Canon Larkin is dead, and the people of Upper Mourne have
lost the man who has been their spiritual leader for almost
thirteen years.
In spite of the fact that he had suffered from ill-health
for some time, his death came as a shock both to his family
and to his parishioners and the heartfelt sorrow at his
passing was very evident over the days of his obsequies.
He is survived by his sister Anne Farquhar; his brother, Fr.
Thomas Larkin; his nephew. Bishop Anthony Farquhar and his
niece Anne Farquhar, to all of whom the sympathy of the
parish is extended.
The youngest of a family of eight, Canon Larkin was born
July 22, 1917 in Granard, Co. Longford. Later, the family
moved to Belturbet, Co. Cavan and from there, when he was
eleven years old, to Belfast. There he attended the
Christian Brothers School, Barrack Street and entered the
Clerical Wing of St. Malachy’s College, from where he
attended Queen’s University, Belfast, before going on to
Maynooth where he was ordained in 1941.
Shortly after Ordination he served in the Whitehead part of
the parish of Carrickfergus. He was then appointed to the
staff of St. Malachy’s College, Belfast and for part of his
time there he was responsible, as Dean, for the spiritual
formation of many priests of the diocese of Down and
Connor.
He was appointed President of the College in 1960 and during
his 10 year term the college buildings were extended and the
number of pupils increased by 50 percent. In 1970 he was
asked to go to Crossgar as Parish Priest. He served there
for five years.
BUSY PARISH
Canon Larkin came to Kilkeel in November 1975 and quietly
and efficiently took up the reins of administration in both
the spiritual and secular work of a busy and extensive
Parish. He brought to the onerous position many attributes
which were to stand him in good stead over the years of his
service to the people of Mourne.
He was a gifted preacher, a master of clear and concise
language, his sermons full of sound and loving advice on the
leading of a truly Christian life. He challenged people to
live up to the precepts of the Catholic Faith they
professed, and he asked of himself the highest standard in
all his undertakings.
Those who came close to him in parochial work realized that
they must make a sustained and sincere effort if they were
to live up to his expectations for them. Even when his
health deteriorated he never shirked his share of work and
to the end was meticulous in the carrying out of his
priestly duties. Many people were aware of the effort this
entailed and were grateful for the example of commitment to
the work of the Lord.
His thoughtfulness towards others continued unabated. It was
always quietly and privately that he made known his interest
in and prayer for people, both in times of sadness and times
of joy, his kindly thought known only to the people
concerned. He was a very private person, but behind a quiet
and reserved exterior was a generous warmth.
ATTRIBUTE
His greatest attribute as parish Priest was as Confessor. It
will be for his work in the Confessional that Canon Larkin
will be most loved and remembered by his people. Here, in
the closest relationship between the priest and penitent,
the Canon truly brought the loving warmth and mercy of
Christ to every soul. Any worried sinner going to confession
to Cannon Larkin would come out with a heart
singing.
His parishioners were very concerned when they realized that
he was suffering from emphysema and many rallied around to
help in any way possible. He was grateful for this and
increasingly more appreciative of even small things done for
him.
But his parishioners, in turn, had been appreciative of all
that he had done for them over the years. They knew he was a
man of prayer who led both by word and example and they also
knew that he was a practical and resourceful man who saw
that everything necessary for the welfare of the parish was
done and done well.
For example, he had a wide knowledge of all aspects of
education, both academic and practical, which gave him great
expertise as chairman of Boards of Governors of various
local schools. One of the first things he initiated was the
extension of both St. Columban’s and St. Colman’s schools
for the growing numbers of children then attending them.
In 1979 he undertook the renovation of Holy Cross Church in
Attical, followed later by extensive work in Our Lady of
Lourdes Church in Grange.
By 1983 work had started on St. Colman’s Church, Massforth.
In all these Churches, the Canon’s ideas proved not just
sound and practical, but such that the work resulted in
warm, buildings which are conducive to prayer.
The changes made in the Confessionals were in keeping with
those available to people in the Rite of Reconciliation. Our
Lady of the Angels Oratory also came under his scrutiny and
was repainted, carpeted and new lighting and heating
installed, making it more welcoming than ever.
ENCOURAGEMENT
The many parochial groups knew that they had the support and
encouragement of Canon Larkin in all their enterprises. He
was missionary minded and was a generous supporter of the
two branches of Apostolic Work in the Parish, meetings of
the Kilkeel branch being held in his house.
His interest in the Youth Club, the Guides and Scouts, the
Attical Band and the Football Club was well known. Members
of all these organizations, together with the children from
all the schools, wished to be represented at his funeral and
formed a Guard of Honor for his final homecoming to
Massforth, and the men of the St. Vincent de Paul Society
helped the priests of the Diocese to carry his coffin into
the Church.
He was also specially interested in and appreciative of the
three choirs in the Parish and particularly grateful to the
organist in St. Colman’s for her long service to the Church.
He inaugurated both Ministers of the Word and Ministers of
the Eucharist in the Parish, lay men and women who were
happy to take a special part in the liturgy of the Church.
The induction of the latter, conducted by the Canon’s
nephew, Bishop Anthony, was a very special ceremony, made
more memorable by a general break down of electricity in the
area, resulting in an intimate and beautiful service in a
gentle glow of candle light.
Canon Larkin had a great rapport with both children and old
people. His love and affection for children was evident in
his visits to the schools and special Masses he held for
some time in the Oratory for the children of St. Colman’s
School.
He was equally concerned with the spiritual welfare of
residents of Slieve Roe House for whom the Mass he
celebrated with them each month was a highlight in their
lives. Even when his physical condition was difficult for
him, he continued to attend them.
They, like all the members of the Parish of Upper Mourne,
were impressed and strengthened by his holiness, knowing him
to be a man of constant and deep prayer.
May God give eternal rest to his soul.
The funeral rights of Canon Larkin began Thursday April
7th with the return of his remains from Newry to Saint
Colman’s Church at 6 pm. A Mass was celebrated after which
the coffin was opened and the wake was held. It lasted
through Thursday and throughout Friday until Saturday.
Members of the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Saint Vincent de
Paul Society kept vigil at the coffin and all though that
time parishioners filed past his coffin. Many stayed
for.hours in the chapel in silent prayer. After a Requiem
Mass he was laid to rest Saturday, April 9th. Following is
an account of the funeral that appeared in The Mourne
Observer a copy of which was provided by Michael Shiels.
FUNERAL SERVICE
|
At the Funeral Mass Bishop Daly delivered the
homily, paying tribute particularly to Canon
Larkin’s
holiness and sincerity. He also mentioned over
many years together they had formed a very deep
friendship. Internment took place in the
cemetery adjoining Massforth Church. |
|
Published in The Mourne Observe April 1988 |
| |
|
Walter
was the son Anne Casey and Peter Larkin of
Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland; grandson of
Michael Casey
Sr. and
Margaret Tinneny
of Belturbet, great grandson of
Francis Tinneny and Ann Elliott
of Belturbet. |
