Bernard Casserly OP

Fr Bernard Casserly died in a nursing home near The Curragh on Sunday. He was assigned to the Dominican community at Newbridge.

He was born in Boyle, Co Roscommon in 1917.

He spent many years teaching at Newbridge College. His favourite subject was Latin. Those whom he taught speak of how methodical and diligent he was as a teacher.

I taught German to a nephew of his at the school and like his uncle he had a great flair for languages and was a good student of German.

Fr Bernard was a small man and had a slight disability, which he seemed to bear with great grace and fortitude.

Back in 1980 when I was teaching in the school, Fr Bernard came on a visit to Newbridge. At the time I did not know the man and asked him had he ever taught in the school. He smiled and left it at that. The late Fr Henry Flanagan was present when I asked the question and he too gave that knowing smile of his! Fr Bernard had spent many years teaching there at that stage. He had indeed been part of the place.

In his old age he was assigned back to Newbridge where I got to know him and became quasi friendly with him. He was always gentle and kind. He was a most charitable man.

In recent years while at the nursing home, Fr Jordan O'Brien attended to him - something he greatly appreciated.

May he rest in peace.

MC.