Archdeacon Patrick Lyons, of Ballingarry, Co Limerick, believed to have been the oldest priest in the State, has died aged 106 within a week of being honoured with the GAA "hall of fame" award. This was due to be presented to him on Friday by the West Limerick board of the GAA.
A native of Glenroe, Co Limerick, he was born on St Patrick's Day 1893 and ordained in Maynooth in 1920. As a young priest he spent two years in St Mary's church, Paisley, Scotland.
Archdeacon Lyons was appointed curate at Glen and parish priest at Monagea in 1942. He was appointed to Ballingarry 14 years later and retired in 1983 at the age of 90. His funeral takes place today at Ballingarry.