Barefoot pilgrims' farewell to George 16.08.07

Fr. GEORGE McLaughlin undertook one of his last engagements as parish priest of Moville yesterday with the annual Turas pilgrimage to St. Columcille's Well at Inishowen Head. Around 50 people turned out for the traditional event which sees pilgrims descend a steep cliff path to the well at Port Cille, Shroove, remove their shoes and socks and walk barefoot around a number of Turas symbols including the well and a cross-inscribed stone.The final part of the pilgrimage involves taking three sips of water from the well using seashells left for that purpose. Buncrana-born Fr. McLaughlin told InishowenNews.com he felt "a wee bit lost" at the thought of his retirement this weekend.

"I can't help wondering that after working hard all these years, how do I actually slow down?" said the 75-year old. "Having said that, I'm quite happy I've made the right decision. There's no point working on for a few more years and then maybe not having your health to enjoy retirement." Fr. McLaughlin, who has been a priest for 51 years and Moville parish priest

for the last 20, described his years in the town as "delightful". "I like the people here very well. They are very good and supportive. It is a beautiful place to live." He will continue to enjoy Moville and its people, however, when he moves to his new home just a few miles out the road, in Drumaweir, Greencastle. The tradition of the Turas tells that when St. Columbcille sailed for Iona from Derry, his curragh called at Port Cille to take water from the local spring. It was said to have offered the saint his last glimpse of his beloved oak grove. Fr. George presided over his last Turas as parish priest yesterday which, like his last Sunday sermon, ended with the congregation's spontaneous applause. From atop Inishowen Head, he watched a rainbow on the horizon and reflected on his own clerical pilgrimage that brought him to the Foyleside town 20 years ago. "I've never seen a rainbow on the water before," he said, wondering if it heralded good luck for his golden years.

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