THE TUAM HERALD, SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 1909 TUAM, CO. GALWAY DEATH OF REV'D. THOMAS CANON RONAYNE, P.P. But a few short months ago we, in common with his countless clerical friends in the archdiocese, joined cordially in congratulating Canon Ronayne open the jubilee of his fifty honoured years in the priesthood, and now the very melancholy duty devolves upon us if recording his lamented death. With him goes to his assured reward as self sacrificing and zealous a priest as ever worked in the Divine Vineyard in this country, where such rare devotion and zeal are to be found in such superabundance. He was one of the few priests as yet left in the vast archdiocese of Tuam whom Dr. MacHale had ordained and promoted. One by one they are fast falling out of the ranks, having each and all earned the crown of an honoured and useful missionary life. Canon Ronayne has been some forty years P.P. of Mount Bellew, and the evidences of his splendid energy and ceaseless attention to duty are to be found in the renovated and re-built churches and schools which bear testimony today in the united parishes of Mount Bellew and Moylough to his conduct and character as a priest. He will be greatly missed, for he was a favourite with all classes and creeds and a man of singularity amiable disposition, yet withal firm in his beliefs and steadfast opinions while tolerant of those of others. Some few years ago his brother, Father Jas. Ronayne, who had been his excellent curate, died P.P. of Moore. Canon Ronayne was a native of the archdiocese and educated at St. Jarlath's and Maynooth. His first curacy was Ballinrobe, and he was soon appointed by Dr. MacHale to the united parishes of Mount Bellew and Moylough some time about the singular energy, zeal and devotion, earning the affection of his parishioners and the esteem of his neighbours of other creeds/ (From a Correspondent). High Mass was celebrated at Mount Bellew on the 7th inst for the eternal repose of the sould of the late Canon Ronayne. The sad news of his death filled the hearts of his parishioners with grief and sadness. It is no exaggeration to say that his name will be long remembered and revered by us. While the chief object of the late Canon's desires was our spiritual and educational welfare, still he was never forgetful of our temporal interests. The poor had in him a sincere friend on whom they could always rely. He always stood by the poor in their necessities. He was therefore a splendid type of the ideal Irish priest. We hope the devout and fervent prayers of his parishioners will add to the precious crown - life everlasting - promised to the good and faithful servant. Rev T. Heany, C. C., acted as celebrant; Rev A. Eaton, deacon; Rev M. Donnellan, C. C., sub-deacon; master of ceremonies, Very Revd. Canon Macken, Adm. His Grace the Most Rev Dr. Healy presided in the choir. The following clergymen were present in the choir: - Very Rev Canon Canton, P.P.; Very Rev Canon Macken, Adm; Very Rev M. Higgins, D. D.; Very Rev M. Kealty, D. D.; Rev J Curran, P. P.; Rev J. Burke, P.P.; Rev J. Keaveny, P.P.; Rev J. Heany, P.P.; Rev M. Heany, P.P.; Rev J. Fallon, P.P.; Rev M. Fallon, P.P.; Rev P. Colgan, P.P.; Rev W. Conway, P.P.; Rev W. McHugh, P.P.; Rev W Ratigan, Adm; Rev M. Diskin, P.P.; Rev F. Shanagher, P.P.; Rev T. Joyce. P.P.; Rev E. Dalton, C.C.; Rev J. Morgan, Professor St. Jarlath's; Rev. F. McDermott. C.C.; Rev O Hannon, C. C.; Rev J. Burke, Rev F. Ronayne, C.C.; Rev B. Ronayne, Maynooth; Rev M. Morris, Rev J. Noone, C.C.; Rev J. tuffy, C.C.; Rev T. Byrne, C.C.; Rev P. O'Loughlin, C.C.; Rev M. Brennen, C.C. After Mass his Grace the Archbishop addressed the congregation at considerable length and referred to the splendid labours of the deceased for the church which he served so faithfully and well for more than half a century. His Grace appealed to the people to remember their late pastor in their prayers, and to humbly beg of God to-day to accept the Holy Sacrifice if the Mass on his behalf and to have mercy on his soul and to grant him eternal rest. Amen. Jim McNamara British Isles Family History Society - USA, Newsletter Editor http://www.rootsweb.com/~bifhsusa