Fr. Michael Fleming - loyal, steadfast, wise, dedicated

Fr Michael has been called home to God. Fr Michael loved life, he had a good sense of fun and a commanding presence. He was truly a man of God and a man of the people. He loved parish life and served Killorglin parish for seventeen years. I have many happy memories of my being with Fr Michael for Confirmation each year and some years ago for a celebration in Cromane Church. Within the past year I have treasured memories of visiting the four Primary Schools accompanied by Fr Michael. The day was so enjoyable, such a combination of warmth, fun and faith in each school community. My sympathy to all the people of Killorglin parish, from the youngest to the oldest. Remember always

how well Fr Michael witnessed to love of God and love of neighbour. May he rest in Peace.

Bishop Ray Browne

I witnessed a deeply prayerful and spiritual man in Fr Michael. A man of sober faith, he was a no-frills type of priest – what you saw is what you got. I liked that in him. As I got to know him better through my work as Chairperson of Killorglin Pastoral Council, I grew to admire more and more his sense of conviction, his loyalty and his commitment to the people of Killorglin and Cromane . In the past fifteen years I have stood with him and alongside him, I have worked with him, laughed with him, fought with him but above all I came to admire his humanity – his sense of solidarity with those pained by the troubles of life. As our Emmaus Christ figure, he has travelled the pathway of pain and grief with so many of us, unassumingly and without expectation of reward or recognition. Margaret Naughton, Chairperson, Parish Pastoral Council

Fr. Michael Fleming

1946 Born in Scartaglen

Attended Scartaglen NS and St. Brendan’s College, Killarney

1964 Commenced studies in St Patrick’s

College, Maynooth

1971 Ordained in St Mary’s Cathedral,

Killarney

1971 CC Dingle

1972 CC Waterville

1973 Irish Emigrant Chaplaincy London, Westminster Diocese, St Joseph’s Wembley

1977 CC Glenflesk

1983 CC Our Lady and St Brendan’s, Tralee

1986 Diocesan Secretary

1992 CC Killarney

1995 Administrator Killarney

2001 PP Moyvane

2003 PP Killorglin

2020 Died on May 8th

Requiescat in Pace

It was with deep shock and sadness that I learned of Fr. Michael's unexpected death on Friday morning last. In my role as Chairperson of the Area Pastoral Council I depended on Fr. Michael for guidance and I always appreciated his genuine support and wise counsel. He was, above all, a man of deep faith and unwavering in his commitment to the Gospel and to all of God's people across the entire five parishes in the Pastoral Area. Over the years we became close friends and I really enjoyed his company. True to his rich Sliabh Luachra heritage he was a great storyteller and raconteur. May his noble soul rest in the company of the Saints. " I liónta Dé go gcastar sinn" Neil O’Sullivan, Chairperson, Killorglin Area Pastoral Council

To think that Father Michael is no longer sharing our earthly journey is difficult to take in. Particularly as a classmate who knew him through our days in St. Brendan’s and later in Maynooth, through our years of ministry in London, as emigrant chaplains, and these recent decades in various parishes in Kerry, there is now a great void where for so long he was such a stalwart presence. Michael Fleming was tall in stature and firm in perspective, unpretentious in manner yet confident in judgement. He was blessed with a natural sense of people and situations. The overbearing ones he would keep in check while being kindly and benign to the wounded and weak. He was a pastor to his fingertips. He was greatly bemused by our oddities and foibles. Michael was deeply concerned for his colleagues in the priesthood, especially anyone that was enduring a ‘rough patch.’ His care respected the uniqueness of the individual while being a supportive and reassuring presence. So many are mourning his loss because so many encountered in him the wisdom of the householder (Matthew 13:52) who brings out things old and new from his household. May God have mercy on his soul and may the light of heaven be his for eternity. Fr. Tom Crean, P.P., Kenmare

