This article is from page 8 of the 2006-02-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
PARISHES throughout the diocese, as well as past pupils of St Flannan’s College, Ennis mourned the passing of one of the schools former presidents this week.
O’Callaghan’s Mills native, the V. Rev. John Shalloo, died peacefully on Wednesday last in Tullamore General Hospital, following a short illness.
After ordination, Fr Shalloo served on the staff of St. Flannan’s College for 25 years, becoming vice president of the college in 1969 and president in December 1970.
He served as a priest with the Killaloe Diocese for 55 years, having studied for the priesthood at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth from where he was ordained in 1949.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Fr Shalloo organised vigils to Lourdes from Ennis.
The late priest is also remembered for his work in Shannon. He was appointed curate to the parish in 1974. He became parish priest of Shannon in July 1975.
In September 1983, he volunteered to serve on the Killaloe Diocesan Mission to the diocese of Mutare in Zimbabwe.
On his return from Zimbabwe, he was appointed parish priest in Birr, Co. Offaly in July 1986.
Two years later, he was appointed Canon to the Cathedral Chapter of the diocese and in 1999, he retired as parish priest of Birr, but continued to serve the parish as assistant priest, until his recent illness.
Those who knew him well, described the late priest as popular and well liked.
Long time friend, Fr Cormac Mc Namara, now parish priest in Fr Shalloo’s native O’Callaghans Mills told The Clare People , “he was the most humble and unassuming man you ever met in your life.”
Having studied under Fr Shalloo in St Flannan’s College and later teaching there with him, Fr McNamara was later to work with Fr Shalloo again in Shannon.
“He was one of those people you looked up to. He was a great worker and above all, a very holy man,” said Fr McNamara.
Born into a family of seven in Tierrovan, O’Callaghan’s Mills, Fr Shalloo is survived by two of his sisters, one living in nearby Kilkishen and one in Laois.
Fr Shalloo was laid to rest in the grounds of St. Brendan’s Church, Birr, after Funeral Mass on Saturday.