Tipperary communities pay fond farewell to Fr Jimmy Browne

The people of Ballyneale/Grangemockler Parish gathered in Ballyneale Parish Hall to say goodbye to Fr Jimmy Browne before his departure for Dublin to take up the role of Provincial of the Rosminian Order for Ireland and the US.

The popular Rosminian priest served as Assistant Pastor in the parish of Ballyneale/Grangemockler for the past years eight years and will take up his new role on September 8.

Fr Browne’s many friends in Ballyneale, Grangemockler and Carrick-on-Suir are sad to see him go. He is noted for his sense of humour, friendliness and wit and he provided great support to parishioners during his years in the parish.

The farewell evening at Ballyneale Parish Hall on August 23 was preceded by a Mass at Ballyneale Church, which Fr Browne celebrated with Fr Paul Waldron, PP of St Nicholas/Faugheen Parish.

Fr Browne was presented with the gift of a commissioned painting of Ballyneale Parochial House painted by artist Mia Carney along with a card and collection from the parishioners of Ballyneale/Grangemockler.

Speaking on behalf of parishioners, Martin Madden said they very much appreciated Fr Browne’s presence in their parish over the past eight years.

“People who had bereavements since Fr Jimmy came (to the parish) were looked after with compassion, care, reverence and a bit of humour.

“His calls to the sick and old were always done with respect and a good sense of good will.”

Mr Madden spoke of how Fr Browne always had time for a chat and how he put guests at weddings at ease with a story or a joke.

“Anyone who met him for the first time would say he was so jolly and had a great way of performing their special day.

“Fr Jimmy married three of my children and christened three of my grandchildren.
“Visitors who met him for the first time all said how lucky we were to have such a down-to-earth man for our priest.”

Mr Madden also praised Fr Browne for the great interest he had in what was happening in the parish from the schools and community halls to the sports fields as well as the two churches.

Fr Browne was on the boards of management of the parish’s two schools and was well respected for his dedication to both.

Mr Madden also spoke of Fr Browne’s generosity in contributing to fundraising efforts and collections in the parish and his interest in the local GAA teams, especially the juvenile teams. If teams got to a final, he would always wish them well on the day of the match.

“Fr Jimmy you will be missed big time by all from the parish and surrounding areas. Your new job as Provincial of the Rosminian Order is well deserved and everyone wishes you good luck in your new role.

“We wish you happiness, peace and good health. You are always welcome to visit us in Ballyneale and Grangemockler.”

In a message published in Sunday’s edition of Ballyneale/Grangemockler Parish newsletter, Fr Browne thanked all who attended his farewell Mass and contributed so generously to his going away gift.

“For the past eight years you have made me a part of your community and allowed me to be part of your life journey. I will continue to pray for you and I hope you will pray for me. God bless you and thank you,” he added.

Check out more photos from the farewell function for Fr Jimmy Browne in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops. 

Caption for picture below: Milo Power, on behalf of parishioners, presents a painting of Ballyneale Parochial House to Fr Jimmy Browne at the farewell Mass celebrated in his honour at Ballyneale Church.