The late Fr. Joe Taaffe, Knock and Birmingham
4 September 1996
The death has taken place in Birmingham of Fr. Joe Taaffe Spiritual Director of the Irish Welfare and Information Centre in the city.
Just two years ago he celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordination to his priesthood and shortly afterwards was selected as one of the Mayo People of the Year'
Rising at 5.30 every morning he was a tirelessly worker for underprivileged Irish emigrants in Birmingham. After saying Mass each morning at 7a.m. he was always in his office by 9a.m. where he spent the day helping emigrants who have fallen on hard times or providing them with the boat fare to attend relatives funerals in Ireland.
He regularly visited patients in the Birmingham hospitals and constantly kept in touch with all the county associations in the city. Often he has picked up the bill to have deceased emigrants sent home for burial in Ireland.
Fr. Taaffe (75), a native of Knock, established a Tuesday Club in Birmingham where lonely emigrants can meet regularly during the day. He also set up a Luncheon Club where people can avail of a hot meal five days a week for a small donation.
But all this work took money and Fr. Taaffe was constantly trying to raise funds. He organised two main events each year -- a St. Patrick's Day banquet for about 600 people and an Autumn Fair.
He had the reputation of working himself to a standstill and never turned away anyone in need during his twenty-hour working day.
His remains will repose at the Irish Centre, Birmingham tomorrow (Thursday) from 10a.m. to 7p.m. Burial will take place on Friday in Brandwood cemetery, Birmingham following Requiem Mass in St. Ann's Church at 11.30p.m.
He is survived by two sisters, relatives and to whom sympathy is extended.
Connaught Telegraph - News - September 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - September 1996
