Warm tributes have been paid following the death of well-known Derry priest, Father Paddy O’Kane.
Father O’Kane, orginally from Culdaff, had been PP of the Holy Family Parish in the Ballymagroarty area of Derry for many years. In 2016, Fr O’Kane ministered to Louise James after her family died in the Buncrana pier tragedy. He visited her daily in the years after the accident.
Announcing his sudden death on Facebook, the Parish of The Three Patrons said: “Father Paddy was well loved and respected near and far for his loving and wholehearted dedication to his priestly ministry and pastoral care to so many people, especially in times of trouble and great suffering.
“We will miss his words of wisdom, kind heart and good humour.
“May the Lord reward his good and faithful service and bring him the perfect peace he longed for.”
In a message on Facebook, SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he was “really saddened to learn of the passing of Father Paddy O’Kane”.
Mark H Durkan with Fr Paddy O’Kane
He added: “Father Paddy has been a tremendous servant of the Church but an even greater servant of the Ballymagroarty community for as long as I remember.
“He never shied away from problems and I worked alongside him on many issues of importance to the people of Ballymac and beyond – from riding alongside him on buses to ensure they weren’t attacked, helping vulnerable constituents in poverty and with other problems, to doing a parachute jump together for Foyle Hospice.
“The solace, strength and support that he has given so many families in times of darkness and despair is immeasurable.
“Before every election l’ve contested, Father Paddy would give me a blessing to guide me in my role as an elected representative. I will still look to him for guidance.
“He really was a force of nature..deeply spiritual, completely compassionate and any Holy Family parishioners will remember his fondness for telling funny stories and jokes.
“He did what he had to to get his message across and I don’t think I’ve heard anyone do it as well.
“Many will mourn his loss and my thoughts and prayers are with all of those who loved him.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis,” Mr Durkan concluded.
