Fr. Dan Darragh (First Curate)
Ordained 6th January 1894 in the Bishop’s house, Chichester Park, Belfast, by Bishop McAlister. Born in Ballyloughan, Cushendun, 1st November 1869, entered St. Malachy’s College, 17th August 1886, and Maynooth September 1889. C.C. Killyleagh, January 1894-96. C.C. Loughgiel, April 1896 C.C. Glenarm, July 1898 - 1/2/1900. C.C. Ballykinlar, 1900-1900. C.C. Holy Rosary, 1901. C.C. Newtownards, January 1903 - April 03. C.C. Carrickmannon, Dec. 1906 – March 1907. C.C. Whitehouse, March 1907 - February 1908. C.C. Lame, January 1908. C.C. also in Hannahstown, Aghagallon, Ballycastle, Saintfield, Antrim, Ballyclare. C.C. Saul & Ballee, 15/6/1911. C.C. Holy Rosary 15/11/1921. Retired November 1938. Died 10th October 1950, aged 81, and buried in Milltown cemetery after funeral Mass in Holy Rosary Church.
Fr. Arthur Neeson C.C. April 1896 - August 1899
Fr. Neeson was born in Randelstown 10th November 1859, he was educated in St Malachy’s College Belfast
and Maynooth. He was ordained to the Priesthood 21st June 1891 by most Rev Dr Walsh DD Dublin. He served in Whitehouse, Drumaroad, Lisburn and the Braid as P.P. and was P.P. Kircubbin November 1913 to the time of his death 9th December 1943. He is buried in the Cemetry attached to Mount St Joseph’s Ballycran. R.I.P.
Fr. Edward Quinn CC 1899 - 1909
Fr. Quinn was born in Cahirty (Ballymena) September 1857. He was educated in St Malachy’s College Belfast and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 6th July 1884 by Most Rev Dr Carr Bishop of Galway. Prior to serving in Killyleagh he served in Culfeightrim, St Joseph’s Belfast; St Paul’s Belfast; St Peter’s Belfast Dunly and later in Aghagallon and Ballycastle as Parish Priest. He died at Eccles Street Hospital Dublin 4th
August 1911 and is buried in Ballycastle Cemetry. During his Curacy in Killyleagh he was responsbile for building of the first St Mary’s School Irish Street along with Fr McArdle P. P. There were memorial windows in
stained glass erected to their memory in the west gable wall of the old St Mary’s Church.
Fr. Patrick Mullan CC 1909 - 1909
Fr. Mullan was educated in St Malachy‘s College in Belfast and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 24th June 1889 by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. Fr Mullan also served in Glenavy, Duneane,
Ballygalget Ballycastle, Ballymacarrett, Carnlough, Braid, Lisburn Newcastle and Bright. Due to ill health Fr. Mullan retired and died 26th August 1937. R.I.P.
Fr. John Alexander McLaverty CC 1909 - 1910
Fr. McLaverty was born in Carrickfergus 7th May 1884. He was educated in St Malachy’s College Belfast and Maynooth where he was ordained on 20th June 1909 by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. Fr McLaverty also served in
Loughinisland, Glenavy, Moneyglass and St Peters Belfast and he was appointed Administrator 1st November 1938. He died 13th April 1943 and is buried in Milltown Cemetry. R.I.P.
Fr. Edward Vincent Magowan CC 1910 – 1911
Fr. Magowan was one of three brothers who were ordained Priests. Fr. Magowan was educated in St Malachy’s College and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 17th June 1906 by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. Fr. Magowan served in Kilclief 1906, Rathlin Island 1907 - 1909, Ballymoney 1909 - 1910, Aghagallon 1911 - 1916, Duneane 1916 —1917. Appointed P.P. Ahoghill 1917, P.P. Holywood October 1942. He died 22nd November 1950 and is buried beside the Church in Holywood. R.I.P.
Fr. James King CC 1911 -1916
Fr. King was born at Moneycarr Co Down in 1886. He was educated in St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. His first curacy was Aghagallon 1911 and after Killyleagh he served in Holy Rosary Belfast, Dean of Residence Q.U.B. and Chaplain to Nazareth Lodge, St Patrick’s Belfast and was appointed P.P. Ballygalget 01/10/34. He died from Coronary 11th January 1942 and is buried in Ballygalget Cemetry. R.I.P.
Fr. Richard Ranaghan CC 1916 - 1917
Fr. Ranaghan was educated in St Malachy‘s College Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 21st June 1914 along with Fr Dennis Cahill R.I.P. and uncle of Fr Sean Cahill. The Ordination was by Most Rev Archbishop Harty DD of Cashel. Prior to serving in Killyleagh Fr Ftanaghan served in the Holy Rosary Belfast 1914 - 1916. Fr. Ranaghan left the Diocese and became a founder member of the Columban Fathers, The Maynooth Mission to China where he worked until 1924. From 1924 — 1926 he did propaganda work with the Columbans in U.S.A. where he died in a road traffic accident. Fr. Ranaghan is reported to have had Bing Crosby record "White Christmas" before he sang it in "Holiday Inn". R.I.P.
