" He was instrumental in keeping Feis Dhoire Cholmcille alive" - Fr Kevin Mullan remembered

Tributes have been paid to Fr Kevin Mullan for his immense work and dedication locally following his death this morning.

Fr Kevin Mullan dedicated a lot of his time over the years to the feis in the city.

The Committee of Feis Dhoire Cholmcille were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fr Kevin Mullan.

A former secretary of the institution, Fr Kevin was until his passing still chairperson of the institution and had as ever paid his customary visit to the feis just a few short weeks ago at Easter.

His association with the feis began in the early 1970s when as a recently ordained priest at St Patrick's in Pennyburn he was asked to take over the reigns from the late Fr Willie McGaughey.

His qualifications for the post of feis secretary came as a result of his own participation in the feis as an Irish dancer.

Feis Registrar Ursula Clifford described the news of Fr Mullan's death as "heartbreaking".

"My own mother, Sibeal Sharkey, was like a second mother to him. I'm heartbroken. He had a great passion for the dancing at the feis and keeping it going as well as organising the rest of the disciplines."

Feis Secretary, Aisling Bonner added: "Fr Kevin was instrumental in keeping Feis Dhoire Cholmcille alive through some very dark days in this city and his love for it never diminished even when his clerical duties saw him move to Drumquin which was close to his native town of Omagh.

"On behalf of the Committee of Feis Dhoire Cholmcille I want to express our sincere condolences to Fr Kevin's family circle, his clerical colleagues and his wide circle of friends.

"To say that his experience, knowledge and wisdom is relation to the feis will be greatly missed, is a vast understatement."

Drumquin GAA also paid tribute to Fr Mullan in a post on social media.

A spokesperson for the club said: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Fr Mullan in the early hours of this morning.

"He has been an integral part of our community for over 20 years and will be sadly missed by us all.

"Despite his failing health over the past few years, he remained dedicated to his work and fought his illness bravely. We were delighted that he was able to be with us last year for the opening of our new pitch and he was a great supporter of any events we held.

"Rest in eternal peace now Fr Kevin, your work on earth is done.

"On behalf of our Committee, Players and Members we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to his sister Joan, extended family, fellow Priests in the Diocese and his great many friends in Drumquin, Omagh and beyond.

"Ar dheis De go rabih a anam

"As a mark of respect all Club activities have been suspended until after the funeral."