Fr Michael Dempsey

Early Life
Michael Dempsey was born on May 19, 1908 at Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny in Ireland. His early education was at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny and his theological studies were undertaken at ecclesiastical training section of the same College. On June 10, 1934 he was ordained priest in the St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny.

Like a number of priests from Kilkenny, Fr Dempsey volunteered to come to Australia, leaving soon after his ordination and arriving in Adelaide on November 14, 1934.

Appointments

Immediately after arrival he was appointed Assistant Priest at Murray Bridge where he remained for three and a half years. In April 1938 he was appointed Assistant Priest at Thebarton for a term of six years. On June 7, 1944 he was appointed Priest in Charge at Karoonda and two years later he took up a similar role at Tailem Bend.

Life in the South East

After eight years at Tailem Bend he was moved to Naracoorte as Parish Priest. He left a lasting impression on this parish. He was noted for his great hospitality, especially to fellow priests. But he also had a real soft spot for the so-called ‘no hopers’ who regularly called for a meal and shelter. Fr Mick, as he was known, had a special room at the back of, but detached from the presbytery which was called the ‘Aula Serena’ and often used to provide accommodation for those passing through. One ‘regular caller’ was a shearers’ cook and when not employed often came to Fr Mick who sometimes made use of him as his ‘private chef’ when entertaining fellow priests of the South East.

Fr Michael was noted for his good relations with other Ministers of Religion in the area and they often travelled together to give religious instruction in the various State Schools in the region.

Fr Michael took extended leave to Ireland in May 1962.

Sudden death

Fr Michael always gave the impression of a very robust man with a strong constitution, and everyone was surprised when he was afflicted with a strange infection in his throat that made him unable to breathe. He died quite suddenly on June 14, 1963.
His Requiem Mass was celebrated in the local parish church of St Thomas Aquinas at Naracoorte and he was buried in the local cemetery.

May he rest in peace.