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About SMA

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The Society of African Missions is an international community of Catholic missionaries who serve the people of Africa and people of African descent around the world. SMA stands for our official name: Society of African Missions. People often ask, then why SMA and not SAM? The initials refer to the name in Latin: Societas Missionum ad Afros.
SMA was founded at Lyons (France) in 1856 by Mgr Melchior de Marion Brésillac. We celebrated 150 years in 2006.
Where we come fromThe 944 members of the Society come from Africa, America, Asia and Europe and work in a number of African countries as well as Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania.
The SMA members from Africa and Asia are our more recent foundations.

African members come from Benin, Central Africa, Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia.

Asian members come from India and the Philippines.

American members come from Argentina, Canada and the USA.

European members come from Belgium, Britain, France, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland and Spain.

The Society welcomes all who agree to work for its aim and accept the style of life it proposes. The Society is organized into Provinces, Districts and Delegations, with a central administration based in Rome… more…
See below for further articles on the Society of African Missions and their work.

Fr Valentine [Val] Hynes, SMA [RIP]

Fr Val Hynes, SMA, died peacefully in the St Theresa's Nursing Unit at the SMA House, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork, Ireland on Friday...

Fr Seamus Nohilly SMA – Funeral Homily

Fr Seamus Nohilly died on Saturday, 24 February 2024, in the Mercy University Hospital, Cork City. After reposing in the SMA House, Wilton, on...

Fr Cornelius Murphy SMA – Funeral Homily

Fr Con Murphy died unexpectedly in the SMA House, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork on Thursday, 8 February 2024. After reposing in the SMA...

Fr Seamus Nohilly SMA [RIP]

The members of the Society of African Missions are mourning the unexpected death of their confrere, Fr Seamus Nohilly, who died peacefully in...

Fr Cornelius [Con] Murphy SMA [RIP]

The members of the Society of African Missions are mourning the death of Fr Con Murphy, SMA. Fr Con died unexpectedly at the African...

Fr Frank Coltsmann, SMA [RIP]

The death has taken place on Saturday, 3 February 2024, of Fr Frank Coltsmann, SMA. Fr Frank died peacefully in the St Theresa's Nursing...

BEGINNINGS – The Birth of the SMA Irish Province – a New Documentary Film

        The 19th of July 2023 is the one hundred and second anniversary of the death of Fr Joseph Zimmerman SMA, a Swiss national, who...

Fr John Dunleavy SMA – Funeral homily

Fr John Dunleavy, SMA, died on Friday, 14 April 2023 in the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. He was 86...

Late Fr John Dunleavy SMA

Fr John Dunleavy, SMA, died peacefully on Friday, 14 April 2023, in the African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. Fr John was 86 years old...

Fr Fintan Daly, SMA – Obituary

Fr Fintan Daly, SMA - Obituary When the Venerable Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac founded his Society of African Missions on the 8th of...

Fr Fintan Daly SMA – Funeral Homily

Fr Fintan Daly died peacefully on Ash Wednesday, 22 February 2023, in the African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on...

Late Fr Fintan Daly, SMA

The Archbishops, priests, religious and the faithful of the Archdiocese of Ibadan, Nigeria, along with his family and confreres in the Society of African...

Fr Michael Nohilly SMA [RIP] – Obituary

Fr Michael Augustine Nohilly SMA died peacefully in the Cork University Hospital on Tuesday, 27 September 2022, aged 76 years. Fr Nohilly was buried...

Fr Michael Nohilly SMA [RIP] – Thanksgiving Mass Homily

Fr Michael Nohilly SMA died peacefully in the Cork University Hospital on Tuesday, 27 September 2022, aged 76 years. Fr Nohilly was buried...

Month of the Holy Souls – November 2022

November, beginning with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, is traditionally the month in which the Church remembers the dead and in...

Fr Michael Nohilly SMA [RIP] – Funeral Mass Homily

Fr Michael Nohilly SMA died peacefully in the Cork University Hospital on Tuesday, 27 September 2022, aged 76 years. Fr Seamus Nohilly SMA,...

Fr Maurice (Mossie) Kelleher SMA – Obituary

Fr Maurice Kelleher, SMA, passed away peacefully in the St Theresa's Nursing Unit, SMA House Blackrock Road, Cork on Wednesday, 10 August 2022. His...

Fr Maurice [Mossie] Kelleher SMA – Funeral Mass Homily

The Funeral Mass for the late Fr Mossie Kelleher’s took place on Friday, 12th August 2022, in St Joseph's SMA Church, Wilton, Cork City....

Fr Maurice [Mossie] Kelleher SMA, RIP

Fr Maurice Kelleher SMA , late of SMA House, Wilton, Cork, died peacefully in the St Theresa's Nursing Unit, SMA House, Blackrock Road on...

Fr John Flynn SMA – Funeral homily

The Funeral Mass for the late Fr John Flynn SMA was celebrated in St Joseph’s SMA Church, Wilton, Cork on Friday, 24 June 2022....

