Collinstown/Fore resigned to losing Fr Michael Walsh, but prepare warm welcome for new parish priest

Parishioners in Collinstown and Fore plan to give their new parish priest, Fr Patrick Donnelly, the warmest of welcomes at the end of the month, despite resigning themselves to losing their beloved pastor of 15 years.

A sizeable crowd met in Collinstown's parish hall last night (Saturday), and heard a written statement from their outgoing parish priest, Fr Michael Walsh, who is making final preparations for his move to Kilcormac/Killoughey, Co. Offaly on September 29.

"I deeply appreciate the tremendous support, goodwill and kindness shown to me by the people of Collinstown and Fore since I came to the parish in September 1998, exactly 15 years ago," Empor native, Fr Walsh told the parish community.

"It has been a great honour and privilege to serve the people of the parish, of all age groups, during that time.

"I have been overwhelmed and humbled, and appreciate very much the support, prayers and words of encouragement that I have received since the diocesan changes were announced recently.

"It is difficult to leave a parish which has been home to me, in every sense, for 15 years, and I also realise how difficult it is for the people as well.

"I had hoped that my ministry here would continue for many years, but as a priest, I have to accept and respect the Bishop's decision to transfer me to another parish in the diocese."

Read the full story in this Tuesday's Westmeath Examiner.