Retired Greenock priest has passed away after a long battle against multiple sclerosis

Michael Clarke, a missionary priest, was diagnosed with the debilitating condition shortly after he was ordained 40 years ago, reports our sister title The Greenock Telegraph. 

His friend Father Thomas Boyle, of St Mary's in Greenock, has paid tribute to Michael, saying he would be dearly missed.

Father Boyle said: "He was a lovely man, he had a great sense of humour and a beautiful smile."

Fr Boyle also spoke of Michael's fondness for football, adding: "He loved Celtic."

He had known Father Clarke - who was a member of the Pallottines Society of the Catholic Apostolate in Ireland - since 1980 while he was studying at seminary next door to the order in Tipperary.

Sadly because of his ill health he returned to Greenock in 1988 where he lived with his family.

Father Clarke was born in Gourock on September 30 in 1948 and was one of a family of seven brought up in the east end of Greenock in St Laurence's Parish.

He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis only months before he was ordained in 1976.

Sadly the disease gradually incapacitated him and he could no longer remain in Ireland and returned to his home town.

He was later confined to bed and cared for his family and carers, latterly living in the west end of Greenock and still a member of St Mary's parish.

Father Boyle said his strength of faith and devoted family helped him live with the cruel disease.

He said: "He was cared for by his loving family and the carers who supported them.

"He said Mass every day in his bed, served by his sisters."

A spokesman for the Pallottines said that Michael passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.

He said: "Michael’s sister Anne and her husband John, and his sister Josephine were with him when he died.

"They had all watched the mass on television, as they did with Michael every day, and at the end of mass, as the final hymn was being played he died peacefully."

Father Boyle said: "We offer to his family and his Pallottine community our prayers and condolences."