Limerick priest Fr Terry O'Connell has stood by controversial remarks that magicians performing in a talent show were an "abhorrence." Fr O'Connell said that there was no question of him withdrawing his comments or issuing an apology as demanded by the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
He said he was sticking to his beliefs and added that the magicians’ organisation had “some cheek" asking him for an apology.
Fr O’Connell, who is a curate in St Patrick's parish, had said the inclusion of two young magicians in a talent show fundraiser in Crescent College for a pilgrimage to Lourdes a "thundering disgrace".
He said it was "appalling" that two young magicians would have any part to play in the raising of funds for a Catholic pilgrimage.
Speaking on RTE’s Liveline programme he said a performance of magic was “sinful".
“I couldn't support any kind of magic especially if it's running concurrently with an event that is predominantly Christian."
Among those who had been offended by the priest’s remarks were Limerick magicians Terence Andrews, Paddy Ward and Vincent Finucane, all of whom demanded that Fr O'Connell apologise.
Mr Andrews said he had instilled a love of magic in his children and they regularly performed for elderly and ill people free of charge.
He said he was “annoyed and upset” at Fr O’Connell’s comments and added that his Society had some 300 members and that the first president of the Munster Society of Magicians was himself a priest.
A spokesperson for Bishop Donal Murray told Limerick radio station Live95fm that Fr O`Connell’s remarks were made in a personal capacity.
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