In pictures: ‘The standing ovations are a true reflection of the high esteem Fr Pat holds’

Departing Kincasslagh and Burtonport Parish Priest Fr Pat Ward said goodbye with masses in the Rosses before his move to Templecrone Parish.

Fr Pat said his last Saturday evening mass in Acres and St Columba's Church in Burtonport was packed to capacity.

The mass was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Matt McInerney and Rev. Fr. John Joe Duffy, CC, Creeslough and of course, a native of Burtonport.

It was a most joyous and nostalgic occasion as people of all age groups came out to say goodbye to the hugely popular parish priest. The local Crickmore Band was in attendance and added greatly to the occasion.

During his homily, Fr Pat thanked all for their kindness and hospitality over the years and paid special thanks to Fr Matt McInerny for his assistance over the last 22 years, especially for his wisdom, advice and company.

Fr Pat also thanked Fr John Joe for his attendance and for always trying to attend as many funerals and special occasions as he can in the Parish. Fr Pat also thanked the Acres Church choir, under the directorship of Joe Rodgers and Mary Ellen Hyland, for their great dedication and service.

Thanks were also given to Margaret Rose Bonner and her helpers for maintaining the fabrics of the Chapel. After Mass, the congregation moved to the nearby St Columba’s Community Centre for refreshments, which were enjoyed by all. MC for the occasion was David Alcorn, who thanked the choir and community centre for organising this get-together.

David thanked Fr Pat for his work in the parish, particularly during the Covid times, in which he shared his masses online, which made him so many friends all over the world.

His ability to converse and communicate with all age groups was also highly commended. All present wished Fr Pat well in his new surroundings as he takes up his role as parish priest in the neighbouring Templecrone Parish.

Presentations were made to Fr Pat by the mass clerks, the Acres choir by Mrs Mary Ellen Hyland, both Acres and Keadue National Schools by their principals, Mr McGinley and Ms Hickey, the children's liturgy group, and by both the Community Centre and Festivals by Triona Boner.

“Well done to all who organised the event, those who provided the food and also the ladies who served refreshments on the evening,” David Alcorn said.

On Sunday morning, Fr Pat celebrated his last Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kincasslagh, with a very large turnout again. In attendance were the Keadue and Mullaghduff bands, and well done to them both. Fr Pat spoke fondly of having served the Kincasslagh end of the parish for some 30 years, having been curate for eight years, before becoming parish priest.

He thanked all those who helped in any way, the Church Choir and paid special tribute to the former sacristan of the Church, the late Charlie Ward and his successor, Adrian Ward, who succeeded him some years ago.

After Mass, all returned to St. Mary’s Hall, Kincasslagh, for refreshments and well done to all for helping with this very important part of the day.

Ben McGonagle acted as MC for the occasion. Amongst the speakers were Benji Conmy, chairman of the pastoral council and James Breslin, who spoke on behalf of the parishioners. Presentations were made by Kathleen and Rosaleen from the pastoral council, by the altar servers, by the choir (Eugene McGarvey), and by the parishioners (Eileen Ogelsby).

Finally, the standing ovations in both churches are a true reflection of the high esteem Fr Pat holds amongst us all, and we wish him continued success and God’s blessing in Dungloe.

DA