We Are Tyrone

Parish

  • ‘Sense of uncertainty’ about what is next for two Tyrone parishes

    ‘Sense of uncertainty’ about what is next for two Tyrone parishes

    A NEW Mass schedule is coming into effect for two Tyrone parishes following a restructuring of services in recent weeks, which coincided with the death of Father Eugene Hasson, Parish Priest of Drumragh.

    The Cappagh and Drumragh parishes are currently being served by two priests. The cancellation of Vigil and Sunday Masses in the Corpus Christi Church in Mountfield and St Mary’s Church in Knockmoyle come into effect from this weekend.

    It remains unclear what plans will be put in place by the Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown, for the parish of Drumragh following the passing of Fr Hasson, who had been Parish Priest there since 2017.

    In his homily at Masses at the weekend, Fr Kevin McElhennon, Parish Priest of Cappagh, who alongside his curate, Fr Malachy Gallagher, is covering Masses and other services at six churches, said there was currently an ‘sense of uncertainty’ about what comes next.

    “From the moment Fr Eugene was brought home to the Sacred Heart Church, this parish rose in a wonderful response in the days that followed. People stepped forward, took responsibility, they gave their time, their care and their presence,” Fr McElhennon said.

    “The church was full, not just for the funeral Mass, but for all the services and rosaries. There was a constant prayer that took place here, all led and organised by the people of the parish.

    “You might say that those days the parish was alive. If you could ever say that a funeral was positive, then Fr Eugene’s funeral had a profoundly positive influence on our parish.”

    Fr McElhennon said that people had felt honoured to play their part. He said that this reflected a ‘real sense of belonging’ in the parish.

    He added that ‘something had changed’ in relation to the future of the parish, and said people were now moving forward as a parish community.

    “The way forward for our parish will be shaped whether what we have seen happen among us (following the death of Fr Hasson) becomes something which is real about how we live as a parish – the shared responsibility, the willingness to give and each person rising with tremendous generosity,” he said.

     

  • Drumragh parish mourns death of popular priest

    Drumragh parish mourns death of popular priest

    PRAYERS have been offered at all services in local churches for Fr Eugene Hasson, the Parish Priest of Drumragh, who has died following an illness.

    A native of Co Derry, the 70-year-old has been one of the longest serving and most popular priests in the West Tyrone area for almost five decades.

    He has been the Parish Priest of Drumragh, which covers the town of Omagh, for the past nine years. He had previously served in Greencastle from 2007 and 2015, and in Cappagh for a decade from 1991. He had first been a curate in Drumragh following his ordination in 1980.

    Fr Hasson guided parishioners in Drumragh through the challenges of the Covid-pandemic in 2020. During celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of his ordination, local people lined the route from the Parochial House to the Sacred Heart Church to applaud him on the important milestone.

    In 1998, he was ministering in Cappagh when the Omagh bomb on Market Street claimed the lives of 31 people, including many from or with connections to the parish.

    He was also in Omagh in 2018 when the 30th anniversary of the atrocity was remembered.

    Fr Hasson also served as chaplain to the Tyrone County Hospital in Omagh at the time of the bomb, and was deeply involved in the Omagh Churches Forum.

    In 2024, he spearheaded events to mark the 125th anniversary of the Sacred Heart Church and one of his final engagements prior to his illness was a special Mass at the site where the Dioceses of Derry, Armagh and Clogher meet near Seskinore and Tattyreagh.

    Funeral arrangements for Fr Hasson have yet to be confirmed. But, as is traditional on the death of a priest, it is anticipated that his remains will repose for a time in the Sacred Heart Church.

     

  • Bishop signals parish changes as Drumragh decision delayed

    Bishop signals parish changes as Drumragh decision delayed

    A DECISION on the future appointment of a parish priest to Drumragh has been delayed by the Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown, as part of a wider review of parish structures across the diocese.

