News from Ireland Irish World NY May 23, 1896 Death of the REV James Keating-- The Rev James Keating, the venerable pastor of Lower Mourne, died on Monday at his residence, Annalong. County Down. Father Keating was the oldest priest in the Diocese of Down and Connor, having been born in the latter part of the year 1810. He was a native of the diocese of Ferns, and was born in Ballynaciash, parish of Blackwater, County Wexford. Having entered St Kiernan's College, Kilkenny, in 1841, he was, after an edifying student's career, raised to the dignity of priesthood in Maynooth College by the Most Rev Dr Murray, then Archbishop of Dublin. A few months after his ordination he was, on Aug 6, 1847, affliated to the diocese of Down and Connor, and appointed curate of the parish of Kilmore (Crossgar), County Down. On Oct 15, 1856, he was appointed by the Most Rev Dr Denvir to the pastoral charge of the important district of Lower Mourne, in succession to the Very Rev Hugh Connor. For nearly forty years Father Keating worked unostentatiously among his people. He was a man of the people and lived for the people, and has died universally respected by all and beloved by the flock commited to his charge.