TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated priest who spent more than two decades as one of the pillars of a York community.

Father Austin O’Neill, who died on April 25 at the age of 74, played a pivotal role in worship throughout the city for many years before his retirement.

He spent almost 48 years as a priest, with 21 of those being at St Aelred’s RC Church in Fifth Avenue in the Tang Hall area of York, where his funeral will be held tomorrow.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Middlesbrough, which includes York, said: “Education was close to his heart.

“He represented the diocese on the North Riding – later North Yorkshire – education committee for many years and was closely involved in establishing All Saints RC School in York.

“He was a founder member of York Catholic Housing Association, which provided affordable housing for young married couples.

“The establishment of the parish community centre at St Aelred’s, which received a significant Lottery Fund grant, was one of his many contributions to both the parish and the local community.”

Following his retirement, Father O’Neill continued to live in York until his death, which came after a period of ill-health.

Father Pat Hartnett, the Catholic Dean of York and parish priest at St George’s RC Church, said: “He was very well-loved and well-liked and was a faithful priest.”

Monsignor Gerard Dasey, Vicar General at the Diocese of Middlesbrough, said: “Austin was a dedicated pastor throughout his 48 years, and even after his retirement from St Aelred’s he celebrated Mass daily for either the Poor Clares or the Carmelites orders.”

Following his funeral service at St Aelred’s at noon tomorrow, Father O’Neill will be buried in his Irish homeland.