1824 Death of Fr Raymond Hargadon, Parish Priest of Annaghdown

DIED

On the 16th instant, aged 70 years, the Reverend Raymond Hargadon, Parish Priest of Annadown. The bright assemblage of the many Christian virtues and estimable qualities which addressed the life and the apostles and integrity which invariably marked the character of this pious and exemplary Ecclesiastic, have rendered him the universal esteem and veneration. For 36 years that he resided in this parish, he was unremittingly devoted to the dearest interests of his flock, in performing with edifying fidelity and exactness the sacred functions and arduous duties of a good Pastor. His frugal habits as well as the singular kindness of the very respectable family in which he lived for many years, enabled him to be always attentive to the wants of his indigent parishioners. But his charity, his favourite and characteristic virtue, shone with increased lustre at the eve of his life. He has some years back established a school in the Parish Chapel, to the masters of which he bequeathed in-perpetuity the interest of 200l. for giving moral and religious instructions gratuitously to fifty of the most indigent and destitute children of the parish, and for giving chatechistical instructions to the youth in general on every Sunday both before and after Divine Service. When prevented by debility from visiting the abodes of distress during the last summer, he invited the poor and distributed in person among them upwards of 200l. In addition to these highly commendable instances of pure and disinterested charity, he bequeathed 40l. to the poor of his parish, 40l. to forward the interests of Catholic education, and 100l. to be applied to various charitable purposes. The inconsiderable residue of his effects he bequeathed to his poorer relatives.

The Connaught Journal, September 27, 1824