GARDAÍ have removed a number of items from a mobile home in Donegal belonging to Fr Eddie Gallagher who has been charged with attempted sexual communication with a child.
The Donegal-based priest, aged 58, is the curate for the Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick parishes, which include St Patrick’s Church in Murlog, Lifford. He was also a former parish priest in Moville.
The 58-year-old priest appeared before a special sitting of Derry Magistrates Court on Saturday, charged that on dates between April 2, 2025, and April 17, 2025, that he attempted sexual communication with a child.
His arrest and charge follows a confrontation by so called ‘paedophile hunters’ outside a Derry hotel on Thursday last, which saw a number of allegations put to him.
A video of the incident was widely shared online.
At the special sitting of Derry Magistrates Court via videolink in Dungannon, the priest, with an address at Orchard Park in Lifford, spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charge. No application for bail was made, and the case was adjourned until May.
Following his arrest on Thursday last week, gardaí and detectives visited a mobile home in Buncrana on the Inishowen Peninsula owned by the priest.
An Garda Siochána were contacted for a response in relation to the search carried out by gardaí. A spokesperson said they do not comment on inquiries which may relate to ongoing investigations.
Elsewhere, the Derry Diocese has confirmed Fr Eddie Gallagher has been suspended as criminal proceedings continue.
“The Diocese of Derry is aware that Fr Edward Gallagher has appeared in court in relation to serious charges of a sexual nature in relation to attempted sexual communication with a child.
“The diocese takes such matters very seriously and as such has, in addition, commenced its own internal investigation, which will only take place in a manner which does not impede the criminal investigation. Fr Gallagher is suspended from ministry.”
“As charges are now before a court, it would not be appropriate for the diocese to comment further until the completion of the criminal proceedings.”
The Diocese urged anyone with concerns of child abuse to contact all relevant authorities.
“If anyone has any allegations or concerns regarding child abuse, they should contact the PSNI and Social Services in Northern Ireland, or An Garda Síochána and Tusla in the Republic of Ireland.”
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