Newly-ordained Fr Shaun Doherty celebrates his first Mass in Letterkenny

For 27 years he was behind a microphone in Letterkenny and this evening, the now Fr Shaun Doherty was back in the Cathedral town.

Fr Shaun, a native of Stoke-on-Trent, celebrated Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral for the Vigil Mass of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, having been ordained at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry last month.

After stepping aside from his broadcasting role at Highland Radio where he presented 'The Shaun Doherty Show' back in 2017, he announced his plans to join the priesthood and last year was ordained a Deacon in St Paul’s Basilica in Rome. Since then, he studied in Rome and the ordination his celebrated by the Bishop of Derry, the Most Reverend Donal McKeown in July.

“I am standing here delivering a homily today as a Catholic priest 10 minutes from where I used to broadcast a three-hour radio program, so nothing is impossible for God,” Fr Shaun said.

“Convincing our blessed mother led me to a closer relationship with her son. I made a very peaceful decision to leave behind my former life to follow this new path after journeying many times to Medjugore, Lourdes and Knock, and through the inspiration of the late Fr Neil Carlin.

“I came here sometimes in the morning before the show and there were faithful people here. God has been so good to me. Whether you're here as a regular attendee of mass, a friend from another denomination, just a curious visitor tonight or a non-believer, whoever you are you are most welcome.”

Fr Shaun was welcomed to Letterkenny by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, who stated his belief that the traits that made him such a well-appreciated broadcaster will stand him in good stead in his new career.

“We are here to celebrate Fr Shaun’s first mass here in Letterkenny, a place well-known to him and a place where he is well-known,” Monsignor Kevin said. “The initiative to invite Fr Shaun to celebrate mass for us for the first time came very quickly and spontaneously from the people and that reflects the way he was appreciated here due to his career in local broadcasting with Highland Radio. Also, for all the good initiatives he has been involved in down the years here in Donegal, Derry, Tyrone and elsewhere.

“Fr Shaun has undertaken a journey of discernment and commitment that has led him to the seminary and to priestly ordination. He now begins his sacred ministry as a priest. He brings with him an extraordinary wealth of experience and involvement in many things, a listening ear, and sympathy for people. This will now be added to the heart of a priest. It is our prayer that this journey will be happy and fruitful to him and for those who will be placed in his care.”

'The call of our Lady of Peace,' a hymn that was written by Fr Shaun, was sang by Frank Breslin's choir to conclude the Mass. Monsignor Kevin said that the singing of the hymn had been intended to be a surprise for Fr Shaun, only for him to arrive as it was being rehearsed. 

“Thank you Frank and thank you to the choir was a surprise never heard It song before so I was very surprised thank you,” Fr Shaun said. “I’m grateful to God for this tremendous privilege of priesthood and the new journey of service and I am so glad to be sharing it with you here tonight, with people who mean so much to me and of course my father's home county of Donegal, so thank you.”