Hundreds of parishioners in the Drum/Clonown area of South Roscommon have signed a petition to keep a popular priest in the locality. It comes as the Bishop of Elphin confirmed recently that Fr Michael Hickey would return to his order in Dublin after seven years in Roscommon. Bishop Kevin Doran said the 82-year-old priest had served well beyond the normal retirement age of 75. He thanked Fr Michael for his service in the Athlone half parish of St Peter and Paul over the past seven years.
Parishioners have opposed the move, however, and following a public meeting in Drum, a petition was launched. Fr Tony Flannery of the Association of Catholic Priests believes age shouldn't be an impediment to Fr Hickey staying on. Speaking to the Joe Finnegan Show, he said the current shortage of priests means priests are now working longer:
