Highly-respected and much-loved Armagh parish priest, Fr Peter Kerr, has passed away.
Retired in 2016, Fr Kerr was parish priest in Cill Chluana which encompasses Ballymacnab, Clady and Granemore.
The fondness by which he is remembered in this area is a true reflection of his character – hundreds of tributes have been paid to a man described as “gentle”, “devout”, “witty”, “kind” and to many “a friend”.
Before his time in Cill Chluana he was an administrator in Armagh.
And it was Armagh Parish who announced his sad passing on Tuesday night.
SDLP Councillor, Thomas O’Hanlon, recalled how he served a community – one he too represents – for over 20 years.
“If the words that announced the death of Pope Francis can be fittingly attributed to anyone else, then Fr Kerr is the ideal person,” said Councillor O’Hanlon.
“He was a humble man, who just like Pope Francis was a man of God and a man of the people.
“He was a kind, compassionate and generous Parish Priest. He served our community for over twenty years and he was loved, admired and appreciated in equal measures. He had a great way of getting work done, he asked and people responded without hesitation.
“He oversaw the restoration of our three parish churches and left a beautiful legacy for generations to come.
“His wit and humour was brilliant, he loved Gaelic games. A proud Tyrone man he loved the banter when it came to Armagh and Tyrone football games. Everyone remembers his sign in Ballymacnab in 2002 for the All Ireland, ‘For thine is the Kingdom, ours is the Glory’ referencing Kerry as the Kingdom county.’
“He was deeply patriotic, a proud Irish man who loved all our sporting, music and cultural traditions. He was passionate about protecting and promoting our cultural heritage.
“My thoughts are with his family tonight, with his successor as Parish Priest Fr Greg Carville, Archbishop Eamon Martin and the Priests of the Archdiocese.
“Thank you Fr Kerr for everything.
“‘Well done my good and faithful servant, You have fought a good fight, rest in peace.’”
Funeral details are expected to be announced later today.
