Father Dan O’Neill, a much-loved priest who served parishes throughout the diocese for more than half a century, has passed away at the age of 81 after a recent illness.
Father Dan was born on January 29 1943 in Ayle, Cappawhite, County Tipperary, Ireland. He attended St Patrick’s Seminary in Thurles, Ireland, and was ordained to the priesthood at Thurles Cathedral on June 10 1967.
He then came to the Diocese of Middlesbrough and served as curate at St Joseph’s, Middlesbrough. In 1968 he was curate to St Patrick’s in Thornaby and in 1971, he moved to St Bede’s, Hull, and in 1972 he moved to St Patrick’s Church, Middlesbrough, before becoming parish priest at St Alban’s, Redcar, in 1981.
In 1994 he was appointed parish priest in the Holy Name of Mary, Middlesbrough, and in 2004 he moved to St Joseph’s and St Francis Xavier, Richmond.
Father Dan retired in 2019 to Ardglass, County Down, Northern Ireland, where he helped with supply work in local parishes. He had been unwell recently and earlier this year he fell and broke his hip. He died in the Ulster Hospital, Belfast, on Monday August 12.

Father Dan was received into Our Lady of Fatima Church, Cappawhite, on Thursday August 15 at 7pm and his Requiem Mass was celebrated by his cousins, Father Tom and Father Pat O’Neill, on Friday August 16 at 11.30am, with burial afterwards in Cappawhite Cemetery.
He is predeceased by his brothers Sean and Paul, sisters Nodie, Lily and Mary and he will be sadly missed by his loving brothers Morgan and Paddy, family, priests and parishioners.
Bishop Terry was away from the diocese but there will be a special Mass of Remembrance for Father Dan when he and Father Tom and Father Pat return.
In a message that was read out at Father Dan’s funeral, Bishop Terry said: “On behalf of the diocese, I would like to express to all Dan’s family and friends, grateful thanks for his ministry among us and to that I add my own personal thanks.
“My experience of him in his parish and among his people was of a caring, kind pastor who knew his people well and looked after them with a shepherd’s heart. He was full of life, full of fun. You knew Dan was around long before you saw him. His ringing voice always proceeded him, normally with a with a mischievous comment or question.
“Thanks to all his family and friends for the support you have given to him over the years, especially in his time of retirement. I am grateful for the presence of Father Tom and Father Pat O’Neill who by God’s providence were on holiday at the time of Father Dan’s death. As well as being part of Dan’s family they also represent me, the bishop, and the Diocese of Middlesbrough.
“May the Good Lord, grant him the reward of his labours and welcome him into his eternal home with Our Lady, all the saints and his relatives and friends who have gone before him.
“Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”