Fr John Flynn SMA [RIP]

Funeral Mass for the late Father John Flynn, SMA - click here to view the Mass which begins at 1pm on Friday, 24 June 2022. Fr...

Fr Owen McKenna SMA – Funeral Homily

Fr Owen McKenna died peacefully on Monday, 2 May 2022, in the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork. His Funeral Mass took place at St Joseph's...

Fr Owen McKenna SMA [RIP]

Fr Owen McKenna died peacefully in the Bon Secours Hospital on Monday, 2 May 2022. He was an SMA missionary for over 60 years,...
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To Prepare His Ways

To Prepare His Ways. Patrick J Harrington SMA. (Cork: SMA Publications, 2021). Pp. 416. Entering St. Patrick’s building in Maynooth and turning right towards the...

Fr Thomas Treacy SMA – Funeral homily

Fr Tom Treacy, SMA, died peacefully in the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit at the SMA House, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork on Saturday, 11...

Fr Thomas Treacy SMA – RIP

Fr Thomas (Tom) Treacy SMA passed to his eternal reward on Saturday evening, 11 December 2021. Fr Tom died in the St Theresa's Nursing...

Fr Tom Kearney SMA – Funeral homily

Fr Tom Kearney died unexpectedly at his brother’s home in Ardee, Co Louth, on Monday, 22 November 2021. His Funeral Mass was celebrated in...

Fr Thomas (Tom) Kearney SMA

The SMA is mourning the unexpected death of Fr Tom Kearney SMA which took place on Monday, 22 November 2021, at the residence of...

Fr Joseph (Joe) Maguire SMA – Funeral homily

Fr Joe Maguire SMA passed to his eternal reward on Monday, 21 November 2016. His funeral Mass was celebrated in St Joseph’s SMA Church,...

Fr Joseph (Joe) Maguire SMA

The oldest priest in the Irish Province, Fr Joseph Maguire, passed to his eternal reward shortly before 10am on Monday, 21 November 2016,...

An illuminating and binding light

The Gospel of Saint John, the ‘spiritual Gospel’, can sometimes confound the reader with its multiplicity and interweaving of themes. A new book uses...

Fr Leo Silke SMA – Funeral homily

Fr Leo Silke, the oldest member of the Irish Province, passed, unexpectedly, to his eternal reward on the evening of Friday, 16 April...

Fr Leo Silke SMA, RIP

Funeral Mass for Fr Leo Silke SMA will take place at 12 noon on Monday, 19 April. Due to government restrictions it is strictly...

Fr Don Burke SMA – Funeral Homily

Homily at the Funeral Service for the late Fr Daniel (Don) Burke SMA Good Friday, 2 April 2021 – St Joseph’s SMA Church, Wilton, Cork Fr...

Fr Michael Boyle SMA [RIP] – Funeral homily

Fr Michael Boyle SMA, the oldest member of the Irish Province, passed peacefully to his eternal reward on Ash Wednesday morning in St Joseph’s...

Fr James Fegan SMA [RIP] – Obituary

The death has taken place, after a short illness, of Fr James Fegan SMA. Fr Fegan died peacefully at the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork,...

Fr James Fegan SMA [RIP] – Funeral homily

Fr James Fegan SMA passed to his eternal reward in the early morning of 9 November 2020 in the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork. Fr...

SMA NOVEMBER MEMORIAL EVENTS PLAYBACK

This year due to Coronavirus restrictions the SMA was unable to observe its traditional November remembrance of the dead in our Parishes and Houses. ...

Fr James Fegan SMA [RIP]

Click on this Weblink to join the funeral ceremonies for the late Fr James Fegan SMA. The death has taken place, after a short illness, of...

SMA Cookies Policy 2020

Introduction Cookies are small files placed on your computer’s hard drive, or in your browser memory, when you visit the website of the Irish Province...

The beauty of Dromantine in pictures

The SMA is blessed with a wonderful Retreat & Conference Centre where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. Situated about 5...

Fr James Hickey SMA [RIP]

Fr James Hickey SMA will be laid to rest on Friday, 11 September 2020, alongside his parents and other family members in Glasnevin...

Fr John Quinlan SMA – Obituary

Fr John Quinlan passed to his eternal reward on 16 July 2020, at the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. He...

Fr John Quinlan SMA [RIP] – Funeral homily

Fr John Quinlan passed to his eternal reward on 16 July, 2020, at the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. He...

Fr Vincent Glennon SMA – Obituary

Fr Vincent Glennon, an SMA missionary in Ghana since 1973, died peacefully in the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, on Sunday afternoon, 25 June 2017. Fr...

