2 days ago
Beloved Wicklow parish priest remembered with gathering to unveil memorial
There was a massive attendance for the unveiling of the tribute which was carried out by Christy McEvoy & Sons stone masons of Ballyknockan. The bench was commissioned by Cllr Gerry O'Neill and Cllr Patsy Glennon, who were both present for the launch.
The Very Reverend Kevin Lyon, Archdeacon of Glendalough died on New Year's Eve in 2022. Born in Clontarf, Dublin in 1932, he was ordained in 1957 and was appointed to Blessington in 1994, where he remained parish priest until 2005, before moving to Crosschapel.
During his time in the priesthood he also had assignments in Rathnew, Avoca, Donard and Dunlavin before arriving in Blessington.
Cllr O'Neill said: 'Fr Kevin was a great man and we felt it was only fitting to honour his memory considering all the great work he carried out for the local community.
"He loved Wicklow and made his mark in every parish he served in. Most importantly of all he was a lovely human being. He was a family friend of almost 50 years and actually married myself and my wife Cathy in Donard in 1997.
'He was hugely respected by all in the community, which was clear to see by the large numbers who turned out for the unveiling of his memorial bench.'
Members of Fr Lyon's family were also present at the service, with Fr Gerry Keane officially unveiling the bench, which is located on the Peter Finnegan Green, beside the 1916 monument.
Cllr O'Neill, who spoke at the unveiling, added: 'Fr Kevin always had a deep love of history, and it was only fitting that the memorial bench is located beside the 1916 monument, as I was present back in 2016 when Fr Lyon blessed the monument when it was put in place.
"He was a real scholar and I recall so many different conversations we had, including the tragedy in Glen of Imaal back in 1977 when five Irish soldiers were killed in a training accident.
"He only had holy oils in his pocket when a soldier came to the door of his house, and he described the scenes as resembling a battlefield, with five dead and a lot wounded.
'Fr Tim Murphy worked alongside Fr Lyon for a long time in Blessington and he was very disappointed that he couldn't attend the unveiling but he was delighted the event went so well and had such a wonderful attendance.'
Blessington Men's Shed served refreshments at their premises following the unveiling.