Fr Vincent Davey CC 1917 - 1920
Fr. Davey was born in St Patrick's Parish Belfast 21st October 1889. He was educated in St MaIachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained 21st June 1914 by Most Bev Archbishop Harty DD along with Fr. Ranaghan and Fr Dennis Cahill. His first appointment was as curate Whitehead 1914 -1917, Killyleagh 1917 - 1920, St Matthews Belfast 1920 - 1922. ln 1922 to 1933 he served in Nigeria where it was in the mouths
of everyone to be "As strong as Davey". Fr. Davey was Grand Uncle of Fr. Sean Cahill and baptised Fr. Sydney Vaughan. During his service in Killyleagh Fr. Davey had a yacht called "Mermaid" which he sailed on Strangford Lough and was an ardent fan of the Old Killyleagh United Football Team. Fr. Davey was appointed P.P. Antrim from 27th December 1934 to 28th September 1970. He is buried in the Cemetery attached to St Comgalls Antrim. R.I.P.
Fr. Leo McKeown CC 1920 - 1924
Fr. McKeown was a native of Antrim Town and a brother of Fr. Seamus McKeown. He was ordained in Thurles College Tipperary 9th September 1917. His first appointment was to Kircubbin 1917 0 1920, Killyleagh 1920 -1924, Downpatrick 1924 - 1931, Llsburn 1931 - 1933, Sacred Heart Belfast 1933 -1937, St Peters Belfast 1937 and became Administrator 1945 - 1948. He was appointed P.P. Newtownards October 1948 to his retirement 9th July 1969. He was Author "Catholic Education in Ireland" and was Editor of the Down & Connor Historical Journal. He died 15th February 1972 and is buried in Newtownards. He was also responsible with Canon
Murphy for the erection of the Gallery in the Old St Mary‘s.
Fr. Fullerton CC 1925 - 1930
Fr. Fullerton was born at Lisnamuck Maghera Co Derry 29th October 1895 and was a brother of Fr. Robert Fullerton R.l.P. He was educated in St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 19th June 1921 by Most Rev Dr Byrne DD. Fr. Fullerton served in St Mary’s Belfast and in Newtownards before his appointment to Killyleagh. During his service in Killyleagh Fr. Fullerton with Canon Murphy was responsible for the opening of St Mary’s Cemetery Comber Road. He also was responsible for the erection of the Old St Mary’s Hall (The wee hall) to give the youth some place for recreation. He also served in Portsteward, St Matthews Belfast and was appointed the first PP. to St Anthony‘s Willowfield 1st November 1955. He died suddenly on 31st January 1971 and is burried in Milltown Cemetery with his brother Fr. Robert. R.I.P.
Fr. Andrew Scott CC 1930 - 1933
Fr. Scott was educated in Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 19th June 1927. Before coming to Killyleagh Fr. Scott was curate in Kilcoo. During his service in Killyleagh this section of the Parish was divested by the closure of Shrigley Mills bringing about terrible unemployment to the area and it was reported that Fr. Scott sold his car and the money was given to the needy. He also went with the other Clergy to Stormont to
try to have some employment for the area. He died 12th January 1971 Parish Priest of Ballymoney. R.I.P.
Fr. John Courtney CC 1933 - 1939
Fr. Courtney was a brother of Fr. Pat Courtney. He was a native of St Matthews Parish Belfast. He was educated in Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 18th June 1933. His first appointment was to Killyleagh where he followed in Fr Scott's footsteps to find employment for his people. He was responsible for forming the Pioneer Total Abstinance Association in Killyleagh and this is still going on. Fr Courtney would organise boat trips to Salt island on Strangford Lough where they would have picnics. He also started the Carlton Dance Band - Jim McVeigh - Accordian, Alfie Vaughan — Banjo and Joe Quinn —Drums. He was also responsible for forming The Legion of Mary. After his service in Killyleagh Fr. Courtney served in Downpatrick, Ballymena, Derriaghy, Holy Rosary, Portrush P.P., St Anthony’s Belfast and Holywood. He died 7th February 1978. R.I.P.
Fr. Patrick James O’Hare CC 1939 -1942
Fr. O’Hare was born in Castlewellan in 1910. He was educated in St Malachy's College and Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 23rd June 1935. His first appointment was to the Good Shepherd Convent as Chaplain and then on to Killyleagh. After his service in Killyleagh Fr. O'Hare served in Glenavy, Ballymena, St PauI’s Belfast, Administrator St Colmcilles Ballyhackamore and was appointed Parish Priest of Ballycastle from 1969 until his retirement in 1988. He died St Patrick’s Day 1989 in Ballycastle and is buried there. R.I.P.
