Often in life, we only get the opportunity to speak well of someone we highly regard and respect, after they have physically gone from us.
It is therefore with a real sense of gratitude and deep appreciation I reflect on the wonderful contribution, that Monsignor John Byrne, continues to make to the people of Portlaoise, whom he is now parish priest for 25 years on the 1st of September.
John brings with him a rich sense of hope, good humour and deep compassion. As a colleague it cannot be overestimated how his investment and encouragement to his fellow priests is deeply appreciated.
25 years have moved very quickly and despite the very challenging times the Catholic Church has lived through, Portlaoise Parish has grown and prospered against the tides of a growing secular Ireland.
The beautiful restoration of St. Peter and Paul’s, The Heath and Ratheniska are indicative of Johns deep conviction, that the Good News is always worthy of the best possible celebration.
The Parish Centre, now in its Twentieth Year, is a wonderful connection to the wider community.
A warm place of welcome and inclusion that continues to make the Gospel message of faith, hope and love relevant in the life of our community.
Monsignor John Byrne’s 25 years as Parish Priest of Portlaoise stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to faith, community, and transformative leadership.
Arriving in Laois in 2000 from his native Carlow, Monsignor Byrne quickly became a cornerstone of the Portlaoise community, leaving an indelible mark through his vision, compassion, and tireless dedication.
One of his most significant achievements was spearheading the amalgamation of three local schools—St Paul’s, Scoil Mhuire, and Sacred Heart—into the Holy Family Senior and Junior Schools, officially opened in 2017.
Recognizing the potential of excellent educators working in outdated facilities, he championed the creation of a modern, state-of-the-art campus.
His determination, described by former principal Anne Buggy as a “force to be reckoned with,” navigated bureaucratic challenges and secured support from the Presentation Sisters to acquire the site.
The result is a unique educational facility that serves as a beacon for the parish’s children, a legacy celebrated in 2024 with the unveiling of the ‘Monsignor John Byrne Plaza’ in his honour during his Jubilee year.
This tribute, marked by song, dance, and a tree-planting ceremony, reflected the deep gratitude of a community touched by his vision.
Beyond infrastructure, Monsignor Byrne’s pastoral care has been profound. As Vicar General of the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese, appointed in 2014, he has supported Bishop Denis Nulty in diocesan administration while remaining a frontline priest.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued to serve despite two of his five priests cocooning, adapting to restrictions by broadcasting Masses to 300,000 viewers worldwide via Shalom World TV and parish radio.
His empathy shone through in his reflections on the challenges of limited funerals, expressing heartfelt support for grieving families.
Monsignor Byrne’s social conscience has been equally impactful.
He has been a vocal advocate for asylum seekers, decrying the Direct Provision system as “desperately unjust” and defying requests to stay away from a local centre in 2014 to support its residents.
In recent times John has been a great friend to the Ukrainian people who have come to Portlaoise as a result of the Russian invasion and brutal war.
John has also been a vociferous voice defending the Palestinian people and the brutal ongoing genocide in Gaza.
His leadership fostered a vibrant parish, managing a Catholic population of about 25,000, 3 churches, and multiple schools.
The parish saw a boom in baptisms, rising from 180-190 annually two decades ago to 365, reflecting Portlaoise’s growth and his ability to connect with families.
He also nurtured community spirit, with volunteers stepping up during the pandemic to support vulnerable parishioners, a response he praised as a testament to Portlaoise’s solidarity.
Monsignor Byrne’s personal touch—whether through his humour, comparing such honours to a “preview of your funeral,” or his involvement in local culture, like his part in the Slaneyville Syndicate’s Cheltenham-winning horse Lecky Watson in 2025—has endeared him to many.
His recognition as a former Leinster Express Person of the Year and his extensive Shalom TV interview on his vocation underscore his broader influence.
Reflecting on his tenure, Monsignor Byrne’s humility shines through. He credits the principals, staff, and community for the successes, downplaying his role in the school project as “a small part.”
Yet, as Bishop Nulty and countless parishioners attest, his dynamic leadership, rooted in faith and service, has transformed Portlaoise for generations.
His 25 years are a legacy of love, action, and hope, planting seeds that will flourish long into the future.
The life of a diocesan priest is deeply fulfilling and challenging. There is a huge need for more younger clergy in our diocese.
I have no doubt that people like Monsignor John in his service, integrity and compassion, inspire many even to think is God calling me to ministry in the church?
The heart of the gospel message is one of kindness and compassion.
Jesus in a deliberate fashion embraces the wounds and vulnerability of those whom he calls friends.
Before the Last Supper, Jesus washing his disciple’s feet, gave birth, to a radical life of service, reaching out with love and affection to the needs of others. This is the essential ingredient in the life of a diocesan priest.
I pray in gratitude for 25 wonderful years of faithful service witnessed with joy and enthusiasm by Monsignor Byrne.
May he enjoy many years of good and continued faithful service to the community he truly loves Portlaoise Parish.
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