The late Fr Stephen Kearney
Fr Stephen Kearney, who served as curate in the parish of Faughanvale and Lower Cumber, gave spiritual strength and comfort to the families of those murdered alongside the late Fr Jack Gallagher, who was parish priest at the time.
UFF gunmen entered the Rising Sun bar in the Co Derry village and shot dead seven people on October 30, 1993.
Another man died later from his injuries after the bar was raked with automatic gunfire.
One of the gunmen shouted “trick or treat” before he opened fire.
The atrocity deeply affected Fr Kearney who, on the 20th anniversary of the massacre, recalled his painful memories of seeing the scared and grey faces of the villagers arriving at Stella Maris church for Sunday Mass the morning after the shooting.
Fr Kearney, who was 76, remained in contact with people from the village long after he was transferred to other parishes.
The present parish priest, Fr Noel McDermott, said Fr Kearney’s death will be deeply felt by the whole community.
He said: “The people of Faughanvale and Lower Cumber express sincere condolence to the Kearney family on the death of Fr Stephen.
“He was curate at the time of the Greysteel shooting tragedy and was a tower of strength to so many families and individuals during that time and since.
“Fr Stephen kept in touch with the parish over the years and was generous with his time, especially at significant anniversaries of the Greysteel tragedy.
The memorial to the victims of the Greysteel massacre
Fr Kearney’s remains will repose in St Mary’s Church, Knockmoyle, today from 10 am to 6 pm.
The church will remain open to the public for private prayer.
Requiem Mass for Fr Kearney will be celebrated tomorrow at 1pm in St Mary’s Church, Killyclogher.
The service will be available via the parish webcam for those unable to attend because of Coronavirus restrictions.
Parish priest of Cappagh, Fr Kevin McElhennon, also paid tribute to Fr Kearney.
He described him as a priest who was “incredibly bright and holy in the true sense of the word.”
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