Fr. Hugh Maurice McAleese CC 1942 · 1948
Fr. McAleese was born in Rasharkin and reared in Belfast. He was educated in St Malachy's College Belfast, Q.U. B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 18th June1939. His first appointment was to Dunloy 1939 - 1942. During his service in Killyleagh Fr. McAIeese was responsible for commencing the Perpetual Novena along with Fr. John Gorey CSSR. Fr. McAleese organised sports meeting in the Showgrounds and Shrigley Park under the Athletic Rules. The race lanes had to be marked and the cycle track rolled. Ernie Keenan recalls how he borrowed a horse and roller from Mr F Furey to carry out this task. The sports attracted competitors from all over Northern Ireland as well as our own locals like Paddy Flanagan, Harry O‘Prey, James O’Prey, Sammy Ferguson, Gerry Walsh, Albert Watson and Joe McCurry. Fr. McAIeese also served in Glenavy, Downpatrick, Lisburn Whitehouse, St Joseph’s Belfast, St Peter's Belfast, The Braid P.P. and P.P. Saul. He died 2nd June 1991. R.I.P.
Fr. Charles A Bready CC 1948 - 1956
Fr. Bready was baptised in Holy Rosary in 1916. Educated in St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where
he was ordained Priest along with our own Fr. Dominic Murray R.l.P. and Cardinal Cathal Daley. His first appointment was to Donaghadee and then to Randlestown before coming to Killyleagh. He wasn’t long in the Parish until he set about having central heating installed. This work was carried by a firm called "Bell and Martin" and the fitters employed were Kevin Armstrong, Adam Jardine and Tommy Boyle. The boiler room was constructed by Brannifs of Teconnaught and they had with them a man called Harry Casement. The boiler was fuelled by "coke" (not cola) and the boilerman was James Jess Irish Street. Fr Bready also had the statues removed from the Sanctuary and Sanctuary lamps placed on either wall each side of the Sanctuary and had a
new Altar Rail put in place. He also had extensive work carried out in St Mary’s Cemetery which started about 1951 when the men of the Parish under his leadership carried out about £1000.00 worth voluntary labour
by cutting out the paths. The remainder was carried out by "Irish Roads". He was responsible for the Cemetery Sunday Devotions and the Rosary in honour of our Lady of Fatima. He also served in Newcastle, Lisburn and St Matthews. He was appointed P.P. Loughinisland 1971 and he died suddenly 18th February 1981 and is buried in Loughinisland. R.l.P.
Fr. Peter McCann CC 1956 - 1959
Fr. McCann is a native of St John’s Parish in Belfast. He was educated at St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B.
and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest on 22nd June 1947. His first appointment was Chaplain to the De LaSalle Milltown Belfast. Killyleagh 1956 - 1959, St Colmcilles Belfast 1959 Administrator, St Colmcilles 1969, P.P. St Matthews 1975 and P.P.V.F. St Malachy’s 1983. He became a Canon in May 1993 and retired to be Chaplain H.M. Prisons 1997. During his curacy in Killyleagh Fr. McCann commenced the Christmas Bazaars, Sunday afternoon and evening film shows in the "wee hall" and a fund raising project called the "Silver Circle".
This cost each member two shillings and sixpence and there was one prize of 25.00 weekly. He died in 2005 and is buried in Milltown Cemetery.
Fr. John Moley CC 1959 - 1966
Fr. Moley is a native of Holy Family, later St Gerards Parish, educated at St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest by Archbishop McQuaid DD 17th June 1956. His first appointment was Shepherd Convent as Chaplain, Killyleagh, Larne, Donaghadee, Newcastle Adminstrator, The Braid and PP Drumaroad and Clanvaraghan were to follow. During his curacy at Killyleagh Fr. Moley introduced Ministers of the Word before Vatican ll. They were Charlie Burns, Matt Fitzpatrick, Dominic Fairfield, John Laverty, John Miskelly and James Stewart. He also commenced the collection to help defray, the cost of St Mary‘s new School, he was an ardent table tennis player and fluent Irish speaker.
Fr. Liam Vaughan CC 1966 -1969
Fr. Vaughan was a native of Ballymena and was educated at St Macnissi’s College and St Paters Seminary in Wexford. He was ordained to the Priesthood on 2nd June 1961. His first appointment was to the Rock Hannahstown. During his curacy in Killyleagh Fr. Vaughan commenced a Youth Club in the old St Mary‘s School. He would have been the first Priest to celebrate Holy Mass in the vernacular in Killyleagh. He was a talented
musician both on guitar and organ. He was later to compose a musical entitled "Patrick and the Bells".
