Statue commemorates priest murdered in Africa

HUNDREDS gathered in a Co Limerick village yesterday in a poignant tribute to a priest who dedicated his life to the poor in Africa and was murdered months before he was due to retire in his native Athea.

A 2m-high bronze statue of missionary Fr Jerry Roche was unveiled by Arts and Culture Minister Jimmy Deenihan in the grounds of St Bartholomew’s church.

Fr Roche, 68, worked with the Kiltegan Fathers in Africa for 41 years. He was attacked when a number of men broke into his home near Kericho, Kenya, to steal items including his mobile phone.