Hundreds Gather To Say Farewell To Fr Michael Collins   You are in · RoscreaOnline · Community · People Profiles

Huge crowds gathered in grants Hotel on Wednesday last to say farewell and thank you to Fr Michael Collins.

A native of Ennis Fr Collins stepped down from his position of Parish Priest in Roscrea on Friday last to return to his native county as the new Parish Priest of Quinn.

The Three Women in the life of Fr Michael Collins enjoying themselves at the farewell night L/R Mary Pyne, Marian Grannell and Grace Hogan.

An emotional Fr Collins said his official goodbyes at his last mass on the previous Saturday. Fr Collins has served the parish of Roscrea since arriving as a curate in July 1983. Throughout his time in Roscrea he has shown tremendous dedication and commitment to his ministry and indeed to the people of the parish. His ability to mix with people of all ages served him well and his enthusiasm and leadership during his time in Roscrea will never be forgotten.

Noel Ahearne presents Fr Michael Collins with an autographed Tipperary jersey.

In 1998 Fr Collins succeeded Fr Seamus Gardiner as Parish Priest for Roscrea and In 1999 Fr Collins received a Roscrea People Of The Year Award in recognition of his tremendous work in the community. During his last mass he thanked numerous people for all their help and support throughout his time in the parish. In particular he thanked the Parish Council, The Folk Group the Choir the liturgy group, the schools and sacristan John Joe Flannery. He also sincerely thanked what he referred to as the three women in his life namely Mary Pyne, Marian Grannell and Grace Hogan for all their support. As well as paying a warm tribute to the late Dean Cuddy Fr Collins also recalled and thanked many of the priests he has worked with over the last number of years. Finally he thanked the people of Roscrea themselves and concluded his goodbyes by giving them his blessing and welcoming them to visit him at his new parish at any time.

Emear Collis, Jim Cummins, Fr Collins, Bernie Cummins, Anne-Marie Cummins
& Michael Collis say their goodbyes.

A number of special presentations were made on Wednesday last to Fr Collins. The one presentation that really stood out was an autographed Tipperary jersey, which will surely take pride of place on the wall of Fr Collins new home back in Clare. We wish Fr Collins well in his new post and every happiness in his new parish. To ease the sadness of his departure we are sure this is one year, now that Tipperary have exited the Championship that Roscrea People would not begrudge Fr Collins and the banner county one big day come the 11th of September!!!!

Fr. Pat Treacy, Joe Dooley, Fr Lorcan Kenny, Fr Michael Harding, Gary Morrissey & Noel Ahearne with Fr Michael Collins

Fr Collins says goodbye to Roscrea by joining the Folk Choir
for a special rendition of Slievenambon

Michael Walsh, Eileen Moloney, Fr Collins, Paddy Moloney & Marie Walsh wishing Fr Collins every success in his new parish.

Billy McLoughlin, Fr Collins, Harry McCoy & Mick Hogan