Hundreds of people gathered last night in Co Galway to pay their respects to the late Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Joseph Cassidy, who will be buried today.
Dr Cassidy’s body laid in repose yesterday afternoon and evening at the Cathedral of Assumption in Tuam where mourners paid their respects.
Dr Cassidy (79) died at his home in Ballinasloe after battling illness for some time.
He had served the diocese of Clonfert for 28 years, including five years as bishop, before he moved to Tuam as archbishop in 1987.
His successor, Dr Michael Neary, said that the large crowds who gathered to pay their respect throughout the afternoon and evening was indicative of the high esteem in which Dr Cassidy was held.
Dr Cassidy’s funeral Mass will be at noon today in the cathedral with burial afterwards in the grounds of Moore Church, where he served as parish priest following his retirement.
He is survived by his sisters Concie, Angela, Mary, Bernadette, Patricia and Imelda, his church colleagues and many friends.