Fr. Cremen arrived in  our village of Ballingeary, Co. Cork, Ireland  as a young curate in June 1991, and remained with us until July 2000. His influence on us over those years is difficult to quantify.

This quiet  man went about his pastoral business with dedication and loyalty.

He was especially known for the interesting and thought-provoking homilies preached at masses. He always talked on practical issues, and with few words gave his message to all both young and old.

Our sick and old people will forever be indebted to him. He treated them with courtesy and kindness. He was always welcome on his First Friday visits, when he was understanding and respectful of both the sick and their carers.

Fr Cremen gave consolation to many of us in kind words said at funeral masses. When our old people died, he described them with witty remarks, giving exact descriptions of details of their lives for which they were best known. When young people passed on, he always spoke words of consolation, not only to relatives but to the whole congregation. Many thanks to you Father for those kind words.

In his quiet fashion, Fr Cremen gave good advice to those who discussed their problems with him. Those discussions were always kept strictly private.

Ba mhór an suim a bhí aige san leanaí a bhí ag fáil na Sacramaintí. Chaith sé a lán ama ag ullmhú páistí don Céad Comaoine agus don Comhneartú. Ba chúis sásaimh dó i mbliana gur bhaist sé furmhór na leanaí a fuair an Céad Comaoine.

Fr. Cremen joined parishioners for their weekly card game, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Here he kept in contact with the people of the parish.

We were most disappointed to learn that Fr. Cremen was leaving us, but always knew that he couldn’t stay forever. We wish him every happiness in his new parish, and we thank him for having enriched our lives so much.