Funeral Arrangements – Rev Fr Vincent Glennon SMA – RIP

Rev. Fr. Vincent Glennon SMA died peacefully in the Bons Secours Hospital, Cork, on Sunday afternoon, 25 June 2017, on the 158th anniversary of...
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SMA Leadership and Structures

The supreme governing body in the Society of African Missions is the General Assembly.  It is made up of ex-officio members and elected members...
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SMA Commemorate their Founder

On 25 June 2016 we commemorate the 157th anniversary of the death of the SMA Founder, Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. See The...
Fr James Higgins SMA, MFR

Fr James Higgins SMA, MFR – Obituary

The death has taken place on Sunday, 3 April 2016, of Fr James Joseph Higgins SMA, MFR, at the SMA House, Blackrock Road, Cork. Fr...

Beth Ann Otting, SMA Lay missionary

Beth Ann Otting 4 February 1964 – 29 January 2016 On 29 January 2016, Beth Ann Otting, SMA Lay Missionary, lost her life trying to save...

Raphoe & SMA mourn the death of Fr Seamus Gallagher

Fr Seamus Gallagher, former member of the Society of African Missions, and priest of the diocese of Raphoe, died peacefully at his home in...

Fr Patrick McGovern SMA – Funeral ceremonies

Fr Paddy McGovern died unexpectedly on Thursday, 4 June 2015 at the African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. His remains were received into our community...

Fr Patrick McGovern SMA – Funeral homily

The SMA Vice Provincial Leader, Fr Malachy Flanagan, was the Principal celebrant and homilist at the concelebrated funeral Mass for the late Fr Paddy...

Fr Patrick McGovern SMA – Obituary

Fr Patrick McGovern SMAThe death of Fr Patrick McGovern SMA on Thursday morning, 4 June 2015, was received with great sadness by his...
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Fr Bill Kennedy SMA – funeral homily

The SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Michael McCabe, was the Principal celebrant for the Funeral Mass for Fr Bill Kennedy SMA on Wednesday, 20 May...
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Fr Bill Kennedy SMA – Obituary

Known within the SMA as Fr Bill he was born on 17 June 1926 in High Street, Sligo, son of William and Patricia ...

Fr Jack Casey SMA – funeral homily

“He will destroy death forever”. “When we were baptised, we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that...

Fr Jack Casey SMA – funeral arrangements

Fr Jack Casey will repose in the African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday evening. Tuesday, 3rd March 5.30pm - Reception of...
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Fr John [Jack] Casey SMA

Fr John Casey passed to his eternal reward at 8.45pm on Monday, 2 March 2015, at St Theresa’s Nursing Unit, African Missions, Blackrock Road,...

We Remember Them prayer

At the conclusion of the 2014 Service of Light, Fr Dan O'Brien read a prayer used at the Marymount Hospice, Cork, entitled We Remember...
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Service of Light 2014

Ten priests, an Honorary member and ten relatives of our priests and lay staff were remembered during the annual Service of Light in Blackrock...
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History of St Joseph’s SMA parish, Blackrock Road

The first SMA establishment in Ireland (April 1877) was at Lough View on the Old Youghal Road, Cork. In October 1877 the SMA moved to...

Fr Tony Butler SMA – appreciation

The death of Fr Tony Butler SMA brought huge sadness to many people, near and far, but none more so than in St Joseph's...

Fr Daniel Murphy SMA – obituary

Fr Daniel V Murphy died peacefully at 3.15am on Sunday, 19 October 2014, at the St Theresa’s Nursing unit at the African Missions, Blackrock...

Fr Tony Butler SMA – funeral homily

Fr Tony Butler SMA was laid to rest in the SMA community cemetery in Wilton, Cork following a Mass to celebrate his life in...

Fr Tony Butler SMA – obituary

Fr Anthony J Butler died peacefully at 5.50pm on Thursday, 16 October 2014, at the Cork University Hospital. His brother Don, other relatives and...

Miss Bridget Feeley – funeral homily

  Fr Michael McCabe, SMA Provincial Leader, led the Funeral Mass for SMA Honorary member, Miss Bridget (Beta) Feeley, who died in the SMA House,...
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Miss Bridget Feeley, SMA Honorary Member

Miss Bridget Feeley, an SMA Honorary member, died peacefully on Friday afternoon, 10 October 2014, at the St Theresa's Nursing Unit at the...

Fr Thomas Furlong SMA – funeral homily

Fr Maurice Henry, SMA Provincial Councillor, was the Principal Celebrant at the Funeral Mass for Fr Tom Furlong on Thursday, 9 October 2014, at...
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Fr Thomas Furlong SMA – obituary

Fr Tom Furlong SMA died peacefully at 7.50pm on Monday, 6 October 2014, in St Theresa’s Nursing Unit at the African Missions, Blackrock Road,...

