Rev Father Seamus (James) Fullam. RIP.

An Appreciation

Father Seamus Fullam was born into a farming family in the townland of Castlenugent,

situated in the parish of Abbeylara Co Longford in 1932. Around 1950 he came to London, working

like many of his compatriots on building sites restoring Britain after the devastation of

World War Two.  After some years he felt called to the priesthood and was accepted

for formation at Campion House Osterley before finishing his studies with The Franciscans in Southend.

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Ordained in 1961 as a priest of Westminster Diocese, Father Fullam served in several parishes

in West and Northwest London including; St Aiden's in East Acton, St Patricks in West Hendon

and St Margaret Clitherow in Grahame Park. Following a short appointment at St Pauls in

Cheshunt, Father Fullam finally retired from full time ministry and returned to Granard where

he lived a quiet life, sometimes returning to London to provide holiday cover for some

of his old colleagues.  Until failing health prevented it, he also served as a Chaplain in Laurel

Lodge Nursing Home.

 

Father Fulham will be remembered as a kind humble man with a deep

faith, who saw good in everyone yet was aware of people's difficulties and frailties.

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Father Fullam was involved with The Longford Association in London for many years,

often attending meetings where his advice and common sense proved invaluable,

so much so that in time he became our Patron. He especially enjoyed our Annual Dinner and Dance where he delighted in meeting fellow Longfordians and their families, even though he would have to leave early because of his parish duties the next morning.

 

On the occasion of his Golden Jubilee in 2011 he was Invited to lunch with The Cardinal at Archbishops House and to a garden party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Her late Majesty. When asked which event he enjoyed the most he remarked that only soft drinks were served at the garden party. Yes, he also had a wonderful sense of humour.     I was privileged to have known him.

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May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Michael N McCann