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info@eastcorkjournal.ie In Memoriam An Appreciation FR MICHAEL CAMPBELL


The Months Mind Mass of Fr Michael Campbell was celebrated at Kilbrin on Thursday last. A packed church saw chief celebrant Rev Fr Michael Leader P.P Lead eight priests to the alter to give thanks for the life of Fr Michael. In his family Fr Leader said the beatitudes may not always be acclaimed but it is the sure path to God, and it was the way of Fr Campbell he lived them to the full. The I.M.P and Lion Mid- leton provided a lovely selection of music and hymns throughout the mass. A Eulogy was delivered by Sean O Gorman Principle Kilbrin National School


When news came through of the untimely passing of An t-Athair Michael O’Caimbeal a cloud of sadness hovered over Kilbrin as the


realisation that this saintly man that had spread the gospel in so many ways and in so many directions was no longer with us. Always on the go traveling in fifth gear, it was many a fleeting visit he gave to the


school to greet all “will ye come to mass on Thursday? He loved the mass and always had that special word for the children during the mass finishing always with a very thoughtful communion reflection just a little thought for all for the day. No doubt he had great faith and this was reflected by the belief that people had in him though he was never imposing or dogmatic in any way in his own beliefs, it was something that was very personal to him but what struck me always was his deep sense of spirituality. The children loved to see him coming. He bap- tised, administered the sacraments and also consoled them and their families in some difficult times. He was always in good humour and


always had that kind word of encouragement for them. He had a great understanding of the human race and all God’s creatures. If he felt we might not be having a great day he was back again in 10 minutes with something for the staff room. When he got stuck with the photocopier that was a different matter.


Michael introduced himself to me when he arrived in Kilbrin 13 years ago bringing a photograph which he was very proud of a Cork team that included Jack Lynch and his late father, Willie Campbell. He was


very proud of his Mam and Dad and always acknowledged their influ- ence in his life. The sudden call to his eternity by his maker came as a major shock to everyone both far and wide. His calling was to serve, to serve those less well off, those who struggled with the trials and tribula- tions of daily life. His humility and generosity knew no bounds. From my vantage point in the classroom I would often see as sudden flash past my window, black coat, that famous black hat hanging on for dear life and that distinctive Lidl bag, (he must have been on some sponsor- ship deal with them). He was on his way, help was needed somewhere. The clock was not his friend. To Michael when God made time he made plenty of it. That grey Nokia was his filling cabinet, a text could arrive at any hour, from anywhere, a U-turn, a change of plan. About 7 or 8 years ago when all correspondence from the Bishop came by email it took only a short while may I add for him to master this new means of communication. My feeling was that he was a little sceptical at first that maybe the Bishop could trace his movements at all times and reveal where he was. He was not a man to remain in the one spot too long. He often did more in a day than most would do in a week. We hear recently of Brexit but in a very short space of time he found these emails were his gateway to Europe instant contact with Spain and all his foreign friends. Gan amhras he was not the man to go to for advice on home economics. Him home was merely a hub for recycling what he got to pass it on to those more in need. He loved Spanish and was fluent in so many languages, an-ghrá ar fad don ghaeilge. Bhi an-chu- id paidreacha aige as gaeilge ach an ceann a bhí sáite go deimhin ina


chroí ná, “Aingeal Uasal, Aingeal Dé, Cabhraigh liom ar feadh an lae, Is bí le m’ais go síoraí dlúth, Is ná lig do éinne mé a chur amú” Mhúineas é sin dos na daltaí i rang a cúig agus a sé le blianta anuas. He was a simple man, a man of God and of the people. He was always at the back of the queue himself, all God’s creatures came first. He sur-


rounded himself, all God’s creatures came first. He surrounded himself with the hens and the cats and had a lovely connection with nature. As his remains left Kilbrin for the last time his black cat ran across the


road behind his hearse as if to say goodbye. Similarly as his coffin came through the church in Midleton people from all walks of life shed a tear for him. Everybody had remembered that little something he had done for them. It is many a phone call at any hour that Joan or one of his


great neighbours across the road got to make sure that the hens and the cats were looked after until he returned. It was just his way.


