Fr.Con memorial benches.
On Tuesday 3rd August 2021, a road traffic accident in Monkstown, Cork claimed the lives of two men, one of whom was a beloved priest from the Harbour Parishes, Fr Con Cronin. Words will never suffice when describing the impact Fr Con had on the Harbour Parishes of Passage West, Monkstown, Ringaskiddy and Shanbally, as well as each and every person he met throughout the world.
These words are taken from a few of the many tributes made to Fr Con over the past few weeks.
Fr. Con’s unconventional ways made him a true man of the people, and the people flocked to him. Real heroism is not about capes, it is about seeing the human being in every person, and appreciating them for who they are, with kindness and without judgement. It’s about making every person feel recognised and that they belong. Extending the hand of friendship in every direction.
Con will be remembered for many things but one thing that tops the list is his kindness. The quote “Have you ever met someone who is sunshine in human form?”, is the perfect description of Con. Always at the end of the phone, behind the front door, visiting the sick, encouraging the community with the preparations for communions, confirmations, baptisms and marriages. Always with a friendly smile, and a helping hand.
The 3rd August will forever be a date etched in our minds. A day when time had no meaning, when the ache inside spilled out through our eyes. It isn’t often you meet a real life hero. We did. We were blessed to have him living with us, among us, beside us. Sharing himself and the very essence of his soul, wearing his emotions on his sleeve.
A word used often by Con was “Powerful”. He used this word to describe music, poetry, people. But it best describes himself. A powerful man with the ability to reach everyone in the exact way they needed. A man to be remembered and celebrated.
To do this, we plan to fundraise to place benches in each of the Harbour Parishes to remember and honour Con, the kindhearted, selfless and hilarious priest, man, hero and friend.
