Solicitor says each review into Derry priest Edward Gallagher’s case ‘seems to get longer and longer’

A solicitor for a former Inishowen Parish Priest facing sexual communication charges and indecent images of children has said that each review into the case “seems to get longer and longer.”

Fr Edward Gallagher (58), of Orchard Park, Lifford, had been charged with one count of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between April 2 and April 17, 2025.

He was also charged with seven further offences, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch sexual activity, as well as charges of possessing indecent images of children.

At the latest hearing at Derry Magistrate's Court on Thursday, February 26, a prosecutor said that a report on the categorisation of the images was still outstanding, and when that is received, the full file would be ready.

Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey said that when the case was last mentioned, they had been told the report would be ready in one week.

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He said that he was 'trying to keep a short leash' on the case as the delay got longer with every appearance. Mr Harvey said his client had been in custody since last April.

The case was adjourned until March 26 and the accused remains in custody.

Fr Gallagher, who was parish priest in Moville from 2022 until 2024, remains suspended from ministry. Most recently, he served as a curate at the Clonleigh, Camus and Leckpatrick parishes.