Drumaness priest praised for work in the parish

Drumaness priest praised for work in the parish

17 May 2017

A DRUMANESS priest has been thanked for his pastoral and spiritual leadership at a farewell event at the weekend.

Magheradroll parishioners gathered at St Colman’s Gaelic Athletic Club on Sunday afternoon to formally thank  Fr Desmond Loughran for 17 years of service to the community.

Speeches referred to his pastoral and spiritual leadership which was administered with empathy, warmth and a sense of fun.

Jackie Fitzsimons, chairman of the parish finance committee, and Christine Wilson, chairwoman of the pastoral committee, paid tribute to Fr Loughran and his “empathy, warmth and sense of fun”.

“Each one of us have stories to tell about Fr Des in our lives and will remember him affectionately,” said Mrs Wilson.

Mr Fitzsimons said the large numbers who attended were testimony to the affection and esteem in which Fr Loughran has been held and he also spoke of Fr Loughran’s kindness and said he was loved by all the parish. 

“We have been blessed to have him serve us,” he added.

A presentation was also made to Mrs Marie Noade who retired after many years serving as parish secretary.