Ballapousta National School

Monsignor Peter F. Shields
1922-2008

The sudden death of Monsignor Peter F. Shields on December 31st, 2008 came as a shock to all who knew him. He was born in the parish of Cloghogue in 1922 and attended St. Patrick's College, Maynooth from 1939 to 1946 when he was ordained to the priesthood on June 23rd, 1946. He was on loan to the Diocese of Down and Conor from 1946 to 1949.

He ministered in the parishes of Stonebridge [1949-1950]; St. Patrick's Dundalk [1950-1975]; as Administrator of St. Patrick's, Dundalk [1975-1978]; Parish Priest of Ardee parish [1978-1997] and as Pastor Emeritus 1997-2008.

Monsignor Shields served Ballapousta NS as the Chairman of the school's Board of Management for 19 years, during his time as Parish Priest in Ardee and was primarily responsible for organising and fundraising for an extension to the school which was completed and opened in 1995 by his friend His Eminence Cardinal Cahal Daly and Mr. Dermot Ahern TD on Sunday, October 29th, 1995.

Monsignor Shields did a huge amount of research to produce a booklet for the official opening of the school extension including a list of every teacher who had ever taught in the school since August 1824.

He introduced computers into Ballapousta, long before they were common in schools and he organised ICT training for the staff. He was very proud of his connection with Ballapousta NS and visited the school at least once per week.

Mons. Shields was a man ahead of his time in many ways. A deeply spiritual man who was very well respected by all who came in contact with him. He organised the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes for many years and had a great devotion to Our Lady.

He personalised the celebration of the Sacrament of First Penance and First Holy Communion, singing the mass and playing a full role with the class teacher in the preparation of the children. When he visited the school, crowds of children would gather around him and chat freely. He had a personal interest san Ghaeilge and would speak to staff and children fluently as Gaeilge.

He will be sadly mourned by his sister Moira, niece and nephews and a wide circle of friends and colleagues and priests of the diocese. We will remember him in our weekly mass and our daily prayers.

Monsignor Shields was buried after requiem mass in St. Patrick's Cemetary, Dowdallshill, Dundalk, Co. Louth on Monday, January 5th, 2008.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.