New book to celebrate the remarkable life of Fr Paddy O’Kane
“He gave so much of himself to others, including people struggling with depression and those facing many other types of challenges”
A book is being written about the remarkable life of Inishowen-born priest Father Paddy O’Kane.
Fr Paddy, who was born in Culdaff in 1948, spent most of his ministry in some of the most deprived and troubled areas of Northern Ireland.
Ordained in 1973, he arrived in Derry at the height of the Troubles to take up an appointment as curate in St Eugene’s parish.
Over the following decades, he became a distinctive figure in the communities he served, including Moville, where he was parish priest from 2007 until 2009.
His unconventional approach to the priesthood, his willingness to challenge established attitudes and his commitment to helping people inspired deep affection among many parishioners and friends.
Fr Paddy, who suffered from depression for many years, took his own life aged 73 in March 2022.
The book is being written by journalist Ciaran O’Neill, who was editor of the Derry News for twelve years.
During that time, Fr Paddy wrote a weekly column for the paper, in which he shared his views on a wide range of subjects, including his own long battle with depression.
O’Neill, who has also worked for the BBC, Sunday Independent and Belfast Telegraph and is currently digital editor of the North West News Group, said it was while reading old editions of the Derry News that he began to appreciate the depth and power of Fr Paddy’s writing.
“Reading those columns again, I was struck by how honest and open he had been about his own struggles, and by the impact his words had on other people.”
“I particularly remembered the calls and messages we received after publishing his articles about depression.”
“People told me how deeply the articles had affected them, and some wanted to make contact with Fr Paddy because they felt he might understand what they were going through.”
“I initially thought it would be a good idea to bring some of his writings together in a book. But I soon realised that the columns needed a wider story around them – the story of the man who had written them, the experiences that shaped him and the people whose lives he touched.”
While his sudden death was a devastating end to his life, O’Neill hopes the book will ensure it is Fr Paddy’s life and the impact he made on others that people remember.
“He was a hugely intelligent man with a mischievous sense of humour and a fun, often childlike approach to life.”
“He could be a showman, whether performing as his beloved Elvis Presley, demonstrating his magic tricks or bringing his own distinctive personality to the altar.”
“He was also a complex character who could be difficult at times. But helping people was always at the heart of what he did. He gave so much of himself to others, including people struggling with depression and those facing many other types of challenges.”
Author O’Neill is appealing to anyone who knew Fr Paddy or would like to share a story about him to get in touch.
“It might be a story about something he did for you or your family, an encounter that stayed with you, a funny incident, or simply your recollection of what he was like as a person. I would love to hear from people whose lives he touched, in whatever way.”
Anyone who would like to share their story about Fr Paddy can contact Ciaran O’Neill at [email protected]