam Maguire.
He said Canon George’s love of history and the Irish language was infectious and he was devoted to the parishes he served.
The 85-year old passed away peacefully at Ard na Gréine Nursing Home, Enniscrone.
Reposal takes place at the Church of the Holy Family, Kilglass this evening from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass takes place tomorrow at 12 noon followed by by burial in St Tiernan’s Cemetery, Crossmolina.
