Société des Missions Africaines –Province d'Irlande

né le 16 octobre 1920 à Dublin dans le diocèse de Dublin, Irlande engagement permanent le 13 juin 1942  prêtre le 25 avril 1943 décédé le 26 février 1999

1943-1947 Further studies, UCC 1948-1961 missionnaire au Nigeria 1961-1964 Wilton, Cork 1964-1984 missionnaire au Nigeria 1984-1993 Blackrock Road, Cork, archiviste 1993-1999 Cork, retiré décédé à Cork, Irlande, le 26 février 1999, à l'âge de 78 ans

He died peacefully in Blackrock Road, after a short illness, on Friday, February 26th, 1999. Son of the late Peter and Matilda McGovern, Father Frank grew up in Windy Arbour, Dundrum, Dublin and he is survived by a brother, Vincent. For the past fifteen years he has been living in the SMA community at Blackrock Road, Cork where he spent nine years as Archivist until he retired in 1993.

In his early days as a seminarian Frank McGovern first caught the eye as a sportsman. Combined with an ability to kick with both feet, a fine pair of hands, great balance and boundless energy his towering presence soon earned him almost legendary status. Though competent in many sports it was as a gaelic footballer that he was best known.

In 1948 he took up his first missionary appointment in Nigeria where he was to spend the next thirty-six years. Most of his missionary life in Nigeria was spent in education. Firstly, at St. Gregory's College, Lagos where he worked from 1948 until 1953 when he was asked to move to Aquinas College, Akure in the Diocese of Ondo where he spent six years. In 1959 he returned for another two years to St. Gregory's. In 1961 he was appointed Superior at Wilton where he had responsibility for SMA students attending U.C.C. In 1964 he resumed his teaching career at St. Finbarr's College, Lagos and in 1971 he took up a fresh teaching appointment at St. Theresa 's Minor Seminary in the neighbouring Diocese of Ibadan.

Though he was primarily involved in education his enquiring mind and gregarious nature ensured that at some stage he would become more closely involved in parish work. His wishes were fulfilled in 1974 when he took up residence at St. Agnes parish, Maryland where he spent tell memorable years.

In the past few weeks of his life we knew that Frank was gathering himself for his final journey when he recoiled into silence. Words no longer occupied his attention and peace bloomed in whispers. As we watched the light fade in his room he quietly went away from us to another room where mysteries are no more. May his mightly heart rest in perfect peace. Amen.