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Moville priest to replace Sean
McKenna
09.12.09
by Simon McGeady, Inishowen Independent
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 two years, spent 17 years
at the Holy Family parish prior to coming to the
Foyleside town. He will say his first Mass in
Ballymagroarty this Saturday.
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 Moville 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,” said Fr
O’Kane, who also oversaw the renovation of St Pius X
and Ballinacrea.
Fr Paddy's sermons, delivered in an inimitable
style, made a lasting impression on those who heard
them. He played a full part in community life
outside of his clerical responsibilities. His legacy
to the parish also includes the formation of the
Moville Gospel Choir. |
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“I said blessings in
Carrowmenagh and Greencastle at 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,” said Fr
O’Kane. Last month, he oversaw the move to the
town’s new national school.
“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
that’s been accomplished," he added.
Fr O’Kane will say daily Mass in Moville parish for
the rest of this week. |
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