Ireland: retired priest dies in car accident

A retired priest died today when his car was struck by a train at a level crossing near Oranmore in Co Galway. None of the train passengers were injured. The Catholic Communications office of the Irish Bishops Conference said that the priest was Canon Patrick Healy, PE. Canon Healy was a native of Killaspuglanane, Liscannor, Co.Clare. He was born in 1935 and ordained for Galway diocese in 1959. His first appointment was as Curate in Rossaveal, Connemara. In 1960 he was appointed Professor in Our Lady's College, Gort. In October 1979 he was appointed to Lisdoonvarna/Kilshanny. Canon Healey was appointed Parish Priest in Beagh in 1998 and retired in June 2003 because of ill health. He continued to live in the presbytery at Beagh (Shanaglish) after his retirement. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.