Beloved priest Fr Kevin Mullan mourned in Castlefin

The death of former Parish Priest Fr Kevin Mullan has been mourned in Castlefin.

Fr Millan, late of Drumquin in County Tyrone, served in Castlefin for a period in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Fr Mullan, a native of Omagh, was in his 70s and passed away following an illness.

He was ordained in 1971 and he served mainly in the Derry Diocese. Most recently, he was the Parish Priest in Drumquin, but is fondly remembered from his time in Castlefin.

“I have childhood memories of him as a really lovely man who was funny and engaging and he made the parish newsletter a must read each week with his great way with words,” Castlefin-based Sinn Féin Councillor Gary Doherty said.

“In recent years I met him at a few events and he spoke with great fondness of his time in Castlefin. My sincere condolences to his family and many friends who will be mourning his sad loss.”

Fr Mullan was particularly remembered for his cross-community work and was to the fore in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb in 1998.

In 2019, he was presented with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to inter-church collaboration and community relations.

“Fr. Mullan was known for his warm and friendly personality,” SDLP MLA for West Tyrone, Daniel McCrossan, said.

“He had a special way of connecting with people from all walks of life, and he would always take the time to listen and offer words of encouragement.

“He was greatly respected for his compassion, his generosity, and his willingness to help others in need.”

Fr Mullan’s remains will be taken to St Patrick’s Church, Drumquin on Monday afternoon, where they will repose until Tuesday at 1.pm.

Fr Kevin’s remains will then be moved to his sister Joan’s house, Dublin Road, Omagh, for a private Requiem Mass before interment in the Dublin Road cemetery.

On Monday evening, at 7.30pm, a parting Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church.