Galway Bay fm newsroom - The Galway public is today remembering Bishop Eamonn Casey, who's died at the age of 89.
Bishop Casey passed away yesterday at Carrigoran Nursing Home, Co Clare following a long illness.
Arrangements have today been announced for the funeral of the former Bishop of Galway
His removal to Galway Cathedral will take place at 7pm tomorrow and his funeral mass will take place at 2pm on Thursday, followed by interment in the Cathedral crypt.
Bishop Casey's son Peter, his brother Fr Micheál and sister Ita Furlong have issued a detailed statement on behalf of the family.
The statement highlights in particular the Bishop's work for the marginalised.
Eamonn Casey was ordained a Catholic priest in 1951- he was appointed Bishop of Kerry 18 years later, and Bishop of Galway in 1976.
He was seen as a progressive and highly influential member of the church, until his resignation in 1992, after reports surfaced of his relationship with American divorcée Annie Murphy – with whom he had his son, Peter.
It was a pivotal moment for the church in Ireland, which until then held considerable influence over society and politics.
Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland has said Bishop Casey's leadership of overseas development agency Trocaire pioneered a significant outreach from Ireland to some of the developing world's most vulnerable people.
Galway's diocesan Administrator says Bishop Eamonn Casey had a profound impact on many lives.
Canon Michael McLoughlin has commended the former Bishop of Galway for his 'tenacious spirit' and 'undaunted passion.'
It's understood Bishop Casey's family will be in Galway for the funeral.
