A retired priest who died in a tragic accident last Thursday night will be laid to rest tomorrow.
Father Anthony Minniter, who was in his late 70s, lost his life after his car entered the sea off Kinvara, Co Galway at around 8pm last night.
It is understood that the tragic priest had attended mass just one hour before the horrific incident occurred.
The alarm was raised at around 8:10pm on Thursday night after reports came in of a car entering the water.
Father Minniter was taken to University Hospital Galway where he sadly passed away.
Originally from Co. Clare, Father Minniter served as the local priest for the parish of Ballinderreen in Galway from 2006 until his retirement in 2015.
A death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Fr. Anthony is sadly missed by his sister Sr. Rita (Birmingham), sister in law Una (New York), nieces, nephews, cousins, Bishop Brendan Kelly and the priests of the Galway Diocese, close friends, neighbours and his former parishioners."
A wake will be held for Father Minniter at Corless Funeral Home, Kinvara, this evening from 5pm with removal at 8pm to St. Colman’s Church, Ballinderreen.
A Requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday at 12pm followed by interment in Craggagh Cemetery, Fanore, Co. Clare.
Local priest for Ballinderreen, Father Hugh Clifford said that his predecessor had attended mass in Kinvara the night of the fatal crash.
He said: “He was a very dedicated priest. There was great affection for him in Ballinderreen parish.
“He was particularly good to people in times of bereavement, people found him very consoling.
“It has come as a great sadness to people.”
“He was here with us at the seven o’clock mass in Kinvara last night.”
Tributes have since poured in online for the tragic cleric.
A post on the Ballinderreen and Kinvara parish Facebook page said: "Ballinderreen Parish mourns the death of former Parish Priest, Fr Anthony Minniter in a tragic accident last night.
"Fr Tony was Parish Priest of Ballinderreen from 2006 to 2015. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
"The 7pm All Saints Day Mass in Ballinderreen Church this evening (Friday 1st November 2019) will be offered for the happy repose of his soul.
"Funeral arrangements later."
Gardai are now appealing for any witnesses of the incident to come forward.
A spokesman said: "Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic incident following a car entering the sea at The Quay area of Kinvara, Galway, that occurred on 31/10/2019 at approximately 8pm.
"The driver and sole occupant of the car, a man in his late 70s, was taken to University Hospital Galway in a critical condition where he later passed away.
"Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any motorists who may have been in The Quay area of Kinvara between 7:45am - 8:15am who may have dash cam footage to come forward.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí in Galway on 091 538000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111."
