Popular Monsignor given a civic reception in Gorey

A popular County Wexford Monsignor who at one time was tipped as a future Bishop of Ferns and who served for ten years as parish priest of Gorey was this week afforded a civic reception by the local town Council, the highest honour the local authority can bestow on anybody. 

The honour was this week bestowed on Monsignor Lory Kehoe by the chairman of Gorey town council Councillor Robert Ireton (pictured).

Speaking at the reception, Cllr Ireton said that Monsignor Kehoe had been a fantastic parish priest and had been heavily involved in the local boxing club where he himself had been a member. 

Tributes were also paid to the Monsignor by former Td Cllr Lorcan Allen, who said that he had known Monsignor Kehoe since he was a small boy in Saint Peter's College and he has always been spoken of very highly. 

He said that, “in what has been a difficult time for the catholic church, it's important to remember that there are many good men who have served the church like yourself.” 

For his part Monsignor Kehoe said that he was very honoured with the reception by Gorey Town Council.  He said that he had had many rewarding times in Gorey over the past ten years and that he was very fortunate to have excellent curates, parish committee and sacristan during his time there. 

As part of the ceremony Monsignor Kehoe was presented with an Eamon Carter pastel drawing of the local Saint Michael’s Church.

by Sean Ryan