Fr. Vaughan also served at Rasharkin and Kilkeel. He died 27th March 1976 after suffering thrombosis and is buried at Crebilly Ballymena. Fl.l.P. He was responsible for the Offertory Campaign.
Fr. Hugh Joseph O’Hagan 1969 -1981
Fr. O’Hagan is a native of Kilcoo and was educated at Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 23rd June 1963. After temporary appointments to Glenavy, Kilkeel, Ahoghill and casllewellan he was appointed Chaplain to the Boys Home on Glen Road Belfast 1960‘s and later as Chaplain to Belfast City Hospital. He was the longest serving Curate in Killyieagh and also the last one in the Old St Mary’s and first one in the
new. He was responsible for forming the Seventh Co Down Catholic Boy Scouts and Bridgene. He was along with Fr. Connolly at the Blessing of St Mary's New School and attended Bishop Philbin with Fr. Sean at the Blessing of the New St Mary‘s Church. He also served in Kllkeel 1981, Ballymena 1983, PP Ballyclare 1989 and is at present PP Ahoghill.
Fr. Edmund Phillips CC 1981 - 1985
Fr. Phillips was a native of lower Mourne and was educated in Violet Hill College and St Kierans Seminary Kilkenny and was ordained for the Diocese of Hexam and Newcastle. During Curacy in Killyieagh he would refer himself as the Good Shepherd". He kept a number of sheep and had a good knowledge of livestock. Fr. Phillips was appointed curate to Downpatrick 1985 and died suddenly there 9th March 1992 and is buried in Ballymartin.
Fr. Conleth Byrne CC 1985-1990
Fr. Byrne is a native of the Holy Rosary Parish Belfast. He was educated at St Malachy‘s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 21st June 1959. His first appointment was Chaplain to Nazareth Lodge, Reader Kilkeel, Chaplain Helens Bay, Glassdrummond and Antrim before coming to Killeagh. During his curacy in Killyieagh Fr. Byrne introduced The Ministers of the Eucharist and had the Cemetery paths repaired.
He was appointed PP Ardglass 25th August 1990. He was appointed PP Loughisland in 2000 and retired in 2010.
Fr. Michael Blaney CC 1990 - 1993
Fr. Blaney was educated in St Malachy's College, Q.U.B. and the Irish College Paris. He was ordained Priest 22nd June 1941. He retired as PP Dundrum 1990 and was appointed Curate to Killyleagh. Fr Blaney also served in St Peters, Rasharkin, Coleraine, Lame, Hannahstown, St Agnes and was Administrator St Patrick’s. He is buried in Loughinisland beside Fr. Bready R.l.P.
Fr. Liam Mullan CC 1993 - 1993
Fr. Mullan was born in Coleraine June 1918 and was educated at St Malachy`s College, O.U.B. and Maynooth. He was first ordained Priest by Most Rev Dr Mageean DD on 20th June 1943 in St Malachy‘s College. His first appointment was Chaplain to the Convent in Ballymena, then Curate in Ballymena, St Josephs Belfast, St Bernadettes Belfast, appointed PP St Lukes Twinbrook, PP Dunsford and Ardglass, PP Portstewart where he retired. He was Priest in residence St Lukes. He died in 2003 and is buried beside St Lukes Church Twinbrook.
R.I.P
Fr. Seamus Deignan CC 1993 - 1994
Fr. Seamus was born on the 11th of August, 1926 at Cartron, Granard, Co. Longford. Following his primary education at Killeen National School, he studied at St. Mel’s College, Longford, from 1941 to 1946, the year he began his Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. His was the last class to live in Humewood.
After ordination in 1953, he was appointed to the then Prefecture of Eldoret in Kenya and there he would minister for the forty years of his missionary life. His initial appointment was to Nerkwo parish where he worked until 1960. He then transferred to Kitale briefly, followed by a period in Kiminini and Tindinyo until 1969. In that year, Nandi District became part of Eldoret Diocese and Seamus spent a brief period there. Afterwards, he worked in St. Joseph’s, Kitale, ministering in the surrounding parishes until the parish of St. Joseph was established.
