1861 - Death of Fr John Loftus, Parish Priest of Donaghpatrick & Kilcoona

Fr John Loftus was brother of Fr Thomas Loftus, Parish Priest of Annaghdown (d. 1839) and Rev. Dr Martin Loftus, D.D., Parish Priest of Dunmore and Chancellor of the Archdiocese (d. 1847).

Obituary from the Tuam Herald:

Death of the Rev. John Loftus, P.P.

It is with no ordinary feelings of sorrow that we chronicle to-day the unexpected demise, after a brief sickness, of the Rev. John Loftus, P.P., Donaghpatrick, which sad event took place at his residence on yesterday evening. We are quite confident that by none who had the pleasure of the friendship or acquaintance of Father Loftus, will we be though to indulge in the smallest exaggeration of the virtues of that good Priest, when we say that throughout the Church of God, it would be impossible to find a Clergyman blessed with a more kindly, amiable and compassionate disposition that that, for which, during a long and honoured ministry, Father Loftus was so eminently distinguished. In our lengthened and varied experience never did we meet a Priest, who, whilst advocating the interests of the Church and poor, with an unflinching devotion, and discharging the duties of his sacred calling with an Apostolic zeal, succeeded, too with a admirable and exemplary felicity, in fulfilling the grand injunction of St. Paul; "giving offence to no one," and by the winning and rare urbanity of his demeanour, moreover exacting "a good testimony of them who are without." Steadfastly, indeed, did Father John Loftus, continue, by word alike and work, in those things of Salvation which had been committed to his prudent ministry and holy keeping; ever pursuing justice, godliness, faith, cahrity, patience, mildness"; and, so this day, happily consoling his afflicted relatives, parishioners, and friends, in the midst of their deep bereavement, with the cheering assurance, that this lamented servant of Christ, has already, "laid hold on eternal life."

Tuam Herald, March 9, 1861

Mrs Eleanor O'Rourke, their sister, died in 1866.

DEATH OF MRS. O'ROURKE

The melancholy event of the death of Mrs Eleanor O'Rourke, took place in Kilmaine on Tuesday night last, at the residence of her son, the much respected pastor of that parish. 

This amiable old lady, who had attained the age of 77, was much respected, not alone in the parish of Kilmaine, but in each other district in which she had for some years back sojourned with the Rev Mr O'Rourke prior to his translation to the parish of Kilmaine. The deceased was no less remarkable for her true piety and attachment to the Catholic religion than were the other members of her family, some of whom in their turn held honourable and distinguished positions in that Church, including her three brothers, the Very Rev Doctor Loftus, the well known, talented and zealous Parish Priest of Dunmore, for many years prior to his death; the Rev. John Loftus, late P.P., Donapatrick, and Rev Thomas Loftus, late P.P., Annadown. 

On Thursday several of the clergymen of the district attended at the house of mourning, where High Mass was offered up for the eternal repose of her soul. The Rev Messrs Heaney, C.C., Cong; Lavelle, P.P., Partry; Brenan, C.C., Ballinrobe; and King, P.P., Hollymount, as celebrant, deacon, sub-deacon, and master of ceremonies. The Rev Messrs Hardiman, P.P., Ballinrobe; Reynolds, P.P., Claremorris; Mullarkey, C.C., Partry; Ronayne, C.C., Headford; McDonagh, C.C., Hollymount, were among those in attendance.

About nine o'clock on yesterday her remains were removed for interment to the parish of Dunmore, to which place the parishioners of Kilmaine followed in large numbers, as did also the Rev Messrs Reynolds, Ronayne, McDonagh and Brenan.

Ballinrobe Chronicle, December 29, 1866