Much loved priest returns to Ballymachugh as final resting place

Fr Frank Gray was laid to rest last Thursday, May 26 in Ballymachugh amongst the parishioners whom he cherished, and who cherished him.

From Carrick Church mourners lined the way as Fr Gray’s funeral procession made its way through the parish before the local GAA club members and pupils of Ballynarry National School provided a guard of honour to guide the coffin into Ballynarry Church.

Fr Frank was born on April 22, 1940 to Rose (Reilly) and Matt Gray, Edenmore, in the Parish of Dromard. He was baptised in St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford on April 27. The eldest brother of Matt and Mary they had a unique and special bond over the past 82 years, reportedly keeping Vodafone in business with their daily telephone calls which often drifted beyond midnight.

Frank was a bit of a late starter when it came to education, finally entering Edenmore NS at age seven. It was joked during the funeral eulogy that his father Matt “got summoned for no licence on the dog and no Frank at school”.

He later went to Gaigue NS, followed by the Latin School, Moyne and St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1966. He celebrated his first Mass St. Patrick’s Church Ballinamuck and so began his ministry in Cloghan, Drumlish, and Killoe. He also served as chaplain to the newly established Moyne Community School. In 1981, he headed off to Clonmacnois Deanery serving in Athlone and Ferbane before arriving in his beloved Ballymachugh in 2002.

“I have learned from Frank that people will remember how you made them feel,” said his nephew Francis Gray in the eulogy. “He was always at the other end of the phone to celebrate good news or to be our tower of strength and support during the dark days. His heart was full of love and care for those he met.”

Fr Gray’s great legacy was his gift of spirituality. He shared the good news of Christ and facilitated its growth through various initiatives, be it the setting up of CURA (now the council for life) or establishment of the Adoration Oratory or the trips across Lough Sheelin to Church Island to celebrate Mass on the ancient monastic site, despite his fear of water.

June 19, 2016 stood out in the timeline of his life. It was in Ballymachugh that he celebrated his Golden Jubilee and the whole parish pulled out all the stops to make it an extra special day for him.

During his retirement, he enjoyed the many catch ups, visits and telephone calls with friends from Ballymachugh and all corners of the globe.

He spoke fondly on many occasions of his time in the different locations he served and the wonderful people he met. The volume of messages of condolences and sentiments expressed after his passing reflected the warmth with which he was received by every community in which he served.

Fr Gray’s family spoke of their hearts overflowing with gratitude for the parishioners, priests and religious orders he worked alongside in all of his parishes.

“These places became his home and these people his lifelong friends.”

While Fr Gray was committed to his parishes, he always found time to play a central role in the lives of his family’s life .

“You have touched us all in so many ways – kindness, humitlity, caring, the occasional story or joke, you have inspired, encouraged and supported us in every way possible throughout our lives. To us you were a brother, brother in law, uncle, granduncle but above all a man of faith. Everything you did, everything you said was driven by your own values or prayerfulness, quiet, peaceful approach.”

On Monday, May 23, Fr Frank Gray breathed his last in the same quiet and peaceful way he lived his life. Addressing the congregation his nephew Francis paraphrased the words Fr Frank frequently used at funerals.

“Frank, as you closed your eyes in this world, you opened your eyes to a smiling Christ who said ‘Well done good and faithful servant, come now to the place where God has created for you’.

“We thank you for your goodness, kindness, support and friendship. You are truly special to us all and will be fondly and sadly missed always.”

Fr Gray’s funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Tom Healy, Diocesan Administrator and his lifelong friend Fr. Sean Casey gave the homily.

Fr Frank Gray was predeceased by his parents Matthew and Rose and sister in law Mary. Deeply regretted by his sister Mary Molloy (Carrick-on-Shannon), his brother Matt (Edenmore), brother in law Malachy Molloy, nephews and nieces, relatives, The Diocesan Administrator Very Rev. Thomas Healy, Bishop Emeritus Colm O’Reilly and Priests & Religious of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois and the people of Ballymachugh Parish.