The Late Father Geary

New Zealand Tablet, 22 October 1908, Page 24

The Late Father Geary

A solemn Requiem for the repose of the soul of' the Rev. Father Gear)', -who lost his life whilst bathing at Tramore, Waterford, on August 26, was celebrated at St. Joseph's Cathedral on Thursday mornfng of last week. Very Rev. , Mgr. O'Leary (Lawrence) was celebrant, Rev. John Lynch (Palmcrston) deacon, Rev. P. (Port Chalmers) subdeacon, and Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., master of ceremonies. The other clergy present were Rev. Fathers Howard and D. O'Neill (South Dunedin), Rev. Father Delany (Ranfurly), Rev. M. Ryan (Holy Cross Qollegc), Rev. Father Corcoran, Rev. Father Kavanagh (Gore), and Rev. Father Cleary. - The following further particulars of the sad fatality apeared in the Cork ERamincr from its Walerford correspondent : — It seems that Father Geary, who was a native of Mothel, or Ratgormick," went to bathe accompanied by Fathers Nagle and O'Brien, of Waterford, and Father Coady, of Carrick. Neither of the two last named could swim. While Father Nagle was - dressing it was observed that Father Geary was in" difficulties, and a boat was at once launched by boatmen Keoghan and Kent, who immediately went and brought Father Geary in a very exhausted condition to shore, where he was given the last rites by Father Nagle. Drs. Stephenson and O'Brien were quickly on the scene, but their efforts proved unavailing, for Father Geary breathed his last some time afterwards. An inquest was held the same evening by Coroner Power, when a verdict of accidental drowning was returned. The sad occurrence cast a deep gloom over Tramore and district, and the news was received in this city with many manifestations of regret. At the Church of the Holy Cross, Tramore, on August 28, his Lordship the Right Rev. Dr. Sheehan, Bishop of Waterford, presided at the Solemn Office and Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Father Geary. Rev. Father Walsh was celebrant of the Mass, Rev. M. Crotty deacon, Rev. M. J. Carroll subdeacon. In addition to those mentioned there were over thirty priests present. At the conclusion of the solemn ceremonies the funeral procession left for the family burial place at Mothel, where the interment took place. The funeral cortege was one of the largest and most representative seen in the district for some time.