In 1993, ill-health forced him to return to Ireland and he went to the Diocese of Down and Connor, and worked in the parish of Kilmore as curate Killyleagh where he remained until Fr Cahill took over the Spirtual duties of Parish Priest. After Killyleagh Fr Deignan went on to be curate to our own Fr John Stewart in Holywood.. He retired early in 2003, first to Kiltegan and then to the Kiltegan house in Belfast. He died suddenly there on the 30th of January, 2004 and is buried in St. Patrick's, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, Ireland R.I.P
Ordained 6th January 1894 in the Bishop’s house, Chichester Park, Belfast, by Bishop McAlister. Born in Ballyloughan, Cushendun, 1st November 1869, entered St. Malachy’s College, 17th August 1886, and Maynooth September 1889. C.C. Killyleagh, January 1894-96. C.C. Loughgiel, April 1896 C.C. Glenarm, July 1898 - 1/2/1900. C.C. Ballykinlar, 1900-1900. C.C. Holy Rosary, 1901. C.C. Newtownards, January 1903 - April 03. C.C. Carrickmannon, Dec. 1906 – March 1907. C.C. Whitehouse, March 1907 - February 1908. C.C. Lame, January 1908. C.C. also in Hannahstown, Aghagallon, Ballycastle, Saintfield, Antrim, Ballyclare. C.C. Saul & Ballee, 15/6/1911. C.C. Holy Rosary 15/11/1921. Retired November 1938. Died 10th October 1950, aged 81, and buried in Milltown cemetery after funeral Mass in Holy Rosary Church.
Fr. Arthur Neeson C.C. April 1896 - August 1899
Fr. Neeson was born in Randelstown 10th November 1859, he was educated in St Malachy’s College Belfast
and Maynooth. He was ordained to the Priesthood 21st June 1891 by most Rev Dr Walsh DD Dublin. He served in Whitehouse, Drumaroad, Lisburn and the Braid as P.P. and was P.P. Kircubbin November 1913 to the time of his death 9th December 1943. He is buried in the Cemetry attached to Mount St Joseph’s Ballycran. R.I.P.
Fr. Edward Quinn CC 1899 - 1909
Fr. Quinn was born in Cahirty (Ballymena) September 1857. He was educated in St Malachy’s College Belfast and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 6th July 1884 by Most Rev Dr Carr Bishop of Galway. Prior to serving in Killyleagh he served in Culfeightrim, St Joseph’s Belfast; St Paul’s Belfast; St Peter’s Belfast Dunly and later in Aghagallon and Ballycastle as Parish Priest. He died at Eccles Street Hospital Dublin 4th
August 1911 and is buried in Ballycastle Cemetry. During his Curacy in Killyleagh he was responsbile for building of the first St Mary’s School Irish Street along with Fr McArdle P. P. There were memorial windows in
stained glass erected to their memory in the west gable wall of the old St Mary’s Church.
Fr. Patrick Mullan CC 1909 - 1909
Fr. Mullan was educated in St Malachy‘s College in Belfast and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 24th June 1889 by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. Fr Mullan also served in Glenavy, Duneane,
Ballygalget Ballycastle, Ballymacarrett, Carnlough, Braid, Lisburn Newcastle and Bright. Due to ill health Fr. Mullan retired and died 26th August 1937. R.I.P.
Fr. John Alexander McLaverty CC 1909 - 1910
Fr. McLaverty was born in Carrickfergus 7th May 1884. He was educated in St Malachy’s College Belfast and Maynooth where he was ordained on 20th June 1909 by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. Fr McLaverty also served in
Loughinisland, Glenavy, Moneyglass and St Peters Belfast and he was appointed Administrator 1st November 1938. He died 13th April 1943 and is buried in Milltown Cemetry. R.I.P.
Fr. Edward Vincent Magowan CC 1910 – 1911
Fr. Magowan was one of three brothers who were ordained Priests. Fr. Magowan was educated in St Malachy’s College and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 17th June 1906 by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. Fr. Magowan served in Kilclief 1906, Rathlin Island 1907 - 1909, Ballymoney 1909 - 1910, Aghagallon 1911 - 1916, Duneane 1916 —1917. Appointed P.P. Ahoghill 1917, P.P. Holywood October 1942. He died 22nd November 1950 and is buried beside the Church in Holywood. R.I.P.
Fr. James King CC 1911 -1916
Fr. King was born at Moneycarr Co Down in 1886. He was educated in St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest by Most Rev Dr Walsh DD. His first curacy was Aghagallon 1911 and after Killyleagh he served in Holy Rosary Belfast, Dean of Residence Q.U.B. and Chaplain to Nazareth Lodge, St Patrick’s Belfast and was appointed P.P. Ballygalget 01/10/34. He died from Coronary 11th January 1942 and is buried in Ballygalget Cemetry. R.I.P.
Fr. Richard Ranaghan CC 1916 - 1917
Fr. Ranaghan was educated in St Malachy‘s College Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 21st June 1914 along with Fr Dennis Cahill R.I.P. and uncle of Fr Sean Cahill. The Ordination was by Most Rev Archbishop Harty DD of Cashel. Prior to serving in Killyleagh Fr Ftanaghan served in the Holy Rosary Belfast 1914 - 1916. Fr. Ranaghan left the Diocese and became a founder member of the Columban Fathers, The Maynooth Mission to China where he worked until 1924. From 1924 — 1926 he did propaganda work with the Columbans in U.S.A. where he died in a road traffic accident. Fr. Ranaghan is reported to have had Bing Crosby record "White Christmas" before he sang it in "Holiday Inn". R.I.P.
