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.