Fr Sexton Doran SMA – funeral homily

The death of someone we love is always a shattering experience. It tears out a part of our own hearts. To celebrate in...
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Fr Sexton Doran SMA – Obituary

Fr Thomas Sexton Doran SMA died peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, 9 September 2014 at the St Theresa's Nursing Unit of the African Missions, Blackrock...
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Fr Bill Foley SMA – homily

The SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Michael McCabe, led one of the largest gathering of SMA priests for many years as they, along with diocesan...
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Michael McEgan SMA – funeral homily

The SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Michael McCabe, was the Principal Celebrant at the Funeral Mass for Fr Michael McEgan who died on Wednesday, 18...
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Fr Bill Foley SMA – funeral ceremonies

Fr Bill Foley died early on Wednesday morning, 30 July 2014, at the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork. He was 78 years of age. Fr...
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Fr Martin J Walsh SMA – funeral homily

Fr Martin J Walsh died on Tuesday, 22 July 2014. His funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, 1 August, at St Joseph's SMA Church,...
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Fr Martin J Walsh SMA – funeral ceremonies

Fr Martin J Walsh died peacefully at 7.30am on Tuesday, 29 July 2014 in the St Theresa's Nursing Unit at the African Missions, Blackrock Road,...
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Fr Bill Foley SMA – Obituary

Bill Foley was born in Ballybunion, Co Kerry on 13 October 1935, the third of four sons born to Bridget and William Foley. He was...
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Fr Bill Foley SMA

Bill Foley was born in Ballybunion, Co Kerry on 13 October 1935, the third of four sons born to Bridget and William Foley. He was baptised...
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Fr Martin J Walsh SMA – Obituary

Fr Martin J Walsh died peacefully at 7.30am on Tuesday, 29 July 2014 in the St Theresa's Nursing Unit at the African Missions, Blackrock...
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2014 Golden Jubilee homily

Bishop Tim Carroll SMA, emeritus Vicar Apostolic of Kontagora, Nigeria, preached at the Thanksgiving Mass for the 1964 Ordination Class. Two of the...
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Fr Seán Hayes SMA – funeral homily

Fr Seán Hayes requested that one of his classmates, Fr John Horgan, should preach at his funeral Mass. Drawing on Isaiah 25:6-9, Romans...
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Fr Seán Hayes SMA – Obituary

The SMA is mourning the death of Fr Seán Hayes which occurred at Marymount Hospice, Cork on Tuesday evening, 15 July 2014, aged 78...
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Fr Michael McEgan SMA

The Society of African Missions in Ireland is mourning the death of Fr Michael McEgan, at the age of 80 years. Fr Michael died peacefully...
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Fr Liam O’Callaghan SMA – Funeral Rites & Homily

Fr Liam O'Callaghan died on 5 April 2014 at the African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork in his 96th year and the 73rd of his...
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Fr Liam O’Callaghan SMA

The Society of African Missions in Ireland is mourning the death of its most senior member and priest, Fr Liam O'Callaghan, at the age...
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Fr Sean Ryan – a family appreciation

At the end of the funeral Mass for Fr Sean Ryan his grandniece, Karen McKevitt, spoke on behalf of his relatives and friends about the...
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Fr Sean Ryan SMA – Funeral ceremonies

The death took place of Fr Sean Ryan SMA at St Theresa's Care Centre, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. He died peacefully at 3.30am on Saturday, 22...
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Fr Sean Ryan SMA

The death has taken place of Fr Sean Ryan SMA at St Theresa's Care Centre, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork. Fr Sean died in...
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Fr Thomas (Tom) Mullahy SMA – family tribute

At the end of the Funeral Mass, a nephew of Fr Tom Mullahy, Padraic Fahey, spoke on behalf of the family about his uncle....
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Fr Thomas (Tom) Mullahy SMA

The members of the Society of African Missions are mourning the death of their confrere, Fr Tom Mullahy, which took place at 4.55am on...

Fr Liam Burke SMA – funeral homily

Fr Michael McCabe, SMA Provincial Leader, led the Concelebrated Funeral Mass for Fr Liam Burke at St Joseph's SMA Church, Wilton, Cork on Thursday,...
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Fr William (Liam) Burke SMA

The death has taken place on 30 October 2013 of Fr William (Liam) Burke at the St Theresa's Nursing Unit in the African Missions,...

Professor James O’Connell

Born in Cork in 1925, James entered the SMA in 1944 and was ordained to the Priesthood in 1952. He studied Philosophy at...
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Fr Malachy Flanagan SMA

Fr Malachy Flanagan, from Tullyallen parish (Drogheda, Co Louth) is the son of the late Mary (Oliver) and the late John Flanagan. Born in...
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Funeral ceremonies for Fr Donal O’Connor SMA

Following his death at the SMA House, Blackrock Road, Cork, Fr Donal Michael O'Connor, was laid to rest after Concelebrated Funeral Mass at 12 noon on Monday,...
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Fr Donal M O’Connor SMA – funeral homily

Fr John Dunne, SMA Provincial Leader, led the concelebrated Requiem Mass for Fr Donal Michael O’Connor on Monday, 3 June 2013 at St Joseph’s...
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Fr Donal O’Connor SMA

The SMA regrets to announce the death of Fr Donal Michael O'Connor which took place at the St Theresa's Nursing Unit at the SMA...