Fr Vincent Davey CC 1917 - 1920
Fr. Davey was born in St Patrick's Parish Belfast 21st October 1889. He was educated in St MaIachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained 21st June 1914 by Most Bev Archbishop Harty DD along with Fr. Ranaghan and Fr Dennis Cahill. His first appointment was as curate Whitehead 1914 -1917, Killyleagh 1917 - 1920, St Matthews Belfast 1920 - 1922. ln 1922 to 1933 he served in Nigeria where it was in the mouths
of everyone to be "As strong as Davey". Fr. Davey was Grand Uncle of Fr. Sean Cahill and baptised Fr. Sydney Vaughan. During his service in Killyleagh Fr. Davey had a yacht called "Mermaid" which he sailed on Strangford Lough and was an ardent fan of the Old Killyleagh United Football Team. Fr. Davey was appointed P.P. Antrim from 27th December 1934 to 28th September 1970. He is buried in the Cemetery attached to St Comgalls Antrim. R.I.P.
Fr. Leo McKeown CC 1920 - 1924
Fr. McKeown was a native of Antrim Town and a brother of Fr. Seamus McKeown. He was ordained in Thurles College Tipperary 9th September 1917. His first appointment was to Kircubbin 1917 0 1920, Killyleagh 1920 -1924, Downpatrick 1924 - 1931, Llsburn 1931 - 1933, Sacred Heart Belfast 1933 -1937, St Peters Belfast 1937 and became Administrator 1945 - 1948. He was appointed P.P. Newtownards October 1948 to his retirement 9th July 1969. He was Author "Catholic Education in Ireland" and was Editor of the Down & Connor Historical Journal. He died 15th February 1972 and is buried in Newtownards. He was also responsible with Canon
Murphy for the erection of the Gallery in the Old St Mary‘s.
Fr. Fullerton CC 1925 - 1930
Fr. Fullerton was born at Lisnamuck Maghera Co Derry 29th October 1895 and was a brother of Fr. Robert Fullerton R.l.P. He was educated in St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 19th June 1921 by Most Rev Dr Byrne DD. Fr. Fullerton served in St Mary’s Belfast and in Newtownards before his appointment to Killyleagh. During his service in Killyleagh Fr. Fullerton with Canon Murphy was responsible for the opening of St Mary’s Cemetery Comber Road. He also was responsible for the erection of the Old St Mary’s Hall (The wee hall) to give the youth some place for recreation. He also served in Portsteward, St Matthews Belfast and was appointed the first PP. to St Anthony‘s Willowfield 1st November 1955. He died suddenly on 31st January 1971 and is burried in Milltown Cemetery with his brother Fr. Robert. R.I.P.
Fr. Andrew Scott CC 1930 - 1933
Fr. Scott was educated in Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 19th June 1927. Before coming to Killyleagh Fr. Scott was curate in Kilcoo. During his service in Killyleagh this section of the Parish was divested by the closure of Shrigley Mills bringing about terrible unemployment to the area and it was reported that Fr. Scott sold his car and the money was given to the needy. He also went with the other Clergy to Stormont to
try to have some employment for the area. He died 12th January 1971 Parish Priest of Ballymoney. R.I.P.
Fr. John Courtney CC 1933 - 1939
Fr. Courtney was a brother of Fr. Pat Courtney. He was a native of St Matthews Parish Belfast. He was educated in Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained to the Priesthood on 18th June 1933. His first appointment was to Killyleagh where he followed in Fr Scott's footsteps to find employment for his people. He was responsible for forming the Pioneer Total Abstinance Association in Killyleagh and this is still going on. Fr Courtney would organise boat trips to Salt island on Strangford Lough where they would have picnics. He also started the Carlton Dance Band - Jim McVeigh - Accordian, Alfie Vaughan — Banjo and Joe Quinn —Drums. He was also responsible for forming The Legion of Mary. After his service in Killyleagh Fr. Courtney served in Downpatrick, Ballymena, Derriaghy, Holy Rosary, Portrush P.P., St Anthony’s Belfast and Holywood. He died 7th February 1978. R.I.P.
Fr. Patrick James O’Hare CC 1939 -1942
Fr. O’Hare was born in Castlewellan in 1910. He was educated in St Malachy's College and Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 23rd June 1935. His first appointment was to the Good Shepherd Convent as Chaplain and then on to Killyleagh. After his service in Killyleagh Fr. O'Hare served in Glenavy, Ballymena, St PauI’s Belfast, Administrator St Colmcilles Ballyhackamore and was appointed Parish Priest of Ballycastle from 1969 until his retirement in 1988. He died St Patrick’s Day 1989 in Ballycastle and is buried there. R.I.P.
