Fr Martin Comey

Birth, studies, ordination, immigration

Martin Comey was born in Kellinkare, County Cavan, Ireland, on September 18, 1911. He attended St Patrick’s College in Cavan and completed his theological studies for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Carlow. He was ordained at Holy Cross College in Dublin on December 21, 1935. He came to Australia soon after, arriving in Adelaide on May 9, 1936 aboard the P&O liner Narkunda.

Early appointments

His initial appointment was to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral where he served for several years. However in 1943 he suffered a serious illness and he was out of action for nearly a year.

On his recovery he was appointed Priest-in-Charge of the new parish at Tranmere on April 1, 1945. He was appointed Parish Priest on June 1, 1948. His enthusiasm made a deep impression on the people of Tranmere and he encouraged them to maintain the spirit and energy he found among them on his arrival. The new parish gave him opportunity to use his initiative and entrepreneurial spirit – he seemed to be a ‘Jack of all trades and Master of many’ and at the same time a great talent scout in mustering the energy and skills of many parishioners.

Developing the Tranmere facilities

Tranmere had been part of the Hectorville parish and Mass used to be celebrated in the Magill Institute. A church/school had been built in 1926 (the current parish hall) and the school began in 1927. Fr Comey came at the end of the war years and there was an air-raid shelter at the back of the church. After the war this was filled in and an old army hut was installed, serving as a parish hall as well as providing extra class rooms. Much of the building work was done by parish volunteers and Fr Comey was often to be seen in his overalls sharing in the work.

At this time the Josephite Sisters who taught at the school came from their convent in Kensington. Fr Comey was anxious for the Sisters to have their own local convent. There was a small house next to the church which was ideal, but the people living there did not want to move. But Fr Comey was able to buy another house in St Morris and finally persuaded the people to swap. Such was his determination. The sisters moved in in March 1950.

At that time Fr Comey lived in a room at Rostrevor College where he served as school chaplain. He was also the ‘Extraordinary Confessor’ at St Francis Xavier Seminary. When appointed to Tranmere the Archbishop had given him a brown 1936 Austin 7. Some years later it was re-conditioned by some parishioners and repainted blue.

In 1948 he bought a 2.5 acre block across Magill Road where he hoped to build a new church – a dream that was not fulfilled until after his time. There was also an old house which served as a presbytery until the new one was built in 1965 when the present day St Joseph’s Church at Tranmere was also completed.

A life sadly cut short

Fr Comey was a great pastor and he endeared himself to many even though, like many Irish men of his time he was pretty dogmatic. But he had a good friend in his fellow priest, Fr Peter McCabe, and along with many of their contemporaries, they were keen revellers. Sadly they both died at a very young age.

Towards the end of his life, it was reported that he suffered great pain and some suggestion that he may have had some form of cancer. But the official cause of Fr Comey’s death was Biliary Cirrhosis and Obstruction of the Bile Duct.

He died at Calvary Hospital on January 19, 1959 aged only 45 years. A Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Joseph’s Tranmere on January 21 followed by interment at West Terrace Cemetery.

May he rest in the peace of Christ.