Popular Newry Based Priest Moved to Another Diocese

A popular Newry based priest is to be moved to another diocese following an overhaul by archbishop Eamon Martin. Father Damien Quigley who is based in Middle Killeavy took to social media to express his sincere thanks to his parishioners.

Message from Fr. Damien:

“After sharing the news with my family and with the people whom I serve at Mass this weekend, just to let you know that Archbishop Eamon has appointed me to the Parish of Dunleer to serve there as parish priest, effective September 9th.

Thus I will be leaving Middle Killeavy and hospital chaplaincy in the first week in September. This is not “Goodbye” just yet but that time is approaching.”

“As you can imagine, these are days of mixed emotions for me and I would treasure your remembrance of me in your prayers. Please also pray for the people of Dunleer Parish as they say goodbye to their parish priest of many years.

When I came to Middle Killeavy almost seven years ago now as a newly ordained priest, I pledged to do my very best to help you – the people I serve – know that you are sought after, loved and forgiven by God. Please pray that I may also serve the people of Dunleer in that way, to the best of my abilities, with the support of their prayers and, above all else, with the grace of God.”

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages…” (Matthew 9:35). 

Lord, I walk in your footsteps.

Fr. D.

Archbishop Eamon Martin announced the following clergy appointments for the Archdiocese of Armagh, effective 9 September 2023. Archbishop Eamon thanked the priests and deacons of the Archdiocese for their continued ministry and service, and wishes well those who are taking up these new appointments. He also thanked the people of the Archdiocese of Armagh for their ongoing prayers and support of their clergy. He encouraged them to welcome their new pastors in the coming weeks.

V Rev Michael Murtagh, PP, Dunleer, to be PE, AP, Holy Family, Dundalk

Rev Damien Quigley, CC, Middle Killeavy, to be PP, Dunleer

Rt Rev Archdeacon James Carroll PP, EV, Togher, to retire 

V Rev John Fox PP, Newbridge, to retire 

V Rev Seán O’Neill, PP, Termonmaguirc, to be PP, Keady & Derrynoose

 V Rev John Gates, PP, Magherafelt, also to be Adm, Newbridge 

V Rev Peter McAnenly, Adm, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh, to be PP, Termonmaguirc 

V Rev Patrick Rushe, PP, VF, Monasterboice, also to be Adm, Togher 

V Rev Paul Montague, PP, Tallanstown, to be PE, AP, Tallanstown 

V Rev Anselm Emechebe, MSP, PP, Kilsaran, also to be Adm, Tallanstown 

V Rev John McKeever, PP, VF, Keady & Derrynoose, to pursue doctoral studies in Rome 

V Rev Mark O’Hagan, PP, VF, St Patrick’s, and Adm Holy Redeemer, Dundalk, also to be Adm, Holy Family, Dundalk 

Fr Paul Murphy, CC, Kilmore, and Assistant in Drumcree Parish, serving in the Armagh Inter­Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, also to be Administrator of the Armagh Inter-Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and Assistant Diocesan Chancellor 

Rev Maciej Zacharek, CC, St Patrick’s, and Holy Redeemer, Dundalk, to serve in the Diocese of Dromore 

Rev Barry Matthews, CC, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh, to be Adm, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh 

Rev Callum Young to be CC, St Patrick’s, Holy Redeemer, and Holy Family, Dundalk, while continuing as Assistant to the Rector, Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary, Dundalk 

Rev David Nugent, on loan from the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon, France, to be CC, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Armagh 

Rev Pius Ekpe, MSP, on loan from the Missionary Society of St Paul of Nigeria, to be CC, Togher and Monasterboice 

Rev Saji Ponminissery Dhumani, on loan from the Diocese of Irinjalakuda, India, to be CC, Middle Killeavy Rev Carlos Esteban Rojo, newly-ordained, to serve in the Diocese of Dromore 

ENDS