Two local priests thanked for their decades of service

Bishop Kevin Doran has announced a number of Diocesan appointments in the Diocese of Achonry, including appointments that relate to former St Nathy’s College teachers.

Fr Thomas Towey, Ballaghaderreen, will be stepping down from his responsibility for the governance and pastoral care of the parish of Ballisodare. He will be resident in Ballaghaderreen. Fr Thomas Johnston, Aughadristan, Loughglynn,
will be stepping down from his responsibility for the governance and pastoral care of the parish of Charlestown. He will continue to live in Charlestown.

Fr Johnston and Fr Towey have, between them, given over one hundred years of priestly ministry to the people of Achonry.

Fr Towey served in Bonniconlon, Charlestown and Kiltimagh, before becoming PP of Bonniconlon in 1992 and then Ballisodare in 2007. He was also on the teaching staff of St Nathy's College for twelve years.

Fr Johnston served in the parishes of Achonry, Buninadden, and Collooney before becoming Parish Priest of Achonry in 1992 and of Charlestown in 2003. He also served twice on the staff of St Nathy's College and was Vicar General for ten years.

“This is a remarkable witness of faith and something for which we can all be most grateful. I hope that both men will enjoy more years of priestly ministry, at their own pace and in good health,” said Bishop Doran.

Fr Gerard Cryan is retiring from the teaching staff of the College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill. He has made himself available to go on loan to the Diocese of Achonry and has been appointed Administrator of the Parish of Ballisodare.

Fr Cryan was ordained in 1988 and has served at St Mary's Cathedral Parish, Sligo, and for shorter periods in Roscommon Town and in Ballyleague. He was also chaplain at St. Columba's Hospital, Sligo. Since 1996, he has been a member of the teaching staff of the College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill, and numbers many parishioners of Ballisodare among his past pupils. His departure is a historical moment for the College, as he is the last priest remaining on the staff.

Fr John Maloney Adm, Attymas, has been appointed Parish Priest of Charlestown. Arrangements are being made for the pastoral care of the Parish of Attymas, and an announcement will be made in the coming weeks. Bishop Kevin said he expects a further small number of appointments in both dioceses later in the summer.

“A time of change is always challenging, both for the priest and for the parishioners,” Bishop Kevin said. “I am very grateful to all four men for the generosity with which they have accepted the changes and I wish them every blessing in the years ahead.”