Kilkenny priest 'held in high regard' celebrates major accolade

A parish celebration to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Canon Patrick Duggan’s ordination to the priesthood was held in Bennettsbridge on Sunday.

Mass was celebrated in St Bennett’s church by Fr Pat who welcomed everyone, family members, parishioners and mass-goers from outside the parish. He thanked everyone for coming to support him on this joyous occasion and shared some memories of his 60 years in the priesthood.

He was ordained on June 6, 1965 and was appointed to St Canice’s Parish. He spent nine years there, sharing a house with Fr Jerry Joyce and Fr Paul Fitzgerald. In 1974 he was appointed as Administrator to St Mary’s Parish.

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Fr Pat came to Tullaherin Parish in 1990 - this year marks 35 years’ service to this community. He expressed the wish that he’d be able to continue to serve the people of Tullaherin/Bennettsbridge parish, albeit with a lighter workload. Funerals, weddings and baptisms will be carried out with help from priests in the diocese.

Fr Pat thanked everyone who helped to organise the mass, including Owena Grimes, Olive Morrin and Joan Cleere. A beautiful booklet was put together by Owena. He thanked the volunteer sacristans who are supportive of him at all times. The combined choirs from Tullaherin and Bennettsbridge sang throughout the mass accompanied by organist Christine O’Neill.

The lessons were read by Denise Egan and John Morrin. Parishioners and family members took part in the Offertory procession. Narrator was Owena Grimes. Items carried to the altar included a photo of Rosie his dog, golf club and ball and race card.

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The Prayers of the Faithful covered many aspects of Fr Pat’s ministry, including his six decades of service to the priesthood and his 35 years service to Tullaherin parish. His family was remembered in a special way, especially his parents, William and Margaret, his late brothers, Sean and Mick and sister, Peggy. His sister Biddy was unable to attend, but was remembered in the prayers.

Refreshments were served in the community where the people of the parish turned out in large numbers to support their pastor of 35 years.

Richard Cody, speaking on behalf of the parishioners, congratulated Fr Duggan on his Diamond Jubilee.

"Fr Duggan has served the parish well and is held in high regard," he said.

"He is a pleasure to work with and his support in all parish activities is always present. He is always kind and generous with his time and is gentle and tolerant in all his dealings with the people that he meets. We look forward to having him in our midst for many more years."

Fr Pat was presented with a Jerpoint Glass bowl featuring St Bennett’s Church on one side and Tullaherin Tower on the other. Making the presentation, Joan Cleere remarked that ‘it was a special piece, for a special man’.

Thanks went to all who helped make the occasion extra special for Fr Pat, his family and parishioners.