RIP: 'A lovely man,' tributes pour in as popular Tipperary priest passes away

The death has occurred of Very Rev James Egan, AP, Knockavilla Donaskeigh Parish and late of Lisheen, Moyne, Thurles, county Tipperary.

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He died peacefully on January 17, 2026, in the outstanding care of The Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles.

Very Rev Egan was predeceased by his parents, John and Hannah, and his sister, Sr Eileen.

He is deeply regretted by his loving family: brothers John, Fr Joe and Dan; sister Margaret (Malone); sisters-in-law Nora and Catherine; brother-in-law Richard; nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.

He is also mourned by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, his fellow priests of the Diocese, the parishioners of Knockavilla Donaskeigh, his neighbours and a large circle of friends.

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Reposing will take place this Monday evening at the Church of the Assumption, Knockavilla (E34 F228), from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11.30am, followed by burial in the church grounds.

Family flowers only, please.

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Donations, if desired, may be made to Unit B Palliative Care, The Hospital of the Assumption.

People have been posting tributes on rip.ie:

Deepest Sympathies Dan & Catherine and all of the Egan Family on the loss of Fr. Jimmy, a lovely man with great humour that we will remember fondly, may he rest in peace.

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Sincere condolences to all the Egan family on sad death of Fr Jim. He was a great friend for many years. He was a very nice friendly man and we have great memories of his joyful company down through the years. He lived his vocation as a Priest to the fullest and helped many people in his ministry.

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Deepest condolences to the family of Fr. Jim. He was a very special part of our lives, from giving me my First Holy Communion to more recently celebrating our wedding ceremony. He was truly kind, warm and had a perfectly timed sense of humour which made his presence at every occasion memorable! He will be fondly remembered.

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Sincere sympathy to Fr Joe, Margaret, John and Dan on the sad passing of Fr Jimmy RIP. He will be remembered as a man of deep faith, generosity of spirit and quiet wisdom, whose life and ministry touched so many. His warmth, good humour and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Fr Jimmy’s contribution as a priest and as a person will always be remembered with gratitude and respect.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

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Dear Fr. Joe, we so are saddened to learn of the passing of your dear brother Fr Jimmy. Our sincere condolences to yourself & to John, Dan & Margaret, as well as to all Fr. Jimmy's relatives. He was a wonderful man & you will miss him greatly. May you be comforted in your great loss & may Fr. Jimmy rest in peace, enjoying the Eternal Reward which he so richly deserves.