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Missionaries from Kilmurry Parish
Fr Denis Coleman From "Newslink" Augustinian Mission May 1975 |
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There is an area of County Cork, tucked in there between Bandon and Macroom
that breeds a tough rebel. That pocket contains Crossbarry, Kilmichael and
Béal Na mBláth. It also contains Cloughduv where Denis Coleman
was born and reared. Denny is as tough as the race from which he springs. Like many a tough man he carries within him a great literary spirit, as seen in his occasional articles. This spirit was very much nourished by the late Mr. O'Hara at The Friary in Dungarvan during his secondary schooling. As the war raged in 1942 the young Corkman headed up the hill to Qrlagh. From there he moved to John's Lane and then on as one of the first students of the house in Raheny where he finished theology in 1949. He was ordained in that year and headed for Nigeria shortly afterwards. After a short stint in Jauro Yinu he moved on to Yakoko where he was learning from another great man - the late Tom Flynn. There in Yakoko Denny did his first building - the new Mission and School. They are monuments to the capabilities of the young missionary. They were also the start of a line of missionary endeavor for which he has become famous. Since then he has built up and down the Diocese of Maidugur, leaving many another missioner well set up. For a few years around the turn into the sixties, he was sidelined at home through sickness. But not for too long. He was soon back to his missionary and building work. The Trade School at Shuwa and the Training College at Bazza became further examples of his expertise. It is said of Denny that if you give him an outline of your project and half-an hour he will tell you what you will need, down to the last nail, where you will get them and what they will cost. In 1967 he became the bishop's representative and Coordinator of Projects for Misereor (German Catholic Relief Body). Through this he has become associated with many projects such as well-digging, pig-farms, Health Centres and clinics. On the home front he has been best known for the efficient campaigns he has organized in cleaning out a few dioceses on missionary appeals'. Wisha! Where would we be without you, Denny? |
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