    In the meantime, Fr Kevin McElhennon, parish priest of Cappagh, along with curate Fr Malachy Gallagher, will continue to administer the parish. Parishioners have also been asked to pray for Drumragh priest Fr Eugene Hasson, who has been absent due to illness.

    Drumragh and Cappagh Parishes are among the largest in the Derry Diocese.

    In a letter published in the Drumragh parish bulletin, Fr McElhennon, said that they would continue to adminster the parish with the cooperation of priests from neighbouring parishes.

    “The bishop intends to review the needs of the wider area and the diocese in the coming months. After that period of discernment, and in the context of the developing pastoral areas, he will make a decision about a future appointment,” Fr McElhennon said.

    “We know that this news may bring a mixture of feelings for many in Drumragh. The uncertainty of these times is not always easy, and your faithfulness, patience and commitment to parish life are deeply appreciated.”

    His comments come after the release of a Pastoral Letter by Bishop McKeown entitled ‘Moving Forward Together in Changing Times.’

    “In the years ahead, pastoral areas and parish collaboration will become increasingly important in how we work together and plan sustainably. The goal is not centralisation, but shared responsibility. Each parish is invited to see itself as part of a wider missionary community,” Bishop McKeown said.

    “This will involve continuing conversations about what is realistic. Mass schedules, times of community prayer and pastoral activity benefit most when pastoral areas reflect together, avoid unnecessary overlap and consider what best serves the people as a whole.

    “In these days of easy travel, neighbouring parishes holding Masses at the same time may not meet the needs of the wider community.

    “Decisions must grow out of discernment – rooted in prayer, listening, consultation, and openness to God’s leading. They are not instructions from the bishop, but responsibilities to parishes and pastoral areas, supported by the diocese.”

    Meanwhile, the neighbouring parishes of Aghyaran, Ardstraw West and Castlederg and Drumquin have announced a series of weekend Mass changes to come into effect from the New Year.

    Fr Paul Fraser and Fr Thomas Canning have said that the combined circumstances in the local area mean that they must now put in place a ‘one priest Mass schedule’, which will mean cover without seeking outside help.

    “An additional factor in the area at this time is that we (Fr Thomas and Fr Paul) are also helping to take care of some of the pastoral needs of the Parish of Drumragh, including school chaplaincy, funerals and Mass schedule.

    “While we understand that change can be difficult for people, we hope that you will understand the reasons why some adaptations to the weekend Mass schedule are now necessary.”

  • Special celebrations to mark link between saint and Tyrone parish

    Special celebrations to mark link between saint and Tyrone parish

    A SERIES of events will be held later this month to celebrate the special connection between the Creggan area of Termonmaguirc Parish and St Oliver Plunkett, marking the 50th anniversary of his canonisation in Rome in 1975.

    Archbishop Eamon Martin will celebrate Mass in St Oliver Plunkett’s Church in Creggan on Saturday, June 14, at 6.30pm.

    This follows a Jubilee Camino from St Colmcille’s Church in Carrickmore, three miles away, starting at 4pm. Both events are organised by the Parish Pastoral Council. Young people from the parish have also contributed by completing a project on St Oliver Plunkett.

    “We are celebrating 400 years since the birth of St OliverPlunkett and 50 years since his canonisation, and we’re invited to deepen our faith through pilgrimage, prayer and community gatherings,” said Roseanne Cumiskey, a member of the Creggan Sacristan group and one of the organisers.

    “This Jubilee of Hope, called by Pope Francis for 2025, inspires us to reflect on St Oliver Plunkett’s life and find inspiration in his faith and witness.

    “Going on a pilgrimage gives us a chance to step away from the chaos of our schedules and enter a more contemplative state.

    “There’s a camaraderie along the route, a sharing of stories, and of aches and pains.”

    The people of Creggan are proud of their connection to St Oliver Plunkett and their church, which opened in 1940 and was re-dedicated in 1986 by Cardinal Tomas O Fiach. A chalice dating back to 1796 will be used by Archbishop Eamon Martin at the special Mass on Saturday, June 14. The chalice was entrusted to the people of Creggan by Fr O’Quinn.

