Father Paschal Moore marked both the 55th anniversary of his ordination and his recovery from illness when recently releasing a new CD, titled ‘Soulful Harmonica’.
Last week, KCLR News visited Fr Paschal at his parochial house in Piltown for a chat about faith, physical health, mental well-being, his life-long love of music and so much more.
Fr Paschal, who was appointed as Parish Priest of Templeorum and Piltown in 1994, is ‘part of the furniture’ in South Kilkenny.
“I spent my first 12 years as a curate in Ferrybank (1970-82), serving as chaplain in Belmont Psychiatric Hospital and teaching at Slieverue Tech,” said Fr Paschal.
“I spent the next 10 years in Rosbercon before moving to Owning in 1992. In 1994, I became Parish Priest of Templeorum (incorporating Piltown and Owning) and I’ve been here ever since. And what a privilege it has been to serve this community – and continues to be. Unlike some priests, I wasn’t moved around much, and I’m delighted that’s how things turned out for me. I’ve become part of this parish’s family and that has filled me with gratitude.”
A period of ill health from which he is currently recovering from persuaded Paschal to produce and record a CD with the co-operation of his friend and Parish Office colleague Noel O’Regan and acclaimed local musician Gay Brazel.
Joined by fellow local musicians Marion Ingoldsby, Éabha Maher and ‘Ernie B’, with backing vocals from the Brazel Sisters, Fr Paschal is justly proud of the end product, which features 10 tracks full of personal meaning.
“Gay Brazel played ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ on his Dobro guitar during a funeral I was officiating last year and it bowled me over. We were chatting afterwards when Gay suggested I should work on a CD. I genuinely didn’t know if I was going to be able for it but he encouraged me and persuaded me that I’d manage it – and he was right. We recorded it in Gay’s studio in Carrick-on-Suir, I played the harmonica on each track and the whole experience was great therapy for me; it really motivated me and helped me through my illness.
“We spent five terrific months putting it together and it was wonderful to be surrounded by friends while working on a project like this. Music has always been a huge part of my life. On the CD’s sleeve, I describe music as my faithful life-long companion, a source of endless joy, solace and inspiration. It has moved me physically, emotionally and spiritually and has provided me with a soothing balm that has refreshed and nourished my soul.”
Featuring well-known numbers including ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’, Dvorak’s ‘Going Home’, ‘Carrickfergus’ and ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’, the CD’s selection is not exclusively religious but is entirely soulful.
While working on the album, Fr Moore reflected on the Funeral Masses he had officiated where the deceased had died by suicide. That number is just shy of 30.
He also thought of those killed and injured on the N24 Fiddown/Piltown Bypass, a spate of tragedies which galvanised him and parishioners to campaign for an overhaul of the route which successfully led to a €10 million project.
Fr Paschal also recalled the late Paiche Unyolo Onyemachi, the 25-year-old mother of two, whose body was discovered just outside Piltown, on the road to Templeorum, in July 2004.
“Each of those losses left a mark on our community and on myself individually,” he said. “To be at the scene of so many tragedies leaves a deep imprint, something that’s not easy to reconcile with and live with. On more than one sad occasion, when I’ve returned home, I’ve often found consolation through my music and more than once, I’ve played for a few hours before turning in…
“The people of this wonderful parish, since I first arrived here, have nourished me spiritually and they too have brought so much meaning to my life. And I will be forever thankful to all of them.”
‘Soulful Harmonica’ by Fr Paschal Moore (€10) is available from the Piltown Parish Office (051-643112; 9:30am-1pm, Monday to Friday) and can also be ordered by emailing [email protected]
