Parishioners ‘nearly lynch’ bishop in row over priest

THE ARCHDIOCESE of Armagh has strongly defended its role in asking a Co Louth priest to stand down after parishioners burst into a sacristy to confront the bishop over his decision.

The elderly mass-goers were horrified at Bishop Gerard Clifford’s decision to request that Fr Oliver Brennan stand aside over child protection complaints made by a woman recently.

A band of his parishioners and friends last night said “holy war broke out” after the bishop read out a statement on behalf of the Archbishop of Armagh, stating that Fr Brennan would no longer remain as parish priest.