Fr. Peter Conefrey.

Of the parish priests of Cloone in recent times one of the most remarkable was Father Peter Conerfrey, distinguished alike for his personal holiness, for his zeal as a pastor and preacher, and for his practical interest in the social problem of rural life. Fr. Peter was curate in Killoe and Dromard and came tp public prominience in Cloone as parish priest. He devoted much of his time and energy to social problems, especially to the revival of older ways of country living, in food, in dress and in entertainment. The feiseanna promoted in furtherance of these objects by "The Prince of Cloone" as he was called, became famous and his voice was frequently heard on the radio pleading the same cause. Father Peter as he was affectionately known, had a very forceful and colourful personality, and his name will long be remembered in Cloone. For some years before his death he walked with a painful limp, due to a horse riding accident which, in no way however lessened his pastoral activities. His death came rather suddenly (24th April 1939), and his funeral evoked a striking manifestation of respect. His remains were interred in Farnaught in the parish of Gortletteragh.During his pastorate Father Conefrey provided his church with a fine marble altar and other necessary equipment. He also acquired as a home for the curate a suitable residence near the village of Cloone which had once served as a Protestant rectory. This fine house with a small farm of seven acres was acquired for the modest sum of £750.

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