Parishioners in south Roscommon are demanding a meeting with Bishop Kevin Doran to discuss the departure of a popular local priest. Fr Michael Hickey is due to return to his congregation in Dublin next month following seven years in Drum. 2,300 parishioners have however signed a petition demanding that the 82-year-old remain in the local parish.
In a letter to the local committee, Bishop Kevin Doran reiterated that Fr Michael had served his time in Drum and would be leaving by the end of August. Members of the community expressed their anger with the decision at a public meeting in the parish hall last night. Speaking to Shannonside News, committee member Tom O'Brien said the issue had damaged the parish's relationship with church authorities:
Mr O'Brien called on the Bishop to meet with committee members before Fr Hickey's departure:
