Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev Timothy O'Shea, died 11 Dec 1899

Born in Macroom, Co. Cork, Ireland, on 5th September 1874 to James Michael O'Shea and Mary Buckley. He was ordained in Rome on 22nd August, 1898. Listed by Father Linane as dying in Roma, Queensland in 1899, aged 25. He was buried there by Rev's Capra and Lee.
(Ref. Linane O226 and Archives)

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.

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Denis M. Long, Pioneer and Early Priests, Archdiocese of Brisbane, Deceased or retired by 1929, 2021, p 54:
Fr Timothy O'Shea

Timothy O'Shea was the son of Denis and Mary (nee Buckley) O'Shea born in Clondrohid near Macroom in county Cork on 5 September 1874. His father was a farmer.(1) Timothy Shea was baptised in the church at Clondrohid, in the diocese of Cloyne on 6 September with John Shea and Ellen Buckley as godparents; no doubt uncle and aunt. The Irish could be very casual in the use of the O before a surname.

Timothy was educated at St Colman's College in Fermoy and later at the Irish College in Rome where he was ordained in 1898. A fellow student at the Irish College was James Duhig who was ordained in 1896. Fr Timothy arrived in Brisbane in September 1898. He died of consumption at Roma on 11 December 1899.

His death was announced in the Age of 16 December 1899:

We regret to record the death of the Rev Father Timothy O'Shea, which sad event occurred on Monday last at Roma. The deceased was most popular with all classes, and his demise will be greatly regretted by the Catholics of the Roma district. His funeral, which took place on Tuesday, was one of the largest ever seen in Roma. On Tuesday morning a Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated at St Stephen's Cathedral, the celebrant being the Rev J Byrne; the deacon Rev T Lee; sub-deacon, the Rev F Dorrigan, and Master of Ceremonies, the Rev M Baldwin. His Grace the Archbishop gave the absolution. RIP.(2)

A fuller report of his death appeared in the Age a week later:

In the early hours of Monday morning, Dec 11, there passed peacefully away, at the Roma presbytery, the Rev Timothy O'Shea, for some time past a sufferer from consumption, which was the result of a cold contracted in Italy during his studies for the priesthood. Always zealous to do his share of work, he kept on at his duties, although in delicate health, from the time of his arrival until completely prostrated some few months ago. Gaining a little strength, it was deemed advisable to try a change to a cooler atmosphere, and about a month ago he took a trip to Brisbane, visiting Ipswich, Dalby, and Toowoomba; but all in vain. He returned to Roma on Thursday night, December 7, and to his friends it was at once apparent that he had few days more in this world. All that could be done to comfort him was done by the Rev Father Lee, who throughout the weary fourteen months' illness in Roma, had been a true friend – and a friend in sickness is a true friend indeed. For the smallest attention he was always grateful, and Father Lee can never regret his unselfish devotion when he thinks of the voice, now hushed, that uttered such grateful thanks for every little kindness. Father O'Shea was born in Macroom, County Cork, and educated for some years at St Colman's College, Fermoy, from which he passed on to Rome to complete his studies. Here he completed a brilliant college course, and being ordained, it was thought best for him to sail direct for Queensland, as he was then in delicate health. Landing in Brisbane, he came on to Roma, but slowly and surely the disease had done its work, and after fourteen months' patient uncomplaining suffering he was called home to his eternal rest.-RIP.(3)

Fr O'Shea was just 26 years of age and had been in the diocese for just 14 months. He was buried in the Roma General cemetery.

Footnotes
1. Queensland Death Registration, 1900/C2757.
2. The Age, Brisbane, 12 Dec 1899.
3. Ibid. 23 Dec 1899, p. 5.

Reproduced by permission of Fr Denis Long.