COLUMN: Is there anything after this?


IN THE 1980s when I worked as a priest in a town in Fermanagh, I lived next door to a couple who were rather traditional, conservative Catholics. I wouldn’t have thought of myself as their type of priest as I was a product of the post-Vatican 2 church which for a very brief period flirted with some […]


Celebrating ancient crafts in honour of St Brigid


IT MAY not be a bank holiday on this side of the border, but communities across Fermanagh are preparing to mark St Brigid’s Day tomorrow (Thursday), a national feast with orgins long pre-dating even the Christian saint it celebrates. In schools and homes across the county and its surrounding areas this week, hands will be busy making the traditional crosses […]


Fr Gary Donegan has surgery for blindness


FR GARY Donegan has paid tribute to the many people who have “rallied around” him after he recently underwent serious eye surgery. Originally from Newtownbutler, the Ardoyne-based cleric, pictured below, had an operation to restore the sight in his right eye after losing his vision a few weeks ago when a bleed to it caused extensive damage. To read […]


‘No longer an enemy’, says Fr Brian


THE MANY Fermanagh pilgrims who made their way to Phoenix Park on Sunday would have noticed a familiar face on the big screen, Fr Brian D’Arcy.  Fr D’Arcy was one of many priests from around Ireland invited to concelebrate the Mass with Pope Francis, and it was a “dignified and respectful” occasion the Passionist found […]