Fr Hugh McLaughlin SMA Funeral homily

Fr Damian Bresnahan SMA preached the homily at the Concelebrated Requiem Mass for Fr Hugh McLaughlin which took place at St Joseph's SMA Church,...
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Fr Michael Darcy Funeral homily

The funeral Mass for Fr Michael Darcy SMA took place in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Swanlinbar, Co Cavan at 11am on Monday, 13 May...
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Fr Hugh McLaughlin SMA

Fr Hugh McLaughlin died peacefully at the Cork University Hospital on 13 May 2013, after a brief illness. He had celebrated his 81st birthday just...

Funeral Mass for Fr Michael Darcy SMA

The funeral Mass for Fr Michael Darcy SMA took place in St Mary’s Catholic Church, Swanlinbar, Co Cavan at 11am on Monday, 13 May...
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Fr Michael Darcy SMA

The Society of African Missions is mourning the death of Fr Michael Darcy on Friday, 10 May 2013, which took place at 2am in...

Fr Billy O’Sullivan SMA Funeral Prayers

Prayers for the Dead and Rosary for the late Fr Billy O’Sullivan SMA were recited at the community Oratory in Blackrock Road on the...

Fr Billy O’Sullivan SMA Funeral homily

Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader, was the Chief Celebrant at the concelebrated Funeral Mass for Fr Billy O’Sullivan SMA at St Joseph’s SMA...
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Fr William (Billy) O’Sullivan SMA

The death has taken place on Monday, 25 March 2013 of Fr William (Billy) O'Sullivan at the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork. Fr Billy had...
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Mrs Katie Oruwariye – funeral homily

Mrs Katie Oruwariye was a lifelong friend of SMA priests and brothers and, since the 1990's, the SMA seminarians training in Ibadan. At her...
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Mrs Katie Oruwariye laid to rest

Mrs Katie Oruwariye was born in London in 1916. She died in Ibadan, Nigeria on 10 January 2013, aged 97 years. At the age...
Concelebrants

Fr Martin Nolan SMA – Funeral homily

The SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll, was the Principal Celebrant and homilist at the Funeral Mass for Fr Martin Nolan SMA at St...
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Fr Martin Nolan SMA – Wilton ceremonies

Fr John O'Keeffe, SMA Community Leader in Wilton, received the remains of his former colleague at St Joseph's SMA Church, Wilton at 7pm after its...
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Fr Martin Nolan – Dromantine ceremonies

Funeral Rites for Fr Martin Nolan SMA in Dromantine The remains of Fr Martin Nolan returned to Dromantine from Craigavon Area Hospital on the...

SMA presence in the west of Ireland

The presence of the SMA in Ireland goes back to 1876 when the then SMA Superior General, Fr Augustin Planque, sent Fr James O'Haire...

Fr Robert O’Regan SMA

Fr Robert (Bob) O'Regan SMA   The oldest member of the Irish Province, Fr Bob O'Regan, died peacefully at St Theresa's Nursing Unit, African...
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We will remember them launched

Gone but not forgotten We will remember them is the title of a book written by SMA Fr Peter McCawille. It is a timely memoir...
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St Joseph’s Cemetery, Cork

St Joseph's Cemetery The Capuchins acquired the cemetery from the City Corporation to use it as a burial ground for those who died from...
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Early years of the SMA in Ireland

The Society of African Missions (SMA) was founded on 8 December 1856 in France by Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac. From then until 1912...
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Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy Mass & Burial

Fr Der Healy laid to rest The funeral has taken place of Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy who died peacefully on Friday, 30 March. His burial took...
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Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy SMA Funeral homily

Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy SMA Fr John Dunne SMA, Vice Provincial Leader, was Chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass for Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy...
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Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy SMA Tribute

  Fr Der's nephews and grand-nephews carry him to his final resting place.   Dermot Healy, a nephew, spoke on behalf of the Healy family...
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Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy SMA Obituary

Fr Jeremiah (Der) Healy SMA The death has taken place of Fr Jeremiah Healy at 8.45am on Friday, 30 March at the St Theresa's Nursing unit, African...
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Fr Jean-Paul Pariseau SMA

Fr Jean-Paul Pariseau SMA Funeral on 31 March With the death during the night of 22nd / 23rd March 2012 of Fr Jean-Paul...
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150 years in MidWest Nigeria

SMA 150th Anniversary Mass in Benin City On Saturday, 17 March, 2012, the Feast of St. Patrick (Secondary Patron of Nigeria) a special Anniversary...
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Berengario Cermenati

This book charts the careers of three significant figures in the history of the Ebira (a small ethnic  group in Nigeria’s  Middle belt): an...
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Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross Fr Kevin O'Gorman SMA is a native of Tipperary Town. He joined the SMA in 1976 and was ordained a...

Saving Sport

SAVING SPORT Fr Kevin O'Gorman SMA Sport has a huge following in society. Events on and off the field generate intense emotional excitement for fans....
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Launch of the History of Kaduna

  Kaduna Archdiocese celebrates 50 years and launches history The 50th anniversary of the erection of the Archdiocese of Kaduna was celebrated on...

