There is sadness in parishes across Donegal following the passing of the Very Rev Dean Austin Laverty, aged 87.
Fr Laverty, born in Drumboe, Stranorlar in 1937, passed suddenly yesterday.
He has given a long and faithful service to the Raphoe Diocese since his ordination in in June 1962 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth
He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter on February 17, 2002, and later became Dean of the Cathedral Chapter on June 18, 2016.
Fr Laverty was the parish priest of Ardara for thirty years up to his retirement in 2022.
A former pupil of St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny, he went on to become dean and bursar of the college before being appointed to the presidency of the school from 1971-1982, the second youngest president in the history of the college. In his eleven years at the college he oversaw the building of a new extension to the school and an upgrading of the boarding facilities.
The Very Rev Dean Austin Laverty
Fr Laverty left the college in January 1982 to take up the post of Administrator of the Cathedral Parish of Conwal and Leck until 1985. Following this, he was appointed Parish Priest of Glenfin for seven years. His lengthy ministry in Ardara began in 1992, and even on his retirement he continued to serve in the community supporting the community and clergy.
The neighbouring Parish of Iniskeel, Glenties, was also grateful for Fr Laverty’s assistance. Without ever being asked for help, he freely provided his services.
In a tribute, Fr Gerard and the people of Iniskeel said: “It is with profound sadness that we have heard of the death of the retired Parish Priest of Ardara, Austin Dean Laverty. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family in Stranorlar and beyond on this sudden and sad loss to them.”
The Raphoe Diocese said: “Dean Austin’s life was one of faithful service, dedication, and love for the Church. His many decades of priestly ministry touched countless lives, and even in retirement, his generosity and commitment to his vocation never wavered. His presence, wisdom, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
The Very Rev Dean Austin Laverty former parish priest of Ardara.
The Stranorlar Parish has also extended prayerful sympathies to Fr Laverty’s brother Eunan (Teresa) his nieces, extended family, brother priests, and former parishioners.
Obituary Notice:
The sudden death has taken place of the Very Rev Dean Austin Laverty former parish priest of Ardara.
Beloved brother of Eunan and sadly missed by sister-in-law Teresa, nieces Thérèse & Roisin, grand nephews, grand niece and great grand nephew, his devoted housekeeper Josephine, his PP Very Rev Aodhán Cannon and fellow clergy of the diocese of Raphoe, parishioners and friends.
His funeral cortege will pass through the town of Ardara from Sandfield tomorrow at 3pm on his final journey to the Church of The Holy Family for prayers. Reposing there tomorrow evening until rosary at 8pm and on Monday from 11am until Rosary at 8pm. Funeral mass on Tuesday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the adjoining churchyard.