    “In the years ahead, we hope the church here will serve as a reminder of a great tradition going back to St Colmcille and St Patrick,” added Roseanne.

  • Charities benefit from ‘A Fish Out of Water’

    Charities benefit from ‘A Fish Out of Water’

    THE Glenelly Players drama group has successfully raised £6,300 for a variety of local groups and charities, thanks to their well-received production of ‘A Fish Out Of Water’.

    The play, which ran from June 12 to 16 in Plumbridge Parish Hall, attracted packed houses and enthusiastic audiences. As a result, nine worthy causes will each receive £700.

    Kenny Hicks, chair of Glenelly Players, spoke at the presentation event earlier this month. He highlighted the group’s two-decade history of raising substantial funds for charity through the generosity of sponsors and the hard work of fundraisers.

    “It was a struggle this year to put together a cast, but thankfully, we found five new players and were able to put the show on a little later than usual,” Kenney said. “Thanks to the hard work, dedication, and talent of everyone involved, we have been able to stage another successful production.”

    Kenny extended his gratitude to the cast and crew, particularly acknowledging the contributions of the show’s director David Coyle and his assistant Roberta Wauchob, as well as the set builders, lighting and sound specialists, and the staff of Glenelly House and Plumbridge Parish Hall. He also thanked the committee and volunteers who played a crucial role in the show’s success.

    The groups who received cheques from the Glenelly Players are: Foyle Hospice, Motor Neurone Disease Association (NI), NI Chest, Heart & Stroke, Omagh Saturday Club, Care for Cancer (Omagh), The Plum Club, The Koram Centre (Strabane), OPAL (Oxford Pancreatic and Liver Fund) and Multiple Sclerosis Society (Strabane).

    Glenelly Players are an amateur drama group first established in Plumbridge in November 2004. Their first production was ‘Mother of the Bride’ in April 2005.

  • ‘End of an era’ for historic Parish of Termonmaguirc

    ‘End of an era’ for historic Parish of Termonmaguirc

    PARISHIONERS in Termonmaguirc will have one final opportunity to view the historic parochial house in Carrickmore on Saturday, before it’s demolished in the coming months.

    Constructed in the 1920s, the building is situated close to St Colmcille’s Church in the town on a prominent position. It has been a focal point for priests and parishioners alike throughout the past century, but changing times have now resulted in plans for a brand new parochial house for the modern era.

    On July 20 between 12 noon and 2pm, local people – many of whom may not have been in the house previously – will get the chance to take a look around. Then, at 2pm, items including old electrical equipment, tables and original fireplaces will be auctioned off in aid of parish funds.

    Current Parish Priest, Fr Peter McAnenly is the only priest now serving in Termonmaguirc. He said the house has fallen into disrepair during recent years and the decision has now been made to demolish the property to make way for a new parochial residence.

    “There are two houses here on the site of the parochial house. One is the original building constructed in the 1920s and then the extension dating from the 1980s,” he said.

    “There are contents within both houses that are now being auctioned. These include fireplaces which were fitted when the old house was first constructed, pieces of furniture, pictures, dining tables and chairs, light-fittings and a range of other items.

    “We felt that this was a chance for people to see these items and perhaps purchase them.”

    Fr McAnenly said the auction and subsequent demolition will mark the end of an era for the parish.

    “This was a very sizeable home built to cater for a number of priests. With the changing face of the Catholic Church and a decline in the number of priests, a large building such as this is no longer fit for purpose,” he added.

    “Many people within the parish have to said me that they have never been in the parochial house. On Saturday, there is that chance for people to visit the house before it’s demolished.

    “It is a building which has held a prominent position in Carrickmore for the past century. This building has stood on the hill for well over 100 years, and has been a symbol for the parish during that time. This is the close of one chapter and clearly the beginning of another.”