Parish Publications

Blackrock Road Newsletter - 10th January 2010 Blackrock Road Newsletter - 13th December 2009  

The SMA Logo

An international competition was held to produce a Logo for SMA that would express our life and work. The SMA Plenary Council meeting in...

Books

SMA missionaries have published many books over the years.  Following is a partial list of books written and/or published by SMA members. Fr...

African Missionary Newsletter

The first issue of the African Missionary magazine appeared in January 1914. Its first editor was Fr Leo Hale Taylor SMA, later Archbishop of...

Kevin Carroll Collection

Father Kevin Carroll, anthropologist, linguist, ornithologist and photographer, was a member of the Society of African Missions. Born in Liverpool in 1920, he died...
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Roll of Honour

PROVINCIAL SUPERIORS of the Irish Province Stephen Kyne (1912-1913) >>> read more Maurice Slattery (1913-1918, 1925-1931) >>> read more. William Butler (1918-1925) Stephen Harrington (1931-1946) Patrick Kelly (1946-1952) John Creaven...

Fr Maurice Slattery (1874 – 1957)

Born on 22 September 1874 at Laccamore, Abbeydorney, Co Kerry, in the diocese of Kerry Died on 11 May 1957, of heart failure, while holidaying in Tralee,...

Fr Steven Kyne (1872 – 1947)

Born on 31 December 1872 at Togher, Hollymount, Co Mayo, in the Archdiocese of Tuam. Died at St. Joseph's College, Wilton, Cork, on 30 January...
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Br James Redmond Funeral Homily

Br James Redmond SMA (RIP) Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader, was the Principal Celebrant of the Requiem Mass for Brother Jim Redmond on...
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Br James Redmond SMA

Br James Redmond SMA The death has been announced of Brother James (Jim) Redmond. Br Jim died peacefully at 9.20am on Saturday, 25 February...
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Homily at Ibadan Mass for Frs Cahill & Whelan

Memorial Mass in Ibadan Fr Fintan Daly SMA was the Principal Celebrant, assisted by ten priests, at a Memorial Mass in St Leo's...
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Fr Michael Cahill SMA Funeral Homily

The SMA Provincial Leader, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll, was the Principal Celebrant at the Funeral Mass for Fr Michael Cahill SMA at 12 noon on...
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Fr Patrick Whelan SMA Funeral Homily

  Homily delivered by Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader, at the concelebrated Requiem Mass for Fr Paddy Whelan at St Joseph’s SMA Parish...
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Fr Patrick Whelan SMA Belclare Homily

Homily delivered at the Mass for Fr Paddy Whelan SMA in Belclare, Co Galway Fr Paddy Whelan's final journey began in his home parish...
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Fr Patrick Whelan SMA

Fr Patrick Whelan SMA The Society of African Missions mourn the death, at the Galway Clinic, of Fr Patrick Whelan SMA, a few...

Sadie McDonagh Funeral homily

Mary (Sadie) McDonagh, Honorary Member of the SMA, was buried after Requiem Mass at the St Joseph's SMA Church, Blackrock Road, Cork in 1...
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Mary (Sadie) McDonagh

Mary (Sadie) McDonagh The Provincial Leader, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll SMA, and the members of the Society of African Missions regret to announce the...
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Fr Sean MacCarthy Funeral homily

Fr Sean MacCarthy SMA Fr Sean MacCarthy SMA was buried after Requiem Mass at the St Joseph's SMA Church, Wilton on Christmas Eve 2011....
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Fr Sean MacCarthy SMA

Fr Sean MacCarthy SMA The Society of African regretfully announces that Fr Sean MacCarthy SMA died peacefully in the Mercy Hospital, Cork at...
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Beginnings of the Church in Bénin

The beginnings of the Church in Bénin After his return from India, Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac founded the SMA and  asked Propaganda Fide (now...

Fr Hugh McKeown Funeral homily

Fr Hugh McKeown SMA Homily preached by Fr Damian Bresnahan SMA, Provincial Councillor, at the Funeral Mass for Fr Hugh Mc Keown SMA on...
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Fr Hugh McKeown SMA

Fr Hugh McKeown SMA + 8 October 2011 Hugh McKeown, the son of Hugh P McKeown and Anna (née Keenan), was born in Belfast on 30...

Fr Bernard J Raymond Funeral Homily

Fr Bernard J Raymond SMA Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Provincial Leader, at the Funeral Mass for Fr B J Raymond SMA...
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Fr Bernard J Raymond SMA

Fr Bernard J Raymond SMA + 19 September 2011 Bernard John Raymond was born in Dublin on the Feast of St Andrew, 30 November...

Fr Colum McKeogh Poem

Omós do Cholm 10ú Mí na Nollag 1961                      2ú Meitheamh 2011   Ceiliúraimid, a ChoilmLe gean agus gléDo leath-chéad bliainI seirbhís Dé. Amuigh in...

