An Irish priest died today from injuries sustained when he was assaulted during a robbery at his home in Kenya.
Fr John Hannon (65), originally from Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare was a member of the
Society of African Missions (SMA) working in the Matasia Parish in the Diocese of Ngong about 25km from Nairobi.
He was working with a community of mostly peasant farmers. His body was found at his house in the early hours of this morning.
A spokesman for SMA, Fr Tom Curran said, Fr Hannon would be remembered for his work with the under privileged and helping to train and educate them.
Fr Hannon had been based in the region for four years and lived on his own although there were other SMA priests working in the area, according to Fr Curran.
"He was a rare breed of missionary, unbounded energy who be admired for the way he did his work and his diligence," said Fr Curran.
Fr Hannon was ordained in 1967 and from 1968 until 1993 he ministered in the archdiocese of Lagos, Nigeria.
The Bishop of Killaloe, the Most Rev Willie Walsh, paid tribute to Fr Hannon and expressed his sympathy to his family.
"Fr Hannon's death is a reminder to all of us of the extraordinary commitment and faith of all our Irish missionaries throughout the world," he said.
"Like many people, I am shocked and saddened at the news that Fr John Hannon has been murdered in Kenya.
"It is hard to believe that the life and ministry of this dedicated priest could have been ended in such an untimely manner.
"I offer my most sincere sympathy to his family, neighbours and friends and to his brother priests in the SMA order and assure them of my prayers at this time."