There were emotional scenes in South Roscommon this afternoon as a popular priest bid farewell to his parish after 7 years. A large crowd turned out to say their goodbyes to Fr Michael Hickey as he left the parish of Drum/Clonown. Fr Michael had been the subject of an intense campaign by parishioners who were opposed to his leaving. 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 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 on Sunday night. This afternoon, parishioners formed a guard of honour as he said his final goodbyes. John Naughton, Chairperson of the committee set up to oppose the priest's departure, said there would always be a place in the parish for him:
Fr Michael told the parishioners present that he was very sad to be leaving them:
These local primary school students say they'll miss Fr Michael:
