It's been confirmed that a popular priest will leave his post in Roscommon next week despite a hard-fought campaign by local parishioners. A recent petition received over 2,000 signatures calling on church leaders to allow Fr Michael Hickey to remain in the parish of Drum/Clonown. It was however confirmed in recent weeks that the 82-year-old would return to his order in Dublin despite protests.
A committee set up to lead the campaign to retain the priest recently expressed anger at Bishop Kevin Doran's refusal to meet with members. Its chairperson John Naughton said a farewell party would now take place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone this Sunday. Speaking to Shannonside News, he described Fr Michael as an extremely humble man:
Advertisement
