The Order of the Knights of Saint Columbanus

13/07/2026

Dear Brothers,

It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that our esteemed Brother, Paul Cullen, has passed away. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.

Paul has been the Treasurer of CK 31 for many years, and currently holds the position of Treasurer CK31 and Treasurer of Provincial Council Area 10. He will be sorely missed.

Predeceased by his parents Malachi and Eileen and his brother Malachi.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Rosemary, his son Dominic (Rita), daughter Annmaree (Dearán), grandchildren Eva, Cian, Grace and Liam, his brothers Robert, Kevin and Michael, his sister Maree, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

May he rest in peace.

Reposing at his home on Monday (13/07/2026) from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Tuesday (14/07/2026) from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. House private at other times please.

Removal on Wednesday (15/07/2026) at 10.30 a.m., arriving at St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan for Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial afterwards in St. Joseph’s Calvary Cemetery, Latlurcan.

Family flowers only please.

Donations in lieu, if desired, to Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care.

Funeral Mass available via live we**am at:
st-macartans-cathedral-monaghan - MCN

13/05/2026

It is with deep sorrow that the members of the Order of the Knights of St. Columbanus, Council 10, Newry, announce the death of our esteemed Brother, Michael Warde, who passed away on 13th May 2026 following a short illness.
Born on 20th March 1937, Michael devoted his life to his faith, his family, and his community. He was a loving and devoted husband to Sheila and a proud father of four children, whose lives were enriched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Michael joined the Order of the Knights of St. Columbanus on 7th May 1967 and remained a loyal and committed member for almost sixty years. Throughout those decades, he gave extraordinary service to Council 10, Newry, and to the wider Order, becoming one of its most respected and dedicated members.
His leadership within Council 10 was evident through his service as Grand Knight on three occasions: from 1973 to 1975, from 1985 to 1988, and again from 1995 to 1996. Michael also served the wider Province with distinction as Provincial Area 3 Secretary from 2002 to 2005.
Perhaps his greatest contribution was his long and faithful service as Council Secretary, a role he fulfilled with dedication, diligence, and great care from 2002 until 2022. Even in recent years, until illness prevented him from continuing, Michael remained actively involved as Secretary of Council 10, continuing to serve the Order he loved so dearly.
In recognition of his exceptional commitment and lifelong service, Michael was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2003. In 2017, he was proudly presented with his 50-Year Medal, marking half a century of faithful dedication to the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
Michael will be remembered as a man of deep faith, integrity, humility, and quiet generosity. He was a trusted friend, wise advisor, and a constant source of encouragement to his Brother Knights and to all who knew him. His contribution to the life of Council 10 and the wider Order was immense, and his loss will be deeply felt throughout the Columban family.
The members of Council 10 and Area 3 extend their heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Sheila, their children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends at this difficult time. We give thanks for Michael’s life of service and friendship and pray that Christ, whom he served so faithfully, will now grant him eternal rest and peace.
Michaels funeral will be on Saturday 16th May in Newry Cathedral at 1.00pm. His remains will be resting in Digney's Funeral Home on Thursday and Friday. (times to be confirmed)
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

01/05/2026

Obituary: Bernard (Barney) Burns 7th June 1947-30th April 2026

The Order of the Knights of St Columbanus deeply regret to announce the sudden passing of Bernard “Barney” Burns KSC HLM, a devoted Brother Knight in Council 41 (Belfast), faithful Catholic, and cherished member of his community, who died earlier today, Thursday 30th April 2026.

Barney was a man of quiet strength, deep conviction, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. As a member of the Knights of St Columbanus, he gave generously of his time and energy, always willing to support the work of the Order and to serve those in need. He held the esteemed role of Supreme Knight of the Order from 2011 to 2014. His presence at meetings, liturgies, and charitable activities was marked by warmth, humility, and a genuine concern for others.
Beyond his role within the Order, Barney will be remembered as a loving family man and loyal friend. He was married to Philomena and had five children He carried his faith into every aspect of his life, offering a steady example of kindness, integrity, and compassion. Those who knew him will recall his good nature, his willingness to lend a hand, and the quiet way in which he made a difference in the lives of many.