Fr Colum McKeogh Funeral homily

Fr Colum McKeogh SMA Homily preached by Fr John Dunne, SMA Vice Provincial Leader at the concelebrated Funeral Mass on Saturday, 4 June 2011...

Funeral Rites of Fr Colum McKeogh SMA

Funeral Rites of Fr Columbanus McKeogh SMA At 5.30pm on Thursday, 2 June, the remains of Fr Colum McKeogh were removed to St Theresa's Oratory at...
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Fr Colum McKeogh SMA

Fr Colum McKeogh SMA   Fr Christopher Columbanus McKeogh SMA died peacefully at 8.10am on Thursday, 2 June 2011 in St Theresa’s, African Missions,...

Fr Eugene Connolly Funeral homily

Fr Eugene Connolly SMA Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader at the concelebrated Funeral Mass on Monday, 2 May 2011 at...
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Fr Eugene Connolly SMA

Fr Eugene Connolly SMA The members of the Irish Province invite you to join with them in praying for the happy repose of...
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Fr James Conlon Funeral Homily

Fr James Conlon SMA Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader at the concelebrated Funeral Mass on Monday, 5 April 2011 at 12...
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Funeral rites of Fr James Conlon SMA

Funeral Rites of Fr James Conlon SMA On Sunday, 2 April, the remains of Fr James Conlon were removed to St Theresa's Oratory at...
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Fr James Conlon SMA

Death of Fr James Conlon SMA The Society of African Missions mourns the death of Fr James (Jimmy) Conlon SMA which took place at the...

Fr Gerard Hackett Funeral Homily

Fr Gerard Hackett SMA Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader at the concelebrated Funeral Mass on Friday, 2 April 2011 at...
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Fr Gerard Hackett SMA

Fr Gerard Hackett SMA The death has taken place, unexpectedly, of Fr Gerard (Gerry) Hackett SMA. May he rest in peace. Fr Gerry...

Fr Gregory McGovern Funeral homily

Fr Gregory McGovern Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader at the concelebrated Funeral Mass on Friday, 31 December 2010 at 12 noon in...
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Fr Gregory McGovern SMA

Fr Gregory McGovern SMA Fr Gregory McGovern SMA died unexpectedly but peacefully on Monday, 27 December 2010. May he rest in peace. Gregory McGovern,...
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Fr Anthony O’Donnell SMA Funeral homily

Fr Anthony O’Donnell SMA Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll, SMA Provincial Leader at the concelebrated Funeral Mass on Wednesday, 22nd December 2010 at...
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Fr Anthony O’Donnell Funeral Rites

Read Obituary here Reception of the remains of Fr Anthony O'Donnell SMA at St Theresa's Oratory, African Missions, Blackrock Road, Cork Monday, 20 December,...
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Fr Anthony O’Donnell SMA

Fr Anthony (Tony) O'Donnell SMA Fr Anthony (Tony) O'Donnell passed peacefully to his eternal reward at 3.40am on Monday, 20 December 2010. Fr...
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Fr Michael Cahill SMA

Fr Michael Cahill SMA Fr Michael Cahill died peacefully at 9.35pm in St Theresa's Nursing Centre, African Missions, Blackrock Road on Wednesday, 15...

Fr Martin McNeely SMA Funeral homily

Fr Mattie McNeely SMA Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Provincial Leader at the concelebrated Funeral Mass on Saturday, 25 September 2010 at...
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Fr Martin McNeely SMA

Fr Martin McNeely SMA Fr Martin (Mattie) McNeely passed to his eternal reward on Wednesday, 22 September at his home in Mulranny, Co Mayo....

Paschal Carey

Paschal Carey, who died on 28th April at the age of 77 years, was a great friend of the SMA. He was a native of...
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Fr Paul D’Arcy SMA Funeral homily

Homily delivered by Rev Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll SMA, Provincial Leader of the Irish Province 29 April 2010 Readings: Eccl 3: 1-8, 11 and 1...
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Fr Paul D’Arcy SMA

Fr Paul D'Arcy SMA The Irish Province of the Society of African Missions mourns the loss of Fr Paul D'Arcy SMA who died at...
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Fr Douglas Bluett SMA

Fr Douglas H Bluett SMA dies in London The SMA British Province has lost its senior missionary with the death of Fr Douglas (Dougie)...

Dr Christy O’Sullivan

Dr Christy O’SullivanHomily at Funeral Mass on 3rd February 2010 Readings for the MassIsaiah 25: 6-9 Revelation 21: 1-7John 14: 1-6,23-26 When the renowned...
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Dr Christy O’Sullivan

Dr Christopher (Christy) O'SullivanMB, BCh, BOA, LM, LIGCP On the day of his admission as an Honorary member of the Society of African...
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Bishop Moore SMA (RIP)

The Society of African Missions mourns the unexpected death of Bishop John Moore SMA (Bishop of Bauchi, Nigeria) . At the same time as his...
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Funeral Mass & burial of Bishop John Moore SMA

Funeral Mass for Bishop John Moore at 12 noon, Saturday, 23 January   A large number of priests concelebrated the funeral Mass with Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll...

