Canon Denis McGettigan extends thanks for Diamond Jubilee celebrations

Canon Denis McGettigan has expressed his thanks to all who were involved in his Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated for ‘Fr Dinny’ on June 20 in St Eunan’s Church, Raphoe. The day marked exactly 60 years from the day when he entered the priesthood.

Parishioners from across the Raphoe parish, which takes in Raphoe, Convoy and Drumkeen, turned out in large numbers with people also coming from neighbouring parishes and churches. 

“I, Canon Dinny McGettigan, wish to express my heartfelt thanks for the two celebrations of my diamond jubilee of ordination to the priesthood, which were held in St Eunan’s Parish, Raphoe and in St Columba’s Parish, Kilmacrennan,” said Canon McGettigan. “Thank God, we had two wonderful occasions. I wish to thank very much Father Eamonn Kelly and the organising team in Raphoe, Father Michael McKeever and Father Martin Chambers and their organising team in Kilmacrennan.

“I thank all my fellow priests and Bishop Philip Boyce for the celebration of Holy Mass in Raphoe and all who took part and attended the Mass. I also thank the concelebrating priests in St Columba’s Church, Kilmacrennan and all those who participated and attended the Mass also. Both Holy Masses were beautiful and dignified and very well attended.

“I thank very much Mr Joe Boyle, Principal, for the use of Deele College, Raphoe, for the pleasant function after the Mass and Mr John Devenney, Principal, for the use of St Columba’s School in Kilmacrennan. I thank very much the various groups in both places for their generous and kind gifts and those who presented them. I am very grateful to all those who provided food for the refreshments in both places and all who assisted so willingly.

“My gratitude goes to all who were so generous with their gifts, beautiful jubilee cards, kind correspondence and the beautiful gifts of the Holy Mass offered for me. I thank my own family for their prayers and support at my diamond jubilee and over the years.

“I thank the local papers for their coverage of the celebrations for which I am very grateful. I shall offer a Holy Mass for all who made it a very special occasion for me.”