Fr. Hugh Maurice McAleese CC 1942 · 1948
Fr. McAleese was born in Rasharkin and reared in Belfast. He was educated in St Malachy's College Belfast, Q.U. B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 18th June1939. His first appointment was to Dunloy 1939 - 1942. During his service in Killyleagh Fr. McAIeese was responsible for commencing the Perpetual Novena along with Fr. John Gorey CSSR. Fr. McAleese organised sports meeting in the Showgrounds and Shrigley Park under the Athletic Rules. The race lanes had to be marked and the cycle track rolled. Ernie Keenan recalls how he borrowed a horse and roller from Mr F Furey to carry out this task. The sports attracted competitors from all over Northern Ireland as well as our own locals like Paddy Flanagan, Harry O‘Prey, James O’Prey, Sammy Ferguson, Gerry Walsh, Albert Watson and Joe McCurry. Fr. McAIeese also served in Glenavy, Downpatrick, Lisburn Whitehouse, St Joseph’s Belfast, St Peter's Belfast, The Braid P.P. and P.P. Saul. He died 2nd June 1991. R.I.P.
Fr. Charles A Bready CC 1948 - 1956
Fr. Bready was baptised in Holy Rosary in 1916. Educated in St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where
he was ordained Priest along with our own Fr. Dominic Murray R.l.P. and Cardinal Cathal Daley. His first appointment was to Donaghadee and then to Randlestown before coming to Killyleagh. He wasn’t long in the Parish until he set about having central heating installed. This work was carried by a firm called "Bell and Martin" and the fitters employed were Kevin Armstrong, Adam Jardine and Tommy Boyle. The boiler room was constructed by Brannifs of Teconnaught and they had with them a man called Harry Casement. The boiler was fuelled by "coke" (not cola) and the boilerman was James Jess Irish Street. Fr Bready also had the statues removed from the Sanctuary and Sanctuary lamps placed on either wall each side of the Sanctuary and had a
new Altar Rail put in place. He also had extensive work carried out in St Mary’s Cemetery which started about 1951 when the men of the Parish under his leadership carried out about £1000.00 worth voluntary labour
by cutting out the paths. The remainder was carried out by "Irish Roads". He was responsible for the Cemetery Sunday Devotions and the Rosary in honour of our Lady of Fatima. He also served in Newcastle, Lisburn and St Matthews. He was appointed P.P. Loughinisland 1971 and he died suddenly 18th February 1981 and is buried in Loughinisland. R.l.P.
Fr. Peter McCann CC 1956 - 1959
Fr. McCann is a native of St John’s Parish in Belfast. He was educated at St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B.
and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest on 22nd June 1947. His first appointment was Chaplain to the De LaSalle Milltown Belfast. Killyleagh 1956 - 1959, St Colmcilles Belfast 1959 Administrator, St Colmcilles 1969, P.P. St Matthews 1975 and P.P.V.F. St Malachy’s 1983. He became a Canon in May 1993 and retired to be Chaplain H.M. Prisons 1997. During his curacy in Killyleagh Fr. McCann commenced the Christmas Bazaars, Sunday afternoon and evening film shows in the "wee hall" and a fund raising project called the "Silver Circle".
This cost each member two shillings and sixpence and there was one prize of 25.00 weekly. He died in 2005 and is buried in Milltown Cemetery.
Fr. John Moley CC 1959 - 1966
Fr. Moley is a native of Holy Family, later St Gerards Parish, educated at St Malachy’s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest by Archbishop McQuaid DD 17th June 1956. His first appointment was Shepherd Convent as Chaplain, Killyleagh, Larne, Donaghadee, Newcastle Adminstrator, The Braid and PP Drumaroad and Clanvaraghan were to follow. During his curacy at Killyleagh Fr. Moley introduced Ministers of the Word before Vatican ll. They were Charlie Burns, Matt Fitzpatrick, Dominic Fairfield, John Laverty, John Miskelly and James Stewart. He also commenced the collection to help defray, the cost of St Mary‘s new School, he was an ardent table tennis player and fluent Irish speaker.
Fr. Liam Vaughan CC 1966 -1969
Fr. Vaughan was a native of Ballymena and was educated at St Macnissi’s College and St Paters Seminary in Wexford. He was ordained to the Priesthood on 2nd June 1961. His first appointment was to the Rock Hannahstown. During his curacy in Killyleagh Fr. Vaughan commenced a Youth Club in the old St Mary‘s School. He would have been the first Priest to celebrate Holy Mass in the vernacular in Killyleagh. He was a talented
musician both on guitar and organ. He was later to compose a musical entitled "Patrick and the Bells".
