By Dan Walsh
The Diocese of Ferns and all who made acquaintance with popular priest Fr. Odhrán Furlong (54), will be shocked at the news of his sudden passing at the Parochial House, New Ross, this morning.
It is understood that Fr. Odhrán failed to turn up for Mass and was discovered deceased in his bed. His body was removed to Waterford University Hospital.
Tributes are pouring in for the parents, family and friends of the late Fr Odhrán Furlong, Communications Officer for the Diocese of Ferns, who was a loyal contributor of diocesian media material to WexfordLocal.com
Leading the tributes is Bishop Ger Nash who expressed his sympathy to his family, especially his parents Thomas and Angela. Bishop Nash said “the whole diocese was numbed with shock when they heard the news of his untimely passing.”
“He was a great priest. And hugely popular by the way he was able to relate to the people. We pray for his gentle soul in the days ahead,” concluded Bishop Nash.
Cllr Pat Barden posted. “Unbelievable shock and sadness on hearing of the death of Fr Odhrán Furlong. A gentleman of the highest order who left a lasting impression an all who were lucky enough know him. May he rest in peace.
Born in 1971, Odhrán was son of Thomas and Angela Furlong, Adamstown.
Educated at Raheen National School, he attended St. Peter’s Secondary School and St. Peter’s College Seminary, Wexford, where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 28th 1995.
Fr Odhrán served in New Ross, Templeudigan, Gorey, Tara Hill, Rathnure, Rathgarogue, Cushinstown and Administrator St. Aidan’s Cathedral, Enniscorthy, from August 2015 to April 2022 and celebrated his Silver Jubilee there in 2020.
In June 2024, he was appointed Chaplain at Wexford General Hospital and to assist in the pastoral area of Bannow, Clongeen, Taghmon and Rathangan and co-PP at New Ross.
Fr Odhrán was also Diocesan Communications Officer, Director of the Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Chair of the Board of Management at St. Peter’s College and Chaplain to Wexford County Board GAA.
Funeral Arrangements later.
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