Tramore priest returns to duty after serious road accident

A newly ordained Tramore based priest who was very seriously injured in a road traffic accident in Clonmel in south Tipperary last year received a hero’s welcome when he said mass in his local church last weekend. 

Returning to active ministry for the first time since he was seriously injured when struck by a car while walking in Clonmel earlier this year, local curate Fr. Michael Toomey evoked a spontaneous ovation when he greeted the congregation at the Holycross Church for the 12:30pm mass when he claimed, “I’m back!” 

Since coming to Tramore following his ordination last year, Fr. Toomey has proved a popular figure with young and old alike and he thanked parishioners for their messages of goodwill following the horrific accident in which he sustained fractures to both shoulders. 

Still recuperating following surgery, Fr. Toomey revealed he had several metal plates and screws inserted while in hospital, provoking laughter when he claimed, “Tramore now has a second Metalman’’ referring to the famous tourist monument which towers above the popular seaside town. 

by Sean Ryan