"Child sex abuse was a difficult time"

by Róise Collins

Fr Michael Herrity retires from priesthood after a devoted 56 years

RETIRING Parish Priest Michael Herrity has recalled the highs and lows of his pastoral life, recalling both the deep hurt and shock when child sex abuse came to light and his joy in serving so many parishioners.

Fr Herrity was ordained in Fanavolty in June 1969 by the then Bishop of Raphoe Anthony McFeely along two other Donegal natives, Fr Francis McAteer from Fanad and Fr Eddie Coyle from Derrybeg.

During his 56 years in the priesthood, Fr Herrity has served parishes in every corner of the county.

Speaking to the Donegal News, he recalled this journey which started in his neighbouring parish, Derrybeg. This was his first assignment after his ordination.

In 1971 he then moved to Tory Island which is less than 10 miles from Ardsbeg, Gortahork where he grew up.

Despite being reared up on the coast, overlooking the choppy Atlantic and being so familiar with the rugged outline of the island in the horizon he had never ventured out there until after he was ordained.

In the two years he served the community he became involved in getting electricity and a private water scheme to the then very remote island.

Fr Herrity was then assigned to the parish of Drumkeen. During his time there St Patrick’s church was built.

He fondly recalled running concerts in the marquee and hosting country music star Big Tom during his time in the village.

From 1974 he served the parish of Dungloe, during this time he was involved in fundraising and planning for St Crona’s Church.

He was then assigned to the neighbouring parish of Leitir, where he became involved in the local football team.

“I used to run Leitir United, we played in a couple of cup finals despite being new in the Donegal League,” he said.

From 1982 he was the Parish Priest in Milford, he again found himself involved in the local football team, Milford United.

“As well as doing my work as a priest, these extra bits made life more interesting,” Fr Herrity added.

He then moved closer to home to Cnoc Fola in 1985 replacing Fr Michael Sweeney, who he described as “a hard act to follow”. During this stint the community rallied together to build a new community centre.

He was then assigned to Annagry in 1991, where he served as the Parish Priest for close to 30 years.

He spoke highly of the supportive community, and the highs and lows he faced while serving the parish.

During this time the horrific details of Fr Eugene Greene’s child sex abuse came to light.

Fr Herrity described this as a “hard time” within the church that left the community in “shock” and admitted that they did not handle the situation well.
He spoke sorrowfully of the huge impact this had on people, particularly the victims.

In 2017 he returned to Cnoc Fola, where he has served until his retirement earlier this week.

Fr Herrity is now looking forward to his retirement and hopes to keep busy tending to his farm and playing cards.

He is also extremely grateful to the many people of the diocese that warmly welcomed him throughout the years.

“We have a great people in this Diocese, the faith is still strong and we have great families who rear their children very well.

“This makes it so easy for us as priests to do our job.”

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