Loved priest retiring after nearly 50 years of service

FR Kevin Mullan, who has served as parish priest of Langfield in Drumquin, has announced his retirement from full-time ministry due to health reasons.

The Omagh native told parishioners of his decision through the parish bulletin at the weekend. He said it was a “sad one” for him to have to make and that he has been in contact with the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, over the matter.

During nearly 50 years as a priest, Fr Mullan has become renowned for his cross-community and ecumenical work and for his care and assistance to the
community and surrounding localities at the time of the 1998 Omagh bomb. “It has been a sad decision to make and there has been a tear or two.

You are so easy and pleasant to work with.

“You come forward when help is required or form those various groupings that make the parish run smoothly,” he said in his message to his parishioners.

“Together we have made developments that should see the parish some distance into the future.

“Thank you for the hospitality of your hearts and homes and schools. The bond between us is warm and lasting,” he added.

Fr Mullan also asked parishioners to make the Sunday Mass part of their week and to mention the priesthood to young men in their families.

“I asked the Bishop if the wisest thing would be for me to hand over the running of Langfield on the first Sunday of Advent and to use November as a transition time for me and the person or system that will take on your cares and needs,” he said.

“He expressed a similar view and agreed with me that you and your individual and community requirements must be at the centre of our thinking.”

Fr Mullan is from a well-known Omagh family and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971.

He has been deeply involved in community activities over the years, including in the campaign to retain acute services at the Tyrone County Hospital.

He recently returned to his home in Drumquin following a stay in hospital for treatment, after becoming ill in mid-September.