Canon Dan Cronin died at a nursing home in County Cork, Ireland, on Tuesday, aged 93.

He was a priest in the town between 1946 and 1997 and is well-known as the man who raised funds to build three schools and two churches in Corby.

Canon Cronin, known as "Father Dan", travelled the world during his early days in the town to raise funds to build St Brendan's Infants and Junior schools as well as the former Our Lady and Pope John Secondary School.

He also raised money to build St Brendan's Church in Beanfield Avenue, along with St Brendan's Catholic Club and presbytery, and St John Ogilvie Church in Copenhagen Road.

In a remarkable gesture, he marched in front of the Protestant Orange flute band during a march in London to campaign against the closure of Corby's steelworks.

Corby Council named Cronin Courtyard after him in a mark of gratitude for his contributions to the town.

Friend Phil Haughton, of Taunton Avenue, Corby, said: "This is a man who came to Corby in 1956 with nothing but faith, prayer and determination. His legacy will live on in the town he called home.

"Father Dan could deliver a fire and brimstone sermon from the pulpit, then go into the presbytery and console a grieving family who had lost a loved one and grieve with them. Father Dan's love for the people of Corby was also high on his priority list, especially the parishioners of St Brendan's parish.

"Many of the older people will remember him saying mass in workmen's sheds in the town."

He served as a priest at Our Lady's Church between 1946 and 1956 and St Brendan's from 1956 until 1992 when he retired. He left the town in 1997.

Sister Stephanie Davidson, of St Clare's Convent in Glyndebourne Gardens, Corby, said: "Although small of stature, he was larger than life in personality – with a wonderful sense of humour and a big heart.

"The sisters of St Clare's Convent are particularly grateful that he invited them to Corby 45 years ago."


Tell us your memories of Father Dan by signing-in and posting your comments below.