A MUCH-LOVED priest who served in Balloch for over a decade has died at the age of 83.

The Archdiocese of Glasgow announced today that Father Sean Fitzgerald died on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, at St Joseph’s Care Home, run by the Little Sisters of the Poor, in Robroyston

Born in Glasgow's Southside, Fr Fitzgerald was educated at Holy Cross in Crosshill from 1944 to 1947, at St Aloysius' in Garnethill from 1947 to 1951, and at St Mary's College in Blairs, near Aberdeen from 1951 to 1957. 

He studied for the priesthood at St Peter's College in Cardross from 1957 to 1963, and was ordained a priest by the Archdiocese by Archbishop Campbell at St Andrew’s Cathedral.

Fr Fitzgerald was close to marking the 60th anniversary of his priesthood when he died. 

In a post on Facebook, the Archdiocese of Glasgow wrote: "His early priesthood saw him posted to a large number of parishes of different types.

"His first role as a curate was in the newly established parish of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Dennistoun.

"After six happy years there he was sent across the river, close to his roots, to serve as assistant priest St Mary’s Pollokshaws.

"In 1973 he was named to the West End parish of St.Charles Borromeo for a year before crossing the river again to serve as curate in another newly opened parish, Our Lady of Consolation where he also ministered for six years.

"In 1980 he was named assistant priest at St. Robert’s in Househillwood and in 1985 was asked to minister in the same role in St Pius X in Drumchapel.

"While there, Cardinal Winning saw his ability to offer support and friendship to his fellow clergy and in 1987 made him Director of the Ministry to Priests Programme.

"Fr Sean served as Parish Priest in only two parishes, from 1990 to 1995 at St Brendan’s Yoker and from 1995 to 2010 at St Kessog’s Balloch a parish which was close to his heart and where he made many lasting friendships."

He retired in 2010 and took up residence at St Mary's Pollokshaws. 

Dozens of tributes were paid following the announcement.

One person wrote: "Father Sean was a lovely man and a good priest. May his soul rest in peace."

Another said: "Rest in peace Father Fitzgerald, God Bless."

A third person added: "RIP Father may The Lord grant you peace."

Funeral arrangements will be posted in due course.