1910 - Death of Rev. Laurence Ansbro

Death of Rev. Laurence Ansbro, P.P., Annaghdown.

Tuam, Thursday.

With deep regret we announce the death of the Rev. Laurence Ansbro, the venerable pastor of Annaghdown parish, which occurred on Tuesday last at the parochial residence, Annaghdown. The sad news will be deeply deplored by a large circle of friends, to whom Father Ansbro endeared himself during his exercise of the duties of the ministry, extending over a period of fifty years. By his demise the Archdiocese of Tuam is deprived of one of its most devoted and gentle priests. To his parishioners are best known their late pastor's sterling qualities, and by none were they more appreciated. As a true and genial friend, Father Ansbro was unequalled. Whilst he did not actively engage in the political sphere, his aspirations were on the popular side. Amongst his brother clergy he was held in high esteem. Although in delicate health for some time past, his labours for his parishioners had not lessened, and many were the expressions of grief on the sad announcement of his demise. His work for the educational advancement of his flock is to be seen in the excellent National Schools built by him at Annaghdown and Kilgill. The beautiful chapel which overlooks the Corrib waters is a fitting monument to his unfailing zeal and anxiety for the provision of a more suitable place of worship than the schoolhouse, in which formerly the Sacrifice of the Mass was offered.

Father Ansbro was born in Crossboyne, County Mayo, in the year 1831. His early collegiate studies were at St. Jarlath's Tuam and subsequently at Maynooth. He was ordained by the late Archbishop MacHale, in October, 1858. His first labours as curate were in the parish of Killererin, where he remained for twelve months. He was then appointed to Kilmaine, and afterwards to Ross, where for seven years he ministered solely by himself. The parishes of Roundstone and Kiltulla had him as curate for the next nine years. In March, 1877, he was transferred to the important parish of Annaghdown, where the remaining thirty-three years of his life were spent. Over two years have now elapsed since the celebration of his golden jubilee as a priest was celebrated, to the joy of his faithful flock in Annaghdown. Latterly, there was a complete breakdown in his heretofore robust condition, and Dr. Golding, of Headford, his medical adviser, has been constant in his attention to him. He bore his illness with becoming fortitude and besides the religious consolations and ministrations of his beloved priests, he had the care of his nearest lay friends. Death came peacefully on Tuesday morning, after a holy and virtuous career of 79 years.
High Mass and Office for the repose of his soul were chanted on Wednesday morning at Annaghdown Church. His Grace Archbishop Healy presided. The celebrant of the High Mass was the Rev. T. Heaney, C.C., Annaghdown; deacon, Rev. Martin MacEvilly, C C., Headford; sub-deacon, Rev. Alexander Eaton, Profesor, St. Jarlath's College, Tuam. The Very Rev. Michael Canon HIgins, D.D., President, St. Jarlath's College, Tuam, officiated as master of ceremonies.
The following clergy were also present: -
The Very Rev. J. Canon Canton, P.P., Athenry; Very Rev. Canon Macken, Adm., Tuam; Rev. Redmond McHugh, P.P., Claregalway; Rev. James Curran, P.P., Abbey; Rev. Michael Heaney, P.P., Caherlistrane; Rev. J. Burke, P.P., Menlough; Rev. Willie McHugh, P.P., Cummer; Rev. Father Newell, P.P., Castlegar; Rev. Martin Healy, C.C., Kilmaine; Rev. Father D'Alton, C.C., Athenry; Rev. O. Hannon, C.C., Tuam; Rev. M. O'Donnell, C.C., Spiddal; Rev. J. Heaney, C.C., Caherlistrane; Rev. M. Hannon, C.C., Ballinrobe; Rev. P. Faulkiner, C.C., Belclare; Rev. T. O'Connor, Ballinasloe; Rev. J. Heaney, C.C., Headford; Rev. J. Heneghan, C.C., Annaghdown; Rev. C. Cunningham, Professor, St. Jarlath's Colege, Rev. Malachy Eaton, do.
Chief mourners - Miss Carroll (niece), Mr. J. Gill and Mrs. J. Gill, Ballyglass, and Mr. L. Gibbons and Mrs Gibbons (nephews and nieces).
The Freeman's Journal, 26 March 1910.