Fr Austin O’Neill, retired parish priest of St Aelred’s, York, died on Saturday 25 April after a long period of ill health. He was 73 and had been a priest for almost 48 years, 21 of which were at St Aelred’s.

Education was close to his heart. He represented the Diocese on the North Riding (later North Yorkshire) education committee for many years and was closely involved in establishing All Saints School in York. He was a founder member of York Catholic Housing (YCH) which provided affordable housing for young married couples. The establishment of the parish community centre at St Aelred’s, which received a significant Lottery Fund grant, was one of his many contributions to both the parish and the local community.

His funeral Mass took place at St Aelred’s at noon on Friday 8 May, and he was buried back home in Ireland.

Mgr Gerard Dasey, Vicar General, said ‘Austin was a dedicated pastor throughout his 48 years, and even after his retirement from St Aelred’s celebrated Mass daily for either the Poor Clare’s or the Carmelites’.