Strong public support for priest who fathered child

THE shock retirement of Fr Maurice ‘Mossie’ Dillane for fathering a child sparked a massive outpouring of public support and sympathy yesterday.

Friends and well-wishers praised the elderly Co Galway priest for facing up tohis responsibilities and stepping down from parish duties in Woodford- Looscaun.

The 73-year-old cleric had a two-year relationship with a 31-year-old Dublin-based teacher.

Parishioners expressed surprise at the dramatic news about the popular curate, who is currently staying with relatives outside Co Galway.

Most calls and texts to the Galway Bay FM radio station yesterday morning were in support of Fr Dillane.

Local pastoral council chairman Justin O’Byrne said of the cleric: “He had been getting on well. He was well liked as a priest. He was popular.”

“Obviously he couldn’t continue in the situation that had arisen. We’re always sad to lose priests but he couldn’t continue having fathered a child.”

Another caller to Liveline said: “It must be the only job in the world where a single man has to resign after fathering a child.”

Loughrea-based Cllr Bridie Willers said she did not know Fr Dillane but she had received very positive local feedback about him.

“What I’m getting is that he was a kind and compassionate community worker and a very, very decent man,” she said.

“Everybody wants the best for him. He has committed no crime and he should be left in peace in his new situation.”

Dublin teacher and priest Fr Michael Commane also wished Fr Dillane well.

“It’s great to hear of a normal heterosexual priest for a change,” he said.

“There’s nothing wrong with a loving relationship. He should be left alone. The idea that it is headline news baffles me.”