Fr. Macartan Daly C.P. R.I.P.

The theme of Macartan's life could be journey
and travel. From the time of his birth in
Belfast on 22nd February 1922 until his death
in Mount Argus on 17th September 2003 he
seemed to be on the move. His Baptismal
certificate registers his name as Alphonsus
Patrick though he was known to his family
always as Augustine (Gussie). While still a child Macartan and his
family moved from Belfast to Castlereagh in Co. Roscommon. His
father was a member of the mounted Royal Irish Constabulary. At the
age of 14 years he returned to the North, to Wheatfield as a postulant
for 3 years. He made his novitiate in The Graan in the year 1939-1940
when he made his profession as a Passionist. This was followed by 6
years study in Mount Argus. He was ordained on 21st December 1946.

His first appointment was as Director of Postulants in Wheatfield from
1947 till 1950 when he was made Director of Students in Collooney for
another 3 years. A further 3 years as Rector of Drum Mohr in Scotland
followed. From 1957 until 1972 he was very active in the mission and
retreats apostolates. These brought him as far afield as Australia, 1957
- 1962, Collooney 1962-63 and New Zealand 1963-66.On his way to New
Zealand he took the opportunity to visit and give missions at the United
States Air Force Bases in Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Isle of Crete.

He returned to Ireland in 1966 and resumed his missions in Ardoyne for
2 years. Then once again he was travelling, this time to Johannesburg,
South Africa where he gave missions from 1968-1972. He was
appointed chaplain to the Johannesburg General Hospital and
continued this worthy work for nine years. He was to remain a hospital
chaplain for many more years serving in both England and Ireland,
first in the Central Middlesex Hospital in London and then in the
Orthopaedic Hospital, Clontarf, Dublin, and Peamount Hospital,
Newcastle, Dublin. In the last years of his life he ministered for a time
in the United States. Finally he returned home and served as a curate
in the Pro-Cathedral Dublin and Holy Rosary Church, Harold's Cross,
neighbouring Mount Argus. Only ill health, at the age of 80 forced him
to step down and accept retirement. Like his brother Fr Clarence (Joe),
who had a very different personality, he was zealous for the service of
the Lord and was impatient with too much time on his hands. During
his final illness he made heroic efforts to attend community prayers
and Mass. At community meetings he was always forthright and
challenging, always supporting orthodoxy and tradition. He claimed to
be very happy in Mount Argus and was sad at any foreboding
discussion of its future.

In Africa - Bishop Boyle, Fr. Vivian C.P., Archbishop Fitzgerald, Fr. Macartan C.P. and Fr. Valentine C.P. - Gaborone 1966

His funeral was attended by both Religious and Diocesan priests and
members of his family, his sister Maureen Daly, sister-in-law, Maureen
and nephews and nieces. He was interred with his brother Fr Clarence
C.P. in the community cemetery. R.I.P