In the past week many people have spoken to me about Fr. Michael Fleming. Two words kept coming up: loyal and dedicated. Those two words sum up very accurately Michael’s character as a person and as a pastor: loyal to his family, his friends and his colleagues; dedicated to his calling and to all who benefited from his ministry. And, of course, he had a heart for the sick and suffering. He was known for his down-to- earth common sense and quick wit that owed more to his native Scartaglen than to the halls of St. Brendan’s and Maynooth. His laconic observations and comments were legendary, though often as cryptic and puzzling as those attributed to the oracle at Delphi. Michael’s untimely and unexpected death has left a huge gap in the lives of all who knew him. But we have the consolation of knowing that “a good life here flows into eternal life”. So it was for Fr. Michael. Go meadaí Dia a ghlóir. Bishop Bill Murphy

I thank God that I came to know Fr. Michael. Big and forthright, I believe he sought to serve his parishioners as best he could. I felt his humanity when he smiled and when he spoke. "Action", as he said to me at one Pastoral Council meeting, when we were planning our Parish Earth Week. I was fond of his humour. Like us, he had good days and days that challenged him. Yet, as our priest, he served us until he was called. "Fresh and green are the pastures where You give me repose", he taught us; now fully deserved! He walked with us. We will miss him. Declan Crowley, Green Parish Co-ordinator, Parish Pastoral Council

Our Parish is undoubtedly a poorer place with the death of Fr. Michael. It is hard to think that we at St. Joseph’s will never again hear those first words on the telephone “how are ye getting on?” He was a man of integrity and action. About three weeks ago he was asked to anoint a Hospice Resident. He was cocooning himself, but without delay got another priest to anoint her. He loved to reminisce with our residents. He even took one out for a pint occasionally. Now we must make good use of his expertise, knowing that we have a powerful advocate in Heaven. May he rest in peace. Sisters & Staff, St. Joseph’s Home

Canon Michael Fleming was the Vice-President of Cromane GAA Club since he arrived in Killorglin Parish back 2003. All involved in the club were deeply saddened by his passing. Canon Fleming was a great GAA man. His love of GAA, of course, stemming from his time lining out for his native Scartaglin GAA Club. He brought that love of GAA with him to all of the parishes he was based in. He always had time for a GAA chat with parishioners after Mass in Cromane and was a great supporter of the Cromane GAA club lotto. He was also a keen golfer and spent many a Wednesday morning (for seniors golf) in the company of parishioners in Dooks Golf Club. Canon Fleming’s company will be sorely missed in Cromane and beyond. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. JP McCarthy, PRO, Cromane GAA

Fr. Michael was always a wonderful support to us in Killorglin SVP during his 15 years as our Spiritual Director. His untimely death has left a huge sense of loss amongst us all. When needed, he had an innate way of being totally clued into the plight & suffering of others. Very often at our meetings we would be going around in circles, wondering how best to meet the requests for assistance at our table. He had an inherent ability to listen, absorb , contemplate & then give us his well calculated view on matters at hand. He would let those shoulders back & his unmistakable words of wisdom would be music to our ears . Let us remember him as the person who calmly & without fanfare brought solace & comfort to all who needed a listening ear or some words of wisdom. His reassuring presence was felt by us & so many parishioners as they tried to negotiate their way through difficult times . " Ní imithe uainn , ach imithe romhainn ." Slán abhaile a Mhichíl Killorglin St. Vincent de Paul Society

The news of Canon Michael Fleming’s death was greeted with great sadness in Cromane. Since he came to our Parish in 2003, he has been a much admired Leader of our Parish community. Fr. Michael was faithful in his Sacramental care of the people of Cromane. He loved to visit Scoil Réalt na Mara. He was always welcomed at his First Friday visits and celebrated the Active Retired November Mass and attended the Active Retired Christmas dinner every year. He blessed the fishing boats at the annual ceremony and joined us at our Carol Service He undertook huge renovations in Cromane Church and led the celebration of the church’s Centenary in 2013. Fr. Michael was a loyal friend to Cromane and will be dearly missed. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Geraldine McMahon, Cromane

