Large crowds expected at Golden Jubilee celebration for priest in Kilkenny

A large crowd is expected at the parish church in Callan to celebrate parish priest Fr Willie Dalton’s Golden Jubilee as a priest.

The newly ordained Bishop of Ossory, Niall Coll will be in attendance. There are many parishioners right across the parish and schools, partaking in the event, representing every man, woman and child, plus groups, clubs and organisations.

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Fr Willie has been in Callan Parish over 22 years, overseeing a population of 4,500 people, responsible for Callan, Coolagh, Newtown, as well as the Christian Brothers at Westcourt and the Mercy nuns at the Convent on the hill.

Fr Willie was ordained on July 8, 1973 at the retreat house of Peace in Christ on the Sion Road Kilkenny. At that time there were over 20 priests ordained in the class of ’73.

After his ordination Fr Willie continued his studies and went to Rome to take post-graduate studies in Theology from 1973 to 1974.

He returned to Ireland and was posted to the Archbishop’s house in Dublin from 1974 to 1976, before returning to Rome to take Post Graduate studies in Church Law from 1976 to 1980.

He joined the teaching staff of St Kieran’s College on his return and served there until 1992, when he became curate at St John’s Parish in the city while continuing to teach at St Kieran’s College Seminary.

In 1994 he was posted to the parish of Ferrybank for three years until he moved to Dunnamaggin as parish priest in 1997 and then to Callan in 2001, where he has served the community for 22 years.

One of his first main projects was the refurbishment of the parish church, which was in need of repair.

A huge fundraising campaign was launched and Father Willie proved very inventive with some of his projects.

When the Breakfast on Pluto movie was made in Callan in 2004, one of the venues used was the parish church and grounds.

With help from the film and other fundraisers, all the works were completed on the parish church and no debt remains.

Fr Willie is an ardent walker and loves the walk down through Coolalong, Bauntha and to Trenchmore wood, stopping along the way, especially during summer time, to chat with people.

All are invited to the special mass at 7.30pm in the Church of the Assumption to celebrate the evening with Father Willie.