Cobar's popular Catholic priest Father Colin Ogilvie was farewelled by several hundred parishioners and community representatives last Sunday following Mass at St Laurence O'Toole's Church.

Father Ogilvie whose retirement from the priesthood after five years in Cobar was premature and unexpected, will celebrate his last Mass in the mining town today.

Well known to Cobar's Rugby League fans as a tough frontrow forward during his Group 15 days at Goodooga, Lightning Ridge and Brewarrina, he joined the priesthood in 1988 after a

stint as a school teacher in all three north western communities.

During his ministry, Father Ogilvie served in a number of outback parishes including Broken Hill, Wentworth and Balranald before accepting the Cobar post.

Renowned for his love of sport and a joke (he is an optimistic South Sydney supporter) and ability to mix with

people of all ages and denominations, he will be sadly missed.