12 July 2005
Fr Dan Daly SMA was born in Caherhayes, Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick on 28 December 1909. Deciding to become a missionary priest he commenced his studies at St Joseph’s SMA College, Wilton, Cork and he became a permanent member of SMA on 19 June 1937. He completed his studies for the priesthood at SMA College, Dromantine, Newry, Co Down and was ordained priest on 19 December 1937 in St Colman’s Cathedral, Newry.
Following the completion of his studies in 1938 he was assigned as a missionary to Nigeria, to the Vicariate of Lagos. He worked there for the next 31 years in various pastoral assignments until forced to return to Ireland in 1969 due to ill-health. Though ill-health continued to give him trouble he was involved in promotion work at Blackrock Road from 1970-1978.
Since 1979 he has been living in retirement at SMA House, Blackrock Road, Cork and more recently at the St Theresa’s Nursing Unit attached to the house. He died there peacefully in the afternoon of 12 July at the age of 95 years. At the time of his death he was the oldest member of the Irish Province of SMA.
Fr Daly’s remains were removed from the SMA Community Chapel, Blackrock Road, Cork to St Joseph’s SMA Parish, Wilton on Wednesday 13 July. The Funeral Mass was concelebrated on Thursday 14 July at 12.00 noon and was followed by burial in the adjoining SMA Cemetery. The SMA Provincial Superior, Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll SMA, was the main concelebrant of the Mass and preached 
the homily. He was joined by a representative of the Columban Missionaries and of the Capuchin Franciscans and a large body of SMA confreres. The Funeral was attended by many of Fr Dan’s relations and friends, parishioners from Abbeyfeale, members of the Marian Movement for Priests, Sisters of Mercy and Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles. Brother Jim Redmond SMA was at the organ and Fr Cormac Breathnach SMA led the singing for the Mass.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dÃlis. Requiescat in pace.
You must be logged in to post a comment.