The Late PJ McDonnell An man with an innate sense of justice is how the communities of Hacketstown and Carlow will remember the late Fr PJ McDonnell who passed away. Fr McDonnell, PP Hacketstown celebrated Mass at the parish church St Brigid's but suddenly and unexpectedly died later that day. Fr McDonnell had undergone a life saving heart operation in Thailand last February when he took ill while away on a golfing trip, however following three months' recuperation he had made -an excellent recovery and was back to full parish life. Fr McDonnell would have celebrated his 66th birthday. A native of Haymarket, Carlow, Fr McDonnell was particularly devoted to his mother Kathleen (93) and also took a great interest in his parlshioners in Hacketstown, particularly those sick or in need. An excellent golfer, his home was "festooned with trophies and awards" from his prowess on the fairways. An active member of Baltinglass Golf Club he served as the club's captain in 1977 and club President in 1995, the McDonnell family also has a strong association with Carlow Golf Club. As a mark of respect, Baltinglass Golf Club remained closed last Saturday Fr McDonnell was ordained on March 13, 1965 having completed his studies in the Irish College in Rome. His first appointment in 1965 was to St Mary and John Parish in Birmingham, where he remained until 1967. In 1967 Fr McDonnell was appointed curate in Baltinglass, then in 1977 curate in Portlaoise. In 1994 Fr McDonnell was appointed parish priest in Hacketstown, a position he held until his death. In his youth Fr McDonnell played GAA for O'Hanrahan's and throughout his life took a keen interest in the fortunes of the Carlow GAA. In fact Fr McDonnell had booked his place on the bus travelling to the Leinster Minor Football Final in Croke Park last Sunday but sadly it was a trip he wasn't to make. Bishop Jim Moriarty described Fr McDonnell this week as a "very straightforward person and very honest." "He had a strong sense of justice and was always on the side of the underdog. He was also very good to his mother Kathleen and his sudden death is a great shock to her, his brother and the community of Hacketstown," he said. Large crowds gathered at the Requiem Mass celebrated by Bishop Moriarty and attended by many members of the clergy through the diocese. Guards of honour were observed by Baltinglass Golf Club and pupils from the local schools in Hacketstown. Burial took place to St Mary's Cemetery, Carlow where a guard of honour was observed by Carlow Golf Club. Fr McDonnell is survived by his mother Kathleen, brother Jack (Ballickmoyler Killeshin), sister-in-law Mary, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 20 July 2007 Tweet

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