There will be a guard of honour this Wednesday for a popular local priest as he leaves his parish in south Roscommon after seven years.
Fr Michael Hickey had been the subject of an intense campaign by parishioners in the Drum/Clonown area, who remain vehemently opposed to the move.
Over 2,300 people signed a petition calling for a reversal of the decision to return the 82-year-old to his order in Dublin.
The decision was, however, confirmed recently by Bishop Kevin Doran, who said Fr Hickey has served well beyond the normal retirement age of 75.
A large crowd attended a farewell party for Fr Hickey in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone last night after hopes of a last-minute reprieve faded.
Speaking to Shannonside News, Fr Hickey said he hoped to keep working in some capacity, despite talk of his retirement:
Clonown parishioner Maura Shine said the entire community was sad to see Fr Michael leave:
John Naughton the Chairperson of the committee set up to oppose the priest's departure, said he hopes the campaign encourages more consultation with Parish Councils in the future:
