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Much-loved Newtown cleric retires
07.09.09
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WELL-WISHERS from
across the local community joined with parishioners
from the Parish of Newtowncunningham last weekend at
a family social event to mark the retirement of
long-serving Parish Priest Fr Kevin O’Doherty who
has retired from parish life and will soon take up
chaplaincy at the community hospital in Falcarragh.
Fr. Kevin O’Doherty celebrated his last Masses in
the parish at the weekend.
It was a very emotional day as the parishioners from
all denominations turned out to the complex Pairc
Cholmcille to say their good-byes to the much loved
priest and friend.
The presentations were led by Rev David Crooks who
spoke highly of Fr. Kevin and his work in the parish
and with the two other churches as well. He said the
new Trinity Court on Monfad road was the brainchild
of Fr. Kevin and he achieved so much in the 20 years
he has been here with the beautiful new St. Peter's
Barque (Church of All Saints). |
Reverend Nigel Craig
also spoke of his friendship with Fr. Kevin and said
he had a warm welcome for him when he was appointed
to the area, and wished him well on his retirement.
Dympna Whoriskey spoke on behalf of the organising
committee and the community and said that Fr. Kevin
came here in 1989 and since then he has achieved a
lot. A presentation was made on behalf of the
community of a |
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computer etc. The organising
committee had a lovely tea and entertainment
throughout the evening was provided by the folk
group, Matthew McFadden, the senior choir and Irish
dancers.
Ordained at St. Peter’s seminary in Co Wexford in
1963, Fr. O’Doherty worked as a priest in both
Scotland and America. He moved back and forth
between Ireland and America before he was later
named Parish Priest of the newly-created
Newtowncunningham and Killea parish in the late
1980s.
At Sunday’s reception Fr. Kevin thanked everyone for
all the Masses, gifts, presents, cards of good
wishes, and said everyone has been so kind.
Fr O’Doherty will be replaced as Parish Priest by
Fr. Seamus Gallagher who was appointed recently.
(Inishowen Independent) |
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