Bishop Smith of Meath has announced the transfer of one of the countries longest serving parish priests transferred to a new parish this week after an amazing 21 years of service. Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner Fr Joe Gallagher following news of his transfer to Kilcormac as Parish Priest, he said that, “The song says that 21 years is a very long time but the 21 years I have spent as Adm. of Mullingar parish, have flown.”
He added "I really have enjoyed it. They have been really good years. There are so many rich memories and there are many bonds that have been made and it will be difficult to leave. However I must now face a new challenge and launch out into the deep, putting my trust in the Lord," he said,
He added, "I feel blessed to have been among the people of Mullingar who have accepted and supported me for the past 21 years.”
For Fr. Gallagher, the move to Kilcormac - which came into force on October 11th – brings a welcome development as he will be closer to his parents, who live in Mucklagh, outside Tullamore.
Highlights that he remembers from his time in Mullingar include the Jubilee Year, 2000, the Silver Jubilee earlier this year of Bishop Michael Smith and the time that the Easter ceremonies were broadcast from Mullingar Cathedral. “They were great times," he said.
He admitted that for any priest, moving from an area in which they have been settled for some time can be a wrench.
Over his years in town, Fr. Gallagher was involved with St. Dominick's Community Council, the Mullingar Employment Action Group, the St Vincent de Paul, the St. Joseph's Young Priests' Society, and the Royal Canal Amenity Group.
Fr. Joe Gallagher is also Pilgrimage Director for the Meath Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes and it is believed that he will continue in this position.
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