Former bishop Éamonn Casey of Galway relaxed at his new home in Shanaglish, Co Galway, last night after a brief press conference in which he apologised for the "grave hurt" he caused in the past, write Lorna Siggins, Gordon Deegan, and Patsy McGarry.
"I'm in the sitting-room of my new home. I'm tired, but I'm glad it's over," he told The Irish Times. Parishioners last night greeted his arrival with fireworks.
Dr Casey (78) drove into the village after 4pm and later, with Fr Paddy Callanan of Beagh parish and Fr Martin Glynn of Galway Cathedral parish, he read a statement.
"I am very pleased to be back in Ireland and I would like to express my appreciation to the people of Shanaglish, especially you, parish priest [ Fr Callanan], and my bishop [ Dr Martin Drennan], for the warm welcome. I look forward to settling down here amongst the people of Shanaglish and look forward to getting to know them as my neighbours," he continued.
"I regret that in the past I let a number of people down. This caused grave hurt to some and for that I am deeply regretful and sad. I now ask for privacy as I settle down in my new parish and amongst my own people," he said. He then turned away, declining to answer questions.
There were toasts in Whelan's pub, Shanaglish, last night to welcome the bishop, who delivered his statement before most parishioners had heard of his arrival.
"I'd love to have been there to shake his hand, but I am delighted he is here now," said Gerry Murray.
Publican Michael Whelan, one of two parishioners at the press event, said: "He seems very pleased and happy to be back."
Séamus Clandillon, the other local man there, said: "It is time the press stopped hounding him and allowed him live his life."