Kilskyre parish's fond farewell to Fr Doyle

Parishioners of Kilskyre/Ballinlough said a fond farewell to Fr Andrew Doyle, who was their parish priest for 15 years, at a function in Clonabreany House in Crossakiel on Friday night. Fr Doyle, who arrived in Kilskyre in 1994, recently moved to Bohermeen as parish priest. A large crowd of parishioners attended the function, which included a buffet meal and music by local artistes. Michael O'Keeffe, chairman of the parish finance committee, made a presentation to Fr Doyle, on behalf of the parishioners. He was presented with a 'Genesis' lamp and a voucher. Fr Doyle told the gathering that he was sorry to leave the parish. Mr O'Keeffe spoke about Fr Doyle's work over the years and his involvement in so many aspects of parish life. He was the instigator of the clean-up campaigns in the parish which led to a Pride of Place award. Mr O'Keeffe recalled Fr Doyle starting out to refurbish the churches of the parish at a time when money wasn't flush and said now the debt was almost cleared.