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On Saturday 20th January 2007, after a short illness, Canon John Treanor passed away at his home in Warrenpoint.
We all have our own memories of ‘The Canon’, but the universal memory is of his endearing smile. Always welcoming and reassuring, Canon Treanor was part of our lives in Tullylish for over 20 years. The esteem in which he was held was evident by the large congregation at both his removal to St. Mary’s Chapel and funeral Mass. In his homily, Bishop McAreavey reflected on the Canon’s life from his school days in Burren, and St. Colman’s College, his years in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Fribourg University (Switzerland) and SMA College Dromantine before he returned to St. Colman’s College as teacher and finally President. Canon Treanor became Parish Priest in Magheralin in 1972 before coming to Tullylish in 1977.
At the beginning of Mass, symbols reflecting Canon John’s spiritual life and cultural interest were brought to the sanctuary, led by James McCartan who carried the Down football jersey.
It brought back memories of his Golden Jubilee in 1991 when, as part of the Celebration Concert, a surprise ‘This is Your Life’ took place in the G.C.C. Hall Gilford. Several footballers from across Ulster came to pay tribute that night and they were all present again, at the funeral, to say farewell.
The hymns selected for the Mass were very fitting and, again, brought memories of his last Mass in Clare before his retirement. The Canon chose the hymns for that Mass and it was lovely to see two of those hymns were chosen for his funeral – “Be Thou My Vision” and, his favourite hymn, “Sweet Heart of Jesus’.
The boys from St. Colman’s College Choir led the singing, in Irish, English and Latin. After Communion, the boys sang ‘Lacrimosa’ (Requiem K626 by Mozart) and ‘In Paradisum’. I am sure the Canon was listening to their angelic voices with pride.
We offer our sincere sympathy to Canon Treanor’s brother Thomas, his nephews and nieces and entire family circle
We give you thanks for the blessings which you bestowed upon Canon John is this life; they are signs to us of your goodness and of the fellowship with the saints in Christ (from the Prayers of Commendation)
A Dhia déan trócaire ar a anam
May God have mercy on his soul.
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