'Tireless dedication' - Mayo parish priest's party draws massive crowd

COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (JULY 1 EDITION)

More than 300 guests celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ordination of popular parish priest Fr Stephen Farragher on Friday evening, June 20th.

Local parishioner Tommy Caulfield explained to this column how Fr Stephen of Ballyrourke, The Neale was ordained on June 16, 1985, in St John’s Church, The Neale by the then Archbishop of Tuam Joseph Cunnane.

“Among the clergy in attendance at the [recent] celebrations were Dr Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam as well as Fr Stephen’s brother, Fr Pat Farragher and former Ballyhaunis curate Fr James O’Grady,” explained Tommy.

The homily at the celebratory mass was delivered by fellow seminarian Fr Tommy O’Connor, a renowned historian at Maynooth University.

Tommy continued: “At the celebratory function, a number of presentations were made on behalf of parish organisations to mark the momentous milestone and in gratitude for Fr Stephen’s unwavering faith, tireless dedication, and loving service to God and His people."

MC for the evening was Kevin Henry, Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, who paid tribute to Fr Stephen’s role over the years as shepherd, teacher, and friend, guiding his parishioners with wisdom, comforting us with compassion, and inspiring by example.