His sudden passing has come as a profound shock to all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of service and faith that will not be forgotten.

The Knights of St Columbanus extend their deepest sympathies to Barney’s wife Bridget Philomena, his sons Kevin, Peter, Paul, Brendan and his daughter Claire. Grandfather to Líadan, Caoilinn, Clodagh, Ciarán, Órlagh, Meabh and Grace, and all who mourn his loss. He will be remembered in our prayers and in the continued work of the Order to which he gave so much.

Bernard will be reposing at his home 49 Downview Park West from Monday. Bernard will then leave on Wednesday at 12.30pm to arrive at St Gerards Church for 1.00pm Requiem Mass followed by burial in Milltown Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

21/04/2026

On this coming Sunday 26th April at 3pm. Mass will be celebrated in Bishop's Wood, Cork Road, Durrow, Co. Laois, to commemorate a Bishop who while celebrating Mass in a Mass Pit in Dereen was seized on by his persecutors, dragged into the wood, tied to a tree and left there until he died. This happened in 1579. The Durrow Pipe Band will lead the procession from the entrance of the wood to the area where the Bishop's Tree once stood. The monument was erected by Billy Kavanagh from Durrow in 1976. All welcome on the day whether religious or not. This is a unique opportunity to experience this one-off Mass service by Father Delaney in the woods at Bishop's Wood for those who would like to attend. Organised by the Knights of CK129.

24/03/2026

It is with deep regret that I wish to inform you of the death of our esteemed colleague Brother Brendan Power, Secretary of Council 70, Area 5, Bandon, who died today March 23rd 2026 R.I.P.

Reposing in Bolsters Funeral Home, Bandon, on Tuesday evening from 6 pm to 7 pm with prayers at 7 pm. Requiem mass on Wednesday at 12 noon in St Patrick's Church, Bandon, which will be live streamed on www.bandonparish.ie, burial after in the adjoining cemetery .

23/02/2026

Brother Patrick Joseph McAvoy CK130 Ballymena

Brother Patrick Joseph McAvoy (P.J.) passed away peacefully on 19th February 2026, at Slemish Nursing Home, formerly of Tardree Grove, Ballymena.

Beloved son of the late Thomas and Annie R.I.P., loving brother of Colette, Martin, Tony, Marie and the late Teresa and Anne, brother-in-law of Jim (Craig), Don (Phillips), Liz and the late Brian (Anderson) and a loving uncle.

His remains will be removed from Henry’s Funeral Parlour 100 Broughshane Street, Ballymena BT43 6EE on Monday 23rd February at 9.30am to All Saints Church for 10am Requiem Mass. Interment afterwards in Ballymena Cemetery.

Family and friends are welcome at Henry’s Funeral Parlour (address above) to pay their respects on Saturday 21st February from 4pm to 6pm and Sunday 22nd February 11am to 1pm.
Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, may be made online (jameshenryfunerals.co.uk) or sent to James Henry Funeral Services (address above) for St Vincent de Paul.

Always loved and remembered by his family and family circle.
“St Anthony pray for him”

23/02/2026

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION UPDATE

At this stage forthcoming dates and times for the Public Speaking Competition are as follows:

Thursday 26th February in Killina Presentation Secondary School, Rahan Co Offaly at 1.30pm.

Monday 2nd March in Dunmore Community School, Galway at 2.00pm.

Thursday 5th March in Heywood Community School, Ballinakill Laois at 2.00pm.

Please support these young speakers by attending the events in your area.

05/02/2026

I am sorry to inform you of the recent death of Brother John P. (Don) CK75 Clerkin.

Funeral will take place at 11.30, Holy Spirit church, Limekiln Rd, Dublin 12, on Saturday 7th February 2026.

Our condolences to his family and friends.
May he rest in peace

29/01/2026

28/01/2026

Dear Brothers,

Brother Patrick O'Sullivan, Supreme Advocate has asked me to contact all members of the Order and request prayers for the recovery of his Grandson - Alex Cashman.
Alex was transferred to Crumlin Children's Hospital last night from Sligo. He has an illness affecting his brain.
I would be grateful if you could circulate our request for prayers for Alex to members of your Councils.