Below is an edited version of the Homily delivered by Fr Colm O’Shea SMA during the Funeral Mass of Fr Des Smith SMA on the 14th of May 2025.
It is said that if you want to make God laugh just tell him your plans.
Des Smith answered Jesus’ call to proclaim the Good News. Des’ plan was to do so in Africa. In 1970 he landed in Nigeria to begin his mission. He was assigned to Ondo diocese where he was involved mainly in the field of education, especially at the Minor Seminary of Akure. Health issues became a feature of Des’ life and eventually, after 15 good and rewarding years in Ondo, he accepted the fact that his days in Nigeria were numbered. God had other plans.
1987 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Des’ priestly life. The next 35 years were spent on mission in Ireland, mostly at the service of the SMA Irish Province and latterly in parish ministry at the service of the Irish Church.
We read in the second reading from Ephesians that, “Each of us has been given his own share of grace, given as Christ allotted it.” Des Smith was given his share of grace, a gifted person with his own unique style. I would describe him as a quiet, shy, private person. He never sought the lime light. In spite of that or maybe because of these qualities, and his sense of humour, he connected easily with people. When I say he connected easily with people I mean people of all ages, most especially younger people.
He was a good communicator and was much appreciated for his preaching skills and reflections on the scriptures. He was an intelligent, well read and informed person but most importantly he was very good at imparting that knowledge.
In 2009 in response to an appeal for help from the Bishop of Killala diocese, Des ended up in county Mayo. The bishop was looking for someone to cover for a few months while the parish priest was on a sabbatical break. Thirteen years later Des was still in Mayo. The fact that he stayed there so long says a lot about how he was received from the bishop, priests and people of Killala diocese. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that when both counties met in the football that Des would be cheering for Mayo but he really enjoyed his years there and the Mayo climate suited him. In 2022 when he retired he stayed on in the West, residing at our house in Claregalway.
Des will not be remembered for building any churches or any other physical structure. But 
he will be remembered for his humanity and his generosity in giving of himself. Like Martha in the gospel story we can be very busy about many things, caught up in feverish activity, and lose sight of what is important. For Des the person was the most important and the only thing that mattered. He was a people person. He was a good listener; he was always available; very accommodating. He had great empathy for people.
Des Smith was a fior gael, a true Irish man. He had a great command of the Irish language and was well versed in Irish history. When his good friend, the recently deceased Fr Martin O’Hare was stationed in Ballingeary he used to rely on Des to help him out with the Aifreann 
gaelige. Des was based in Blackrock Road at the time.While he travelled far during his priestly life to exotic sounding places like Ondo and Akure in Nigeria, and Geesala and Rathduff, Co Mayo, he was very proud of his Cork roots, at 6 Ashburton Hill, St Luke’s. I never met Des’ father but I did meet his mother Mary, a wonderful lady. The poor woman, she was outnumbered by eight to one. There was her husband Jack and seven sons; John, Barry, Brian, Pat, Des, Sean and Kevin the only surviving one. It was there in the family home, during the important years of initial formation, that the seeds of Des’ missionary vocation were sown.
I don’t know what plans Des had when he got up last Friday morning in Claregalway but God had plans for Des, plans that took us all by surprise. “His soul being pleasing to the Lord, he has taken him quickly. Yet, we look on uncomprehending.” (Wisdom 4) While news of his death came as a great shock to us all, it was particularly so for you Kevin (his only surviving brother) his nephews, nieces, extended family members and close friends. He will indeed be dearly missed.
We give thanks to God for his life. Considering his health, issues Des lived a good life and touched the lives of so many people. Des departed this world as he lived it – quietly, peacefully, privately, no fuss.
Fear mor, ceanuil, cinealta; ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilish.
Colum O’Shea, SMA