On Fr. Michael's arrival in Killorglin in 2003, one of his first official duties was to bless the new memorial bust of Fr. Lawlor at the front of the church. Fr. Michael was imbued with the same tenacity, sense of duty and purpose as Fr. Lawlor and enhanced the magnificent edifice of St. James’ in so many ways during his 17 year tenure as our parish priest. His unexpected death on Friday 8th May has left a great void in Killorglin parish. May Fr. Michael rest in peace in the shadow of St. James'. He has diligently carried on the great work started by Fr. Tom Lawlor and left us a shared legacy of a church and vibrant parish of which we can all be proud. Terence Houlihan, Fr. Tom Lawlor Committee

I loved to see Fr Fleming coming to Scoil Mhuire! I really enjoyed his way of communicating. He liked to deliver his messages in a cryptic kind of way – you’d have to work out what he meant – and then when you thought about it, you’d often realise that there was more to what he had said than you initially thought! And his messages were always both gentle and wise – he did not rush to judgement on anybody! On a personal note, as principal, I always knew Fr Fleming could be relied upon for wise and fair advice, in times of need. We regarded him almost as a member of our school staff. He frequently attended school events such as concerts, our Garden Fetes and staff celebrations. He knew everyone and considered it important to be able to congratulate or sympathise with people as appropriate. As a member of our Board of Management and of our school community, Fr Fleming has left a wonderful legacy, a legacy that will continue to guide us into the future. Muireann Seoighe, Príomh Oide, Scoil Mhuire

The sudden death of our Parish Priest Canon Michael Fleming caused shock throughout Killorglin last week, and the esteem in which the members of Laune Rangers GAA held Fr Fleming was shown in the attendance at the guard of honour outside JP O’Sullivan Park on Tuesday morning. Fr Michael was a proud Gael, having served as a mascot to Kerry’s All Ireland win in 1955, and he was always interested in the progress of ‘the Laune’ at all age groups since his arrival in the parish in 2003. The players, coaches, officers and members of Laune Rangers extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Fr Fleming. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Aidan Clifford, PRO, Laune Rangers

I have known Canon Michael since he was appointed Parish Priest of Killorglin, 17 years ago. Michael was a true churchman in the tradition of ministry as handed down from previous generations of those who served the spiritual needs of the people rural Ireland. He would often refer with great warmth to the years he spent as a young Priest in London, ministering to the huge populations of Irish immigrants in places like Cricklewood and Kilburn. Many of those he knew and helped had come over from rural parishes in Kerry such as his own neighbourhood of Scartaglen. He once referred to the experience as coming from “home to home”. He was a true friend and a loyal churchman, discrete and reliable. His absence from among us leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. However, the warm memories of Fr. Michael as a true servant of our Church will linger long among those who knew him. May he rest in peace. Brian McCarthy, Fexco

When Fr. Michael Fleming arrived as curate to Glenflesk in the Autumn of 1977, little was known about him apart from the facts that he was a native of Scartaglen and a brother-in-law of Billy Will Fleming who worked in the parish for Kerry County Council: both facts were assurance for a naturally cautious community. Fr. Michael gradually immersed himself in all aspects of parish life – religious, social, sporting, educational and cultural. He had a keen interest in sport particularly GAA and golf. As well as playing Squash, he founded the local Badminton Club in the newly-constructed hall. As a versatile and powerful footballer he impressed in various key positions on the field, but he seemed to reserve his greatest keenness for the local Parish League. Fr. Michael led pilgrim groups to Knock, Lough Derg, Camino, and to Galway and Limerick for the Papal visit in 1979. These trips combined gravity and levity: he was known to give his unique rendition of ‘The Auld Triangle’. Fr. Michael’s loyalty to the people he served was one of his many attributes. He was an ordinary man working among ordinary people, a man of few words but

always aptly chosen. His work ethic identified with Pope John 23rd: ‘I see everything, I check a little, and I ignore a lot.’ Pat Favier, Glenflesk

Priests on Duty: Fr. Kevin Sullivan, (087) 6277638; Fr. Kieran O’Sullivan, (087) 2432155 Masses are now being livestreamed from St. James’ Church. The Parish Radio is being repaired.