Fr Gallagher on the move after 21 years

The song says "21 years is a very long time" - but the 21 years Fr. Joe Gallagher Adm. of Mullingar parish, has spent here have flown, he said this week as word broke of his move to Kilcormac as parish priest."I really have enjoyed it: they have been really good years," Fr. Gallagher told the Westmeath Examiner this week."There are so many rich memories and there are many bonds that have been made and it will be difficult to leave. However I must now face a new challenge and launch out into the deep, putting my trust in the Lord," he said, adding: "I feel blessed to have been among the people of Mullingar who have accepted and supported me for the past 21 years."For Fr. Gallagher, the move to Kilcormac - which comes on October 11 - does bring a welcome development: he will be closer to his parents, who live in Mucklagh, outside Tullamore.Highlights that he remembers from his time in Mullingar include the Jubilee Year, 2000; the Silver Jubilee earlier this year, of Bishop Michael Smith; and the time that the Easter ceremonies were broadcast from Mullingar Cathedral."They were great times," he said.He admitted that for any priest, moving from an area in which they have been settled for some time can be a wrench.Over his years in town, Fr. Gallagher was involved with St. Dominick's Community Council, the Mullingar Employment Action Group, the St Vincetn de Paul, the St. Joseph's Young Priests' Society, and the Royal Canal Amenity Group.He has served as Director of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for the past five years."I am sorry to leave: but when you are in a place and settled, and liked it, and loved the work, you don't leave with any regrets,"The new administrator of Mullingar parish is to be Fr Padraig McMahon, currently CC Mullingar, while Fr Richard Matthews, PP Killucan is appointed VF Mullingar.Other priests also on the move are the Castletown Geoghegan-born Monsignor Dermot Farrell, PP Dunboyne, who becomes a Vicar General; former Mullingar Administrator, Fr. Sean Henry, PP Kingscourt, who becomes PP of Trim; Fr. David Brennan, a native of Mullingar, currently CC in Bohermeen, now appointed CC of Moynalvey.Monsignor Eamonn Marron is retiring as Vicar General; Fr. Andrew Farrell is retiring as PP of Trim; Fr. Edward Daly is retiring as PP of Kilcormack, Fr. Patrick Mackin is retiring as PP of Bohermeen.Fr Barry Condron, CC Castletown-Finea is appointed CC Dunshaughlin, Fr. Declan Hurley CC Navan is appointed Administrator of Navan; Fr. Andrew Doyle, PP Kilskyre becomes PP of Bohermeen and VF, Navan; Fr. John Brogan, PP Donore, is appointed PP Kilskyre, Fr. Michael Meade, CC Mount Bolus, is appointed PP Donore, and Fr. Gerard MacCormack, Administrator, Navan, is appointed PP Kingscourt.