PARISHONERS filled St Mary’s church in Teemore to bid farewell to Fr Ultan McGoohan.
After three years in the parish as priest in residence Fr Ultan is set to move to Bailieborough in east Cavan.
The changes in the diocese of Kilmore announced by Monsigor Liam Kelly are to come into affect from Saturday (August 31).
Speaking after his farewell Mass Fr Ultan said, “It was a great occasion and there was a huge turn out, it was very gratifying to see from my point of view. There was a lovely reception afterwards in the parish hall. There was huge community involvement with all age groups represented, which was lovely to see.”
Fr Ultan explained that during his time in Teemore he also worked in the diocesan pastoral centre in Cavan. “I’ve had a good variety of work. There have been a number of highlights, firstly the preparations for the world meeting of families, which culminated around this time last year. A huge amount of work had went into that at parish level. I’ve worked with the pastoral council to prepare for the future.
“Community work has also been fulfilling. I was involved with the Teemore Regeneration Committee, a group formed to advance the local community in all aspects.”
Fr Ultan spoke fondly of his involvement in history projects in the area, highlighting the discovery that President Kennedy’s great grandmother came from Teemore.
“That generated some excitement and from that a new group the Slieve Rushen Heritage group is being formed to try and gather, collect and share the heritage of the area.
“It’s been wonderful to be involved in such a diverse range of projects during my time in the parish as well as completing my ordinary pastoral duties. It’s been a very happy time.”
Looking forward to the move to Bailieborough he said, “It will be a new challenge with the responsibilities that come with being a parish priest, that will be new to me. I suppose my immediate priority will be to get to know a new community and the geography of the area. I am looking forward to that.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere