RIP: Tipperary-born priest dies peacefully 'enveloped in love and prayers' in the US

Father Liam Collins died peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026 at home surrounded by family and enveloped in love and prayers. He was a loving and devoted husband and priest. Liam was born on October 29,1945 in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was the fourth of seven children of the late Sally Grace and Michael Collins. Liam grew up in the rural countryside and was profoundly shaped by his parents’ deep faith, their love of nature and sense of justice. Music and poetry were integral parts of his childhood and continued to nourish his soul throughout his life.

As a teenager, Liam worked as a bartender at the American Embassy in Dublin. He developed a close relationship with US Ambassador Matthew McCloskey. This friendship changed Liam’s life as it was McCloskey who sponsored him in the seminary and introduced him to the missionary diocese of far off Savannah, Georgia. One of the highlights of Liam’s time at the Embassy was meeting President John F. Kennedy in June of 1963.

Kennedy’s parting words were “Liam, pray for the president." Liam was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest on June 12,1971. He served in the diocese of Savannah for 24 years, finding joy and meaning in each parish that he served. Liam’s most formative assignment, however, was Pastor of St. Mary’s in Savannah. He was affectionately known as The Priest of 36th Street. It only seems fitting that he would die on Martin Luther King Day. After much discernment, Liam left the active ministry in 1994 and married his best friend and the love of his life, Mary Brennan.

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In 1996 he was received into the Episcopal Church and began his ministry at St. Mark’s in Brunswick, GA. In 2008, Liam and Mary returned to Savannah where Liam served in many parishes until his retirement. Liam cherished his ministry in both the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches. In Liam’s own words: “The primary focus of my ministry has always been seeking to awaken all to the bonds of love and respect that unite us as God’s people. We are God’s very heart, hands and feet in this wounded, broken world.” In addition to his parents, Liam was predeceased by his sister Mary and her husband, Sean Bonfield, his sister Margaret and her husband, Ken Johnston, his brother Michael Collins, his brother Eddie Collins, and Mary’s parents, Tom and Agnes Brennan.

Liam is survived by his loving wife Mary, his sister Colette and her husband Liam Irvine, his sister Anne Collins Healy, his sister-in-law Bunty Collins and Mary’s seven siblings and their spouses: Julie and Andrew Purkey, Tom and Jane Brennan, Sally and Brian Kennedy, Philip Brennan, Joe and Michelle Brennan, Peter and Anna Brennan, Agnes and Pete Law. Liam is also survived by his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews from both sides of the pond. This large and loving family brought Liam great joy throughout his life. The Collins and Brennan families would like to thank all those who cared for Liam this past year especially his devoted, loving caregiver Jackie Heraldez as well as Tricia Coaxum and Shannon Oliver, and his Hospice nurse Jenni Knittig. Also, we are so grateful for our family and friends who were so loving and devoted to Liam throughout his illness.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Episcopal Church in Savannah on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 am. A reception will follow in the parish hall immediately after the service. A private family burial will take place later that afternoon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Community Center, 812 W 36th St., Savannah, Ga.31415.

Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.