Kogarah, etc, NSW

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Rev. Father Coffey Farewelled. By Catholics of Glen Innes. Tribute From Young And Old, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 6 March 1930, p 14,http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121654186:

There was a large and representative gathering of the Catholics of Glen Innes at St. Joseph's School Hall after devotions on a recent Sunday night to bid farewell to Rev. Father M. Coffey. Father Coffey, who has been in Glen Innes for two years, has been transferred to Balmain parish.

After reading a list of apologies Right Rev. Monsignor Tobin explained the object of the gathering. He thought it was a very sad occasion for all concerned. There was not a Catholic who was not sorry that Father Coffey was leaving Glen Innes, and the guest of the evening very much regretted that fact also. Father Coffey had been lent to the Armidale diocese by the Archdiocese two years ago and though successful representation had been made once previously when he had been recalled this time Father Coffey had to leave, despite Bishop O'Connor's remonstration. It seemed that the Archdiocese could not get along without him and now he had been appointed to assist Monsignor Hayden at the parish of Balmain.

Since the announcement of Father Coffey's projected departure, said Monsignor Tobin, regret had been expressed on all sides, the young and the old; there was not a single person who would not miss him. Personally, he very much regretted the fact that Father Coffey was leaving. The curate, during his stay in Glen Innes, had been everything to him. He was the finest priest it had ever been his privilege to meet during his 31 years of priesthood in Australia. Father Coffey was a priest and a gentleman and he thanked him for all he had done during his two years in Glen Innes.

This parish had been practically the first in which Father Coffey had worked on his arrival in Australia, the Monsignor explained. Two years ago he was a blushing little Irishman and he had been beloved by all with whom he had come in contact. He did not think Father Coffey would quickly forget his friends in Glen Innes and after all he could return again in a day. Monsignor hoped that when Father Coffey's holidays arrived he would sometimes revisit Glen Innes and assured him of a hearty welcome at the presbytery.

Rev. Father George Williams stated that Monsignor Tobin had said all that could be said, the picture painted had been true to life and any utterance of his might only spoil it. The large collection of people and bullion present testified to the manner in which Father Coffey was held by the parishioners of Glen Innes and it would be superfluous for him to wax upon that point. He could only state that everywhere he had gone during the few days he had been in Glen Innes he had heard nothing but expressions of regret about the departure of Father Coffey.

Rev. Bede McPhillips said that it was with genuine regret that he heard Father Coffey was leaving. By his unassuming manner he had won their admiration; in the words of St. Paul "he had been all things to all men that he may win souls for Christ."

On behalf of the A.H.C. Guild Mr. A. V. Cassidy expressed the sincere regret which was experienced by all its members at the departure of Father Coffey. He had always given them every assistance and he wished him every success in the future.

Messrs. C. Gillett, J. M. O'Dwyer, P. McPhillips, T. Timbs, M. M. Condon, R. Williams, A. Lyle, and W. Spatch also spoke in eulogy of the departing guest.

Mr. G. Goodhew then read an address to Father Coffey and presented him with a wallet of notes on behalf of the Catholics of Glen Innes.

In response Father Coffey said that it was with feelings of sorrow and deep regret that he appeared before them that night to say farewell. During his stay in Glen Innes the parishioners had treated him well; he had always been met with a cheery smile and a kind word and it had been a pleasure to perform his duties. Any success, therefore, that he had gained had been due to the people and not to his own feeble efforts. Continuing, Father Coffey stated that he was specially sorry to leave Monsignor Tobin. During his two years in Glen Innes, there had not been a cross word between Monsignor Tobin and himself and he attributed that fact to the generous manner in which the Monsignor had overlooked his faults. When he had left Ireland for Australia he parted from a kind father, a dear mother and brothers and sisters but during his sojourn in Glen Innes Monsignor Tobin had made up for all his losses. Father Coffey thanked the Sisters of St. Joseph for the excessive kindnesses he had received from them and referred to their wonderful work and the success which they had achieved in the recent examinations. He was sorry to leave the children, and in conclusion requested remembrance in the prayers of all the parishioners and promised to also pray for them. He would be pleased to accept the invitations he had received to return to Glen Innes and thanked everyone for the evening, the gift, and the artists for the musical programme.

The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" terminated the proceedings.

During the evening a musical programme was rendered by Misses A. Flannery, M. C. and N. Keating, and D. Small, Mrs. Fawkner and Mr. P. O'Brien.

The Rev. Father Michael Coffey gave Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Sunday night, 23rd February in St. Patrick's Church for the last time, with the Rev. George Williams, M.S.C., deacon, and the Rev. Bede McPhillips (Goulburn) sub-deacon. The Right Rev. Monsignor Tobin, P.P., was master of ceremonies. The children attending St. Joseph's Convent School presented his Reverence with a beautiful pyx.

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Personal, The Scrutineer and Berrima District Press, 17 June 1931, p 2,http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125222079:

Rev. Father Coffey, late of Balmain, who has filled the place of the late Rev. Father McMacken, of St. Paul's, Moss Vale, officiated at the Mass on Sunday last.

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Wedding, The Scrutineer and Berrima District Press, 3 July 1935, p 2,http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125571334:

At St. Mary's Catholic Church, Erskineville, on June 20, a quiet wedding was celebrated, the bridal couple being Mr. Joseph Livingston (whose parents live in Ireland) and Dorothy, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A . Richards (of Marrickville, and recently of Moss Vale). The ceremony was performed by Rev Father Coffey, who until recently was connected with Moss Vale.

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T.W. Campbell, The Priests of the Diocese of Armidale: A Necrology, Braddon ACT, 2005:
Coffey, M

Date and place of birth unknown. Details of education unknown. Place of study unknown. Date and place of ordination unknown. This entry is made because he is listed in ACD as being located at Glen Innes in the years 1929 and 1930. There are no records of his movements after that date. Date and place of death unknown. Place of burial unknown.
(Source: ACD 1929 and 1930)

(Reproduced by permission of Tom Campbell.)