Published: Wednesday, 18th August, 2010 5:00pm

Great send off for Fr. Dan in Drumlane

Fr. Dan Sheridan is loved by young and old in the parish of Drumlane, which was obvious at his leaving party on Monday night. Little Orla Brady who says Fr. Dan is the nicest, kindest priest she has ever met gets a fond farewell from Fr. Sheridan who is moving to Killeshandra. Code: 120810 Fr. Dan3 LT Photo: Lorraine Teevan
Pic by==: 97

The parish of Drumlane bid farewell to Fr. Dan Sheridan their beloved parish priest of ten years on Monday, August 9. The evening began with mass in St. Mary's Church, Staghall at 8pm. Fr. Dan was chief celebrant and he was joined by Fr. Gerry Comiskey, newly appointed parish priest, Canon P.J. Corrigan, Belturbet and Fr. Michael Fitzpatrick a native of the parish who is on holiday.

The church was full to capacity of parishioners and visitors from all age groups and walks of life, a testimony to the respect and high esteem in which Fr. Dan is held. Fr. Dan welcomed everyone and especially Fr. Gerry Comiskey on his return to Drumlane parish.

The Milltown/Staghall choirs combined for this special occasion and Philip Flood and Thomas Small did the readings. People from different schools/groups/areas/age groups of the parish read the prayers of the faithful. The offertory procession included symbols of interest to Fr. Dan, which reflect his life, and the importance of his role as parish priest in Drumlane. The members of the pastoral council and servers brought these to the altar. After mass, Fr. Dan was given a standing ovation.

Refreshments were provided in the Community Resource Centre, Milltown.

Kevin Fay, chairperson of the Pastoral Council was the MC for the evening. He welcomed everyone including Pat Duggan, principal, Greaghrahan NS and Philip Clarke, principal, Milltown and both spoke about Fr. Dan's contribution to school life. Both schools had new extensions completed, which were initiated by Fr. Dan. The priest was a welcome visitor in the schools and would treat teachers and children alike and was loved by all.

Mr. Fay then outlined all the work Fr. Dan had done in the parish with regards to both church and cemeteries. Drumlane's new cemetery development has begun and should be completed in the next three to four months. Staghall has been extended with a driveway right through.

Kevin and Suzanne Gunn, secretary of pastoral council, presented Fr. Dan on behalf of the parish with a beautifully engraved mirror in recognition of his ministry in Drumlane.

Fr. Dan is wished the very best in his new parish of Killeshandra.

A Céad Míle Fáilte and warm welcome was given to Fr. Gerry Comiskey on his return to the parish.

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