Fr Eamonn Cowan, CM, RIP

Fr Eamonn Cowan CM, Chaplain to St Patrick's College, passed away on 2nd January 2009. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. His remains reposed in the College Chapel, where the funeral Mass was con-celebrated on Sunday 4 January by Fr Aidan Galvin CM, Fr Mark Noonan, CM, Fr Fachtna McCarthy, and Fr Eamonn's Vincentian confreres. Readings and Music had been chosen by Eamonn himself. The burial ceremony in St Patrick's cemetery, Armagh, was attended by a large gathering including Cardinal Seán Brady.

A proud native of Armagh, Fr Cowan was appointed as Chaplain by the Archbishop of Dublin in 1997. His eleven year ministry coincided with a significant transition in the history of the College, following the withdrawal of the Vincentian Community and the appointment of a lay-President in 1999. The successful negotiation of that transition owed much to the sensitive and reassuring presence of Eamonn Cowan. Eamonn was an exemplar of the best traditions of the followers of St Vincent. He combined humility and a deep commitment to the poor.

Eamonn was universally popular with students and staff alike. His door was always open and he always had a sympathetic ear and a kind word for those with troubles, great or small. He was always the first name on the guest list of student functions and rarely missed an event. The esteem and affection in which he was held by students was manifest on many occasions, including the 40th Anniversary of his ordination when the student body made him a presentation.

As well as College Chaplain, Fr Eamonn acted as Chaplain to St Patrick's Boys National School. He gave his time generously to the pastoral care of the school pupils and to their preparation for the sacraments of Communion and Confirmation. The weekly Family Mass at the College Chapel was legendary and consistently attracted large congregations over many years. The attendance at his removal and funeral Mass included many current and former pupils of the school and their parents, as well as current and former College students and staff and a wide circle of friends.

Fr Eamonn Cowan was ordained on 30 March 1963. He ministered in a wide variety of areas including: 1963-1966 - St. Peters Church, Phibsboro: Missions and Retreats;

1966-1969 - Sheffield: Chaplain to the Deaf Community in Leeds; 1969-1971 - Glasgow: Glengowan; Director of a Hostel for  young offenders on leaving prison; 197l-1973 - Mill Hill London: Sacred Heart Parish – Parish Team; 1973-1978 - Mill Hill London: Damascus House, Assistant Director ; 1978-1980 - All Hallows College: Retreat House, Assistant Director; 1980-1992 - Director of Daughters of Charity in Ireland; 1993-1997 - Ballymena, Diocese of Down and Connor: Curate in Harryville; 1997-2008 - St. Patrick’s Drumcondra, Chaplain. Fr. Eamonn also served as Assistant Provincial and Vocations Director for the Irish Province of the Vincentians for many years.

Our deepest sympathy to Eamonn's sisters, Mary and Ann, to the extended Cowan family, and to Fr Eamonn's Vincentian confreres.

 

 

 

Last Updated: Thursday January 08 2009