Fr. Vaughan also served at Rasharkin and Kilkeel. He died 27th March 1976 after suffering thrombosis and is buried at Crebilly Ballymena. Fl.l.P. He was responsible for the Offertory Campaign.
Fr. Hugh Joseph O’Hagan 1969 -1981
Fr. O’Hagan is a native of Kilcoo and was educated at Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 23rd June 1963. After temporary appointments to Glenavy, Kilkeel, Ahoghill and casllewellan he was appointed Chaplain to the Boys Home on Glen Road Belfast 1960‘s and later as Chaplain to Belfast City Hospital. He was the longest serving Curate in Killyieagh and also the last one in the Old St Mary’s and first one in the
new. He was responsible for forming the Seventh Co Down Catholic Boy Scouts and Bridgene. He was along with Fr. Connolly at the Blessing of St Mary's New School and attended Bishop Philbin with Fr. Sean at the Blessing of the New St Mary‘s Church. He also served in Kllkeel 1981, Ballymena 1983, PP Ballyclare 1989 and is at present PP Ahoghill.
Fr. Edmund Phillips CC 1981 - 1985
Fr. Phillips was a native of lower Mourne and was educated in Violet Hill College and St Kierans Seminary Kilkenny and was ordained for the Diocese of Hexam and Newcastle. During Curacy in Killyieagh he would refer himself as the Good Shepherd". He kept a number of sheep and had a good knowledge of livestock. Fr. Phillips was appointed curate to Downpatrick 1985 and died suddenly there 9th March 1992 and is buried in Ballymartin.
Fr. Conleth Byrne CC 1985-1990
Fr. Byrne is a native of the Holy Rosary Parish Belfast. He was educated at St Malachy‘s College, Q.U.B. and Maynooth where he was ordained Priest 21st June 1959. His first appointment was Chaplain to Nazareth Lodge, Reader Kilkeel, Chaplain Helens Bay, Glassdrummond and Antrim before coming to Killeagh. During his curacy in Killyieagh Fr. Byrne introduced The Ministers of the Eucharist and had the Cemetery paths repaired.
He was appointed PP Ardglass 25th August 1990. He was appointed PP Loughisland in 2000 and retired in 2010.
Fr. Michael Blaney CC 1990 - 1993
Fr. Blaney was educated in St Malachy's College, Q.U.B. and the Irish College Paris. He was ordained Priest 22nd June 1941. He retired as PP Dundrum 1990 and was appointed Curate to Killyleagh. Fr Blaney also served in St Peters, Rasharkin, Coleraine, Lame, Hannahstown, St Agnes and was Administrator St Patrick’s. He is buried in Loughinisland beside Fr. Bready R.l.P.
Fr. Liam Mullan CC 1993 - 1993
Fr. Mullan was born in Coleraine June 1918 and was educated at St Malachy`s College, O.U.B. and Maynooth. He was first ordained Priest by Most Rev Dr Mageean DD on 20th June 1943 in St Malachy‘s College. His first appointment was Chaplain to the Convent in Ballymena, then Curate in Ballymena, St Josephs Belfast, St Bernadettes Belfast, appointed PP St Lukes Twinbrook, PP Dunsford and Ardglass, PP Portstewart where he retired. He was Priest in residence St Lukes. He died in 2003 and is buried beside St Lukes Church Twinbrook.
R.I.P
Fr. Seamus Deignan CC 1993 - 1994
Fr. Seamus was born on the 11th of August, 1926 at Cartron, Granard, Co. Longford. Following his primary education at Killeen National School, he studied at St. Mel’s College, Longford, from 1941 to 1946, the year he began his Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. His was the last class to live in Humewood.
After ordination in 1953, he was appointed to the then Prefecture of Eldoret in Kenya and there he would minister for the forty years of his missionary life. His initial appointment was to Nerkwo parish where he worked until 1960. He then transferred to Kitale briefly, followed by a period in Kiminini and Tindinyo until 1969. In that year, Nandi District became part of Eldoret Diocese and Seamus spent a brief period there. Afterwards, he worked in St. Joseph’s, Kitale, ministering in the surrounding parishes until the parish of St. Joseph was established.
In 1993, ill-health forced him to return to Ireland and he went to the Diocese of Down and Connor, and worked in the parish of Kilmore as curate Killyleagh where he remained until Fr Cahill took over the Spirtual duties of Parish Priest. After Killyleagh Fr Deignan went on to be curate to our own Fr John Stewart in Holywood.. He retired early in 2003, first to Kiltegan and then to the Kiltegan house in Belfast. He died suddenly there on the 30th of January, 2004 and is buried in St. Patrick's, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, Ireland R.I.P