Popular Stranorlar-based curate Fr Anthony Briody announces departure

Parishioners at the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar received the unexpected news this morning that their curate of four-years, Fr Anthony Briody, is to leave.

He made his announcement at the end of 9am Mass.

He thanked the parishioners and his parish priest, Fr Kieran McAteer for all their help, support and friendship during his time in Stranorlar.

The Glenties native revealed that Bishop Alan McGuckian has recently asked him to take up priestly ministry in another parish.

"As there are others involved in these changes and to be fair to all involved I can't say much more at the moment but I'm sure many people have already guessed."

He added he wanted to reassure everyone that Fr Kieran would be getting a replacement shortly.

"These changes are happening very quickly and out of necessity so I just wanted to take this opportunity this Sunday to thank you for putting up with me for the past four years. In my first few weeks here someone asked me how I was getting on. I think my reply was something like, so far, so good, to which they replied, people around here take you as you are. I think that is a great tribute to people from this part of the world and one that I can absolutely testify to."

Fr Briody added he also wanted to take the opportunity to thank the parish for its great witness to the faith.

"There is a daily Mass-going congregation here in this parish that would be the envy of many Sunday congregations elsewhere."

Parishioners gave Fr Briody a round of applause as he left the altar.

It is understood although not officially confirmed that Fr Briody may be taking up duties based out of St Mary's, Fanavolty and St Columba's Massmount in Fanad following the recent sudden departure of the parish priest there a number of weeks ago.