Deaths of two Oblate priests
Two deaths
It is with regret that we announce the deaths on June 25th of Fr Myles Byrne and Fr Edward Ballesty, both members of the Oblate community, Inchicore.
Fr Myles Byrne died in St James's Hospital during the early hours of the morning. He was in his ninetieth year.
Fr Edward Ballesty died later the same morning in The James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown. He was in his eighty sixth year.
Fr Myles was a native of Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. He joined the Oblates in 1938 and was ordained in 1944. He served for many years in Australia before returning to the home province, where he served in a number of parishes prior to retiring to Inchicore.
His death came after a brief period of illness.
Fr Ballesty, a native of Co. Westmeath, entered the Oblate novitiate in 1940 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1947. After ordination, he was assigned to work in Canada, but ill-health brought him home after a very short time. He lived the rest of his life as an invalid, always showing the greatest patience.
A service for the reception of the remains of both men was held at the House of Retreat on Tuesday, June 26th at 5.30 pm. And their Funeral Mass was celebrated at noon the following day in Mary Immaculate Church, Inchicore.
Fr Ballesty was buried afterwards in the community cemetery in the grounds.
In accordance with his wishes, Fr Byrne's remains were taken to Rathdrum church later that afternoon. His burial took place in Rathdrum parish cemetery after Requiem Mass on Thursday morning, June 28th.
May they rest in peace