DECEMBER 2009

Moville says fond farewell to popular parish priest

The repercussions of the Fr Sean McKenna saga has impacted on parish life in Inishowen with the news that Fr Paddy O'Kane has been reassigned with immediate effect to Holy Family Parish, Ballymagroarty, Derry.

The Culdaff born priest who has served as Moville Parish Priest for the last 2 years had spent 17 years at the Holy Family parish prior to coming to the Foyleside town. He will be replaced in Moville by Sion Mill's priest Fr Patrick O'Hagan who formerly served in Buncrana.

Fr O'Kane became highly popular among parishioners in Mauve and accomplished a significant amount in his short time there. "The Golden Jubilee of St Pius X Church is one of the things that sticks out in my mind. We produced a commemorative magazine and organised a big celebration night. I was also able to solve the issue of space in Ballybrack graveyard with the purchase of land that will provide space for many new plots". Fr O'Kane has also achieved renovation works to Ballinacrae and St Pius X chapels.

Fr O'Kanes sermons delivered in an inimitable style made a lasting impression on those that heard them. He played a full part in community life outside his clerical responsibilities. His legacy to the parish also includes the formation of the Moville Gospel Choir and the overseeing of a new national school for the town.

"I said blessings in Carrowmenagh and Greencastle ar burial sites of unbaptised babies. Various masses stand out as well like the interdenominational service for people from Inishowen who served in the first World War, and another for people with special needs.

"I will look back with great fondness to my time in Moville. I loved the people of the parish who gave great co-operation. I'm satisfied with the work thats been accomplished"

Article by Simon McGeady of the Inishowen Independent

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