Campaign underway to keep popular priest in local parish

A campaign to keep a popular local priest in the Ss Peter and Paul's parish in Athlone is underway.

Some 200 people attended a meeting in Drum Hall on Tuesday night last to voice their dissatisfaction with the decision to end the stay of popular local priest Fr Michael Hickey as curate in the Drum area.

In appointments announced by Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran on the diocese website this week, Fr Hickey is listed as returning to his congregation, the Spiritans (Holy Ghost Fathers), in Dublin, at the end of August.

Fr Hickey has served in the Drum area for the past seven years, having previously spent much of his career on the missions.

However, locals are unhappy with the decision to end the priest's active parish involvement and the meeting on Tuesday formed a local committee to seek a meeting with the Bishop on the matter.

A petition has also been launched to seek Fr Hickey's continuation in the parish.

Fr Hickey is particularly popular within the community of Drum and Clonown and the announcement of his retirement from parish duties and his impending relocation has been met with shock and sadness locally.

Fr Hickey, who is in his early 80s, has been very active during his time in Ss Peter and Paul's, visiting the sick and elderly, and providing pastoral care to the local community.

One local described Fr Hickey as “an ideal example of Christian living”.

Paying tribute to Fr Hickey, Bishop Doran said: “I take this opportunity to thank Fr. Michael Hickey CSSp who has served generously in the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul, Athlone for seven years, and well beyond the normal age of retirement.”

Meanwhile, Fr. Innocent Sunu (CC Athlone) is also moving from the Ss Peter and Paul's parish to become curate at St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Sligo, effective August 1.

Fr Christopher Edebianga, the current parish priest in Athleague will be Curate at St Peter and Paul Athlone, from August 1, whilst Fr Ray Milton will be Administrator of Athleague, in addition to his present responsibilities, from the same date.

Fr Joseph Ali will be priest in residence in Athleague and shared curate between Knockcroghery and Athleague, from August 1.