THE PRIEST at the centre of a row with parishioners over the future of a church without a tabernacle has tendered his resignation.
Fr Séamus Dagens (55) has notified Bishop Philip Boyce of Raphoe of his intention to quit following a clash with parishioners over his plans to sell the tiny St Colmcille's chapel at Laghey Barr, Co Donegal. He has confirmed he has given notice of his intention to resign as parish priest of Ballintra, but has declined to give details.
It is understood he has expressed frustration over the Laghey Barr affair and other administrative problems.
Fr Dagens is the sole priest in a parish where the only Masses are offered in the main church, St Bridget's in Ballintra village. There has been no Sunday Mass at St Colmcille's, six miles away, since friars in the Franciscan community at nearby Rossnowlagh withdrew their back-up service to the parish five years ago because of dwindling numbers.
Concern over the future of the Laghey Barr chapel escalated last month when Fr Dagens removed the tabernacle, cut off the electricity and said he was considering selling it to raise €100,000 for an extension to Laghey national school. He said he hoped to hear from the bishop within the next few days after Dr Boyce has had time to reflect on the letter.
If the priest goes ahead with his resignation, he could be demoted to curate and transferred to another diocese. A spokesman for the bishop said Dr Boyce had no comment at this stage.