Homily for Bishop John Moore SMA

Homily delivered by Rev Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Provincial Leader of the Irish Province23 January 2010 Readings:    Isaiah 52: 7-10, read by Mrs Joan Moore, sister-in-law...
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Funeral rites for Bishop John Moore SMA

Funeral ceremonies for Bishop John Moore SMA Rt Rev John Moore SMA, Bishop of Bauchi, Nigeria died on 20 January 2010 in St Vincent's...
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Biography of Bishop John Moore SMA

Rt Rev Dr John Moore SMABishop of Bauchi, Nigeria20 January 2010 Rt Rev Bishop John Moore SMA passed away at 1.30am on the...

Funeral Homily of Chris Murphy

Fr Christopher Murphy SMA Funeral Homily - 02 February 2007 (Preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Provincial Superior at SMA Parish Church, Wilton,...

Funeral Homily of Brian Horan

Fr Brian Horan SMAFuneral Homily - April 16th 2007 at SMA Parish Church, Wilton Cork(Preached by Fr Seamus Nohilly SMA, Provincial Councillor) Readings: Ecclesiastes...

Messages from Father Zimmermann

Message from Father Zimmermann "I can say that throughout the year I was unable, even on Saturdays, to take supper with the others because...

Foundation and Early History

The Beginnings of the Society of African Missions Invitation to Found a Missionary Society In February 1856, Cardinal Alessandro Barnabo, the Secretary of...

Biography of Bishop Kelly

BISHOP KELLY OF WESTERN NIGERIAby Michael O'Shea SMA LAUNCH OF BIOGRAPHY A Co Galway-born bishop, who spent 70 years as a priest of the...

Founder’s Cause

This is a place holder for the Founder's Cause page. Please edit this page.

Homily Fr Larry Skelly

Fr Larry Skelly SMAFuneral Homily - 22 January 2005 (Preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Provincial Superior) Readings:Macc 12: 43-45Heb 7:25-8:6Matt 11: 25-30 The...

Homily Fr John Hannon

Homily: Memorial Mass for Fr John Hannon SMA RIPat Newmarket-on Fergus, Co Clare, December 10th, 2004.Homily preached by Fr Fachtna O'Driscoll SMA, Provincial Superior....

Funeral Homilies 2004

SMA FUNERAL HOMILIES 2004 Fr Bob Hales SMAFr Eugene Casey SMAFr Jim Flanagan SMAFr Mattie Gilmore SMA Funeral Homily 3/11/2004 Fr Bob Hales SMA...

Funeral Homilies 2002

SMA FUNERAL HOMILIES 2002 Fr Cornelius Clancy SMAFr Edward Donovan SMAFr Harry Bell SMAFr Martin Heraghty SMAFr Gerard Scanlan SMAFr Paddy Glynn SMAFr Frank...

Funeral Homilies 2003

SMA FUNERAL HOMILIES 2003 Fr Sean O'Connell SMAFr Owen Francis Sweeney SMAFr Denis Slattery SMAFr Robert V Wiseman SMAFr Michael Higgins SMAFuneral Homily 28/11/2003...

Funeral Homilies

Funeral Homilies - SMA Irish Province 2009 Fr James Harrold SMA - Funeral Homily - 1st September 2009 at St Joseph's SMA Parish...

Fr Richard Devine SMA

11 June 2005 Fr Richard (Rickie) Devine SMA     Fr Rickie Devine SMA was born in Keash, Ballymote, Co Sligo on 14...

Fr Dan Daly SMA

12 July 2005 Fr Dan Daly SMA was born in Caherhayes, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick on 28 December 1909. Deciding to become a missionary...

Fr Cornelius ODriscoll SMA

20 November 2005 Fr Cornelius (Con) O'Driscoll SMA Fr Con O'Driscoll SMA was a native of Aughadown, Skibbereen, Co Cork in the Diocese...
Fr Fergus Conlon SMA

Fr Fergus Conlan SMA

  17 January 2006 Fr Fergus Conlan SMA   It is with great sadness that the SMA announces the sudden death of Fr...
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Fr James G Lee SMA

  20 February 2006 Fr James G (Jim) Lee SMA   Fr James G (Jim) Lee SMA passed away peacefully on the morning...
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Fr Joseph Brennan SMA

  01 March 2006 Fr Joseph (Joe) Brennan SMA   Fr Joseph (Joe) Brennan SMA passed away peacefully in the afternoon of 01...

Fr John Breheny SMA

  22 April 2006 Fr John Breheny SMA   Fr John Breheny SMA passed away in the morning of 22 April 2006 at...

Fr Thomas Egan SMA

  03 May 2006 Fr Thomas Egan SMA   Fr Thomas (Tom) Egan SMA passed away in the morning of 3 May 2006...