Popular priest announces his retirement

A WEST Tyrone priest known for his pastoral care at the time of the 1998 Omagh bomb atrocity is to retire from full-time Ministry.

Fr Kevin Mullan has been parish priest of Drumquin and announced his decision to parishioners at the weekend.

In 1998, he provided much care and support to those affected as a result of the Market Street bomb and is well-known and respected for his cross-community and ecumenical work.

In a message contained within the parish bulletin, Fr Mullan said his decision had been a ‘sad one’ to make, but thanked the people of the area for the ‘hospitality in their hearts’ which has been shown to him over many years living in the community.

“It has been a sad decision to make and there has been a tear or two,” he said.

“You are so easy and pleasant to work with and you come forward when help is required or form those various groupings that make the parish run smoothly.

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

Fr Mullin recently returned to the parish after a short period in hospital.