The cleric is the subject of two Garda probes over alleged “financial irregularities” at two churches he was at.
He’s suspected of keeping cash from collections at mass and payments for grave plots to fund an alleged gambling habit.
It’s understood his alleged gambling relates to huge bets on horse racing.
Gardai also suspect he may have used some cash to entertain pals.
It is understood he has denied all complaints and claims against him.
It’s believed the matter was reported to Gardai after concerns were raised by Church authorities over reduced incomes to the church.
In the first probe, he was questioned by cops over the alleged “mismanagement of funds” worth up to €100,000.
The second probe relates to a much smaller amount of funds — believed to be around €1,000. Following the complaint, he was arrested and questioned on suspicion of theft.
He was later released without charge and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
It is understood he has denied all of the complaints. Investigators are set to quiz church officials as part of the probe.
He was also moved from one church after financial concerns were raised.
The case mirrors comedian Dermot Morgan’s iconic Father Ted, who was banished to the fictional Craggy Island over ‘financial irregularities’.
Father Ted famously insisted money he was accused of embezzling from a Church fundraiser was “just resting in my account”.
Meanwhile, the clergyman at the centre of this real-life probe is also suspected of a number of motoring offences.
One source said: “A complaint was made by a superior over concerns about finances at a church and that’s when the Gardai were alerted to it.
“The church authority had safeguarding concerns and that’s why an investigation was undertaken.
“The suspicion is that he has a gambling habit and was using church funds to pay for it.”
We can also reveal that the priest at the centre of an investigation has also been accused of harassing two civil servants in a separate matter, which it is understood he has denied.
The source added: “The priest is currently involved in a dispute with a civil servant that’s been going on for quite some time. A lot of claims of harassment have been levelled against him.”