The funeral of a Kerry Industrial School whistleblower will take place this weekend.
Castleisland man John Prior spent 14 years in the notorious St Joseph’s Industrial School in Balloonagh, Tralee in the middle of the last century.
He passed away on New Year’s Eve following a long illness.
Mr Prior’s allegations of abuse in a Tralee industrial school helped lift the lid on a hidden culture of brutality in the Catholic Church.
He became an advocate for abuse survivors and was among the first to speak publicly about child abuse in church-run institutions.
Cathaoirleach of Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne MD, Bobby O’Connell has paid tribute to Mr Prior, calling him a trailblazer and a crusader:
John Prior will repose at his residence this evening and tomorrow evening.
His Requiem Mass will take place in Castleisland Parish Church on Monday morning at 11 o’clock followed by cremation at the Shannon Crematorium.