Raymond Topley, RIP

Dr Raymond Topley, recently retired Head of the Department of Religious Studies and Religious Education in St Patrick’s College, passed away on 9th September 2009, following a short illness.    Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Ray was highly regarded and much loved by staff and students alike as an inspiring teacher, a generous mentor, a valued colleague and a loyal friend. He joined the staff of the College initially for a two year period in 1981 and subsequently worked on a part-time basis before being appointed to a permanent lecturing position in 2000. He became Head of Religious Studies and Religious Education in 2005 and led that department with great vision, energy and skill.   He was an elected staff member of the Governing Body, the Strategic Planning committee and numerous other College committees.

A former Christian Brother, Ray had a life-long devotion to the educational principles of  Edmund Ignatius Rice. He was an Assistant Principal with the Christian Brothers Schools in Carlow, Dun Laoghaire and James St.  Over the years, he taught in a wide variety of settings including Coláiste Mhuire, Marino; Mary Immaculate College Limerick; UCD; NUI Maynooth; and Milltown Institute.  He spent periods studying and/or lecturing in Seattle University USA, in England, Scotland, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Boston College. 

Ray was a graduate of Marino, Mater Dei, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, St Michael’s Vermont, Notre Dame and the Graduate Theological Foundation, Indiana.  He had a national reputation as an educator and catechist. He touched the lives of countless pupils, parents and students and made a significant impact on the teaching  of religion in Irish primary schools.  Among his achievements within the College were the development of the joint Masters in Religious Education with Mater Dei and the part time Certificate in Religious Education. 

A very large gathering attended the funeral Mass on 14 September, con-celebrated by Fr Fachtna McCarthy with Fr Seán Farrell CM, College Chaplain, Fr Joe McCann CM, and other former colleagues from Marino, Mater Dei and MICL.   The Mass took place in Raymond’s parish church, St Columba’s, Iona Road and was followed by burial in Midleton, Co Cork.  

We extend our deepest sympathy to Ray’s wife Noelle Lomasney, his brothers Vincent and Terry, his sisters Marie and Lorraine, and his extended family and friends.

 

Last Updated: Tuesday September 15 2009