An ‘enjoyable finale’ in Swad
Fr Maurice McMorrow, former Parish Priest for the Kinawley-Killesher parish, which includes Swanlinbar, expressed gratitude for the “great generosity and hospitality” he received during his nine-year tenure there.
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Fr Seán Mawn, PP Ballinamore, Fr Maurice McMorrow, PP Killinkere, and Fr Gerry Alwell, PP Derrylin, at Fr McMorrow’s departure mass in Kinawley. Pictured at front are the four churches of the parish, St Mary’s Church Swanlinbar, St Naile’s Church Kinawley, St Lasir’s Church Wheathill and St Patrick’s Church Killesher.Image 2 of 2
Swanlinbar sacristan Anna McAveety presented Fr McMorrow with a gift on behalf of the parish.In recent weeks, the Kiltyclogher native was appointed Parish Priest of Killinkere, with additional pastoral responsibilities in Lurgan, Mullagh and Castlerahan. Fr Sean Maguire, former parish priest for Corlough-Templeport, has since taken up the role in the cross-border parish.
Fr McMorrow expressed particular thanks for the support he received at his departure mass, which was a “joyous” occasion, held on Friday, July 31, in St Naile’s Church, Kinawley.
“It was an enjoyable finale for me,” he reflected.
Over the years, Fr McMorrow built strong relationships with parishioners, and has fond memories of celebrating mass at various points in their lives, from baptisms to first holy communions and weddings. He enjoyed “every minute”.
“It’s all about the people,” Fr McMorrow said.
“You’re there in service to the people all the time.”
There was a “period of immense challenge” for everybody in the parish during the pandemic but they ultimately got through it together in faith.
Having previously served as Parish Priest in the neighbouring parish of Kilsherdany & Drung, Fr McMorrow says it is a “joy” to be back in the “heartland” of Cavan in Killinkere Parish.