To Michael we say a big thank you, we are far richer for having crossed paths. Ní dóigh liom go bhfeicimid a léithead arís. Faraoir tá sé imithe uainn ar shlí na fírinne ach tá se suite sna bhflaitheas ar dheis Dé. Míle buíochas duit ó chroí ó gach duine I Scoil Eoin Baiste.


As told by Seán O’Gorman, Principal, Kilbrin N. School


While Margaret O’Callaghan read a poem which she wrote. Morning mass is over, your gone off in the car


I wonder where you’re off to, sure you can’t be gone too far


Your probably just gone shopping, getting something for the hens No! Your gone an awful long time, you must be meeting friends.


But we did not know our Holy Priest was busier than us You’re helping out those in need far beyond our Diocese A good deed can be all that it takes at times To turn their lives around to Rise from the Decline.


Our faith we had forgotten, too busy with small things


But father Michael came along and took us under his wings A silent prayer was all it took to meet with God once more And singing ‘Salve Regina’ helped open the Sliding Door.


Many request were answered by the Good Lord up above


Twas with your intervention we realize we Never Should Give Up No big mansion was needed when you counselled those in need


Twas with the old mobile in your hand that you sowed bright hopeful seed. Your parish it hand no boundaries, you travelled far and wide


By bike, car, bus, train or boat to help from Falling by the Wayside Once you were asked, you always came to lend a helping hand


You got the Rich to help the Poor to reach their ‘Promised Land’ Some who came felt hopeless, not knowing what to do


They then realised that they were waiting for someone ‘Just like You’ With desperate times ahead of them, and destruction sure to come


You did a U-turn with their lives – Showed how darkness could be outdone...


Your excursions they were famous and valued by one and all Hearing your prayers and blessings was everyone’s Windfall


Your final excursion to God above brought thousands Young and Old Who came to see our own True Saint, they wept tear uncontrolled.


You are reunited with you Mom and Dad in beautiful Midleton And in Gods Heavenly Kingdom where you work will continue on When we say the Holy Rosary it is to you we’ll pray


And look forward to when the time will come and we will meet you there. You left us in shock with you untimely leaving,


To recount your good deeds is helping our grieving, But your light shines forever to brighten our days And we thank God for you and we sing him your praise So let us be happy for the fortune we have had


And have Fr Michael guide us forever through good and through bad.


The final Hymn saw Charlie McAlister leading the congregation in the singing of Fr Michael Campbell’s favourite song “If I can help somebody” Afterwards the community council under chairman Tom O’Riordan once again provided refreshments for all.


Tel: 021 463 8000 • Email: info@eastcorkjournal.ie • Web: www.eastcorkjournal.ie eastcorkjournal HIGGINS There is a face before me,


A voice I would love to hear, A smile I will always remember, Of a brother I loved so dear,


Deep in our heart lies a picture, More precious that silver or gold, It’s a picture of our brother,


Whose memory will never grow old. Silently we grieve,


And brush away our tears,


The memories he left behind Will last throughout the years.


My heart still aches in sadness, My silent tears flow,


What it meant to lose you Finbarr, No one will ever know


So much has changed, Since you’re gone,


Through ups and downs, Our lives move on, But as time rolls by, One thing remains true,


We’ll always have memories of you,


Love your Brothers Denis and Eddie your sisters Maeve and Mary and their families.


Miracle Prayer


Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask for a special one (mention here). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your broken heart where your


father sees it, then in his mer- ciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen


Say this prayer for 3 days, promise publication, in thanksgiving prayer will be answered, never known to fail.


In grateful thanksgiving to St. Pio, Our lady, Little Flower and Sacred Heart (AMC)


Family Notices t: 021 463 8000 e: info@eastcorkjournal.ie 25th Anniversary


Thursday, 8th


December 2016


@eastcorkjournal / #eastcorkjournal


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