Bro. Malachy Daly C.P. 1916-2002

While it was still night of the morning of Tuesday, 26th. November 2002 Bro. Malachy Daly, C.P., died peacefully in his sleep. With his death an era ended. He was 86 years old. Born on the 28th June 1916 in Bishop Street, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal to John and Isabella Daly, he was baptised Manus Gerard. He had two brothers James and John and two sisters Mary and Rose. All but John predeceased him.

Originally Manus was to study as a priest in the Diocese of Raphoe but due to meningitis, the Lord showed he had other plans for him. At the young age of 20 he entered the Passionist postulancy at The Graan, Enniskillen. He professed his vows as a Passionist on 30th July 1937 and was given the name Malachy.

For the next 62 years he lived out his religious vocation serving God and the Congregation with dedication and commitment. He spent his life working the ordinary in the kitchen, the refectory, the hall door and with the infirm. He often referred to himself as a humble lay Brother but his pride in his work ensured his was no second-class vocation. In his early years Malachy went on soup runs for the homeless long before it was fashionable. He had an ear and a helping hand for those out in the community around who had received a rough deal.

In October 1941 Malachy was transferred to Mount Argus where he cared for the sick and engaged in cooking, maintenance and the sacristy for nine years before he returned to The Graan for a year followed by a year in Coodham - painting and another in Ardoyne. By 1952 he was back in Mount Argus on the quest and driving the then Provincials. He was to spend three years in The Graan from 1958 to 1961 before returning to Mount Argus where he was to spend the next 41 years. He took up the task of questing for alms around Co. Meath and supervised the farm in Mt. Argus. One of the gifts brought to the altar in the Offertory Procession was his address book of all the people he visited from these days of the Quest.

For the last few years of his life Malachy suffered much sickness and in the end he was confined to his room a lot of the time. Malachy had an exceptional large funeral. Great numbers of relatives, Passionist confreres, friends and parishioners attended the final prayers, removal to the Church and the Requiem Mass. Fr. Pat Fitzgerald C.P. paid tribute to Bro. Malachy as faithful and proud family man, not only to his own Daly family and Donegal connections but also to the Passionist family. Fr. Charles Cross at the funeral Mass told of Malachy's devotion to duty, to the Mass and to our Lady.

Bro. Malachy September 2002

Bro. Malachy and Fr. Ralph C.P
July 1997 - 60 years professed.