Faith through fire – The life and endurance of An t’Athair Brian O’Fearraigh

An t’Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh was born in 1976 and reared in the close-knit community of Machaire Rabhartaigh, in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht. 

He enjoyed a happy childhood, raised by two loving parents who instilled in him a deep sense of faith and pride in his rich Irish heritage and coastal roots. From his home, he could look out across the sea toward his father’s homeland, Inis Bó Finne, where his uncle Jimeila lived for many years. Today, Brian is regarded as one of the most fluent and articulate Gaelic speakers in the country.

In 1980, aged four, Brian began his education at Machaire Rabhartaigh National School, remaining there until 1989. During the long summer holidays of his formative years, he would spend many happy days with his uncle Jimeila, connecting with his roots on the island, which to this day holds a special place in his heart. 

Surrounded by the sound of Atlantic waves and seabirds, from an early age, he developed a deep sense of spirituality and reflection, shaped as much by nature, the sea and sky as community and church.

He recalls that same strong feeling of connection when as a child visiting his grandparents on the mainland, particularly during the Angelus and when they prayed the Rosary, or during Sunday Mass with his parents at the local church. 

The stillness, ritual, and sense of presence awakened something deeper in him, a connection with people, place and the divine. Those experiences, on the island and at Mass, became, he says, the catalysts for his vocation to the priesthood, first felt in his primary school years.

Falcarragh Community School, 1989 to 1994 – Where faith and vocation took root
Brian enrolled at Falcarragh Community School in September 1989 and remained there until completing his Leaving Certificate in 1994. He enjoyed his school years immensely and described the teachers as “superb and full of kindness, encouragement, and dedication to their pupils.”

By then his mind was already leaning toward the priesthood, though he also developed a deep interest in civil engineering under Dr Larry Smyth, who encouraged his aptitude while recognising his true calling lay elsewhere. Years later, after ordination, Dr Smyth told him he had indeed become an engineer, “an engineer of God’s word among his parishioners and building bridges to the soul.”

Around that time, 14 students from the Diocese of Raphoe were considering the priesthood. After interviews, discussions and a discernment process, seven students were selected and all met with Bishop Séamus Hegarty at Ards Capuchin Friary, where he told them he required 110% commitment and would accept nothing less. Brian compared that moment to a scene from ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’, where Richard Gere’s character is tested on his resolve to become a pilot.

Although at this very early age, the Bishop’s words caused brief doubt, Brian’s conviction held firm. Along with the seven other Seminarians, he entered St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in September 1994.

Seminary Life – Preparing for priesthood, 1994–2001
For the first three years, Brian pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gaeilge and Celtic Studies alongside other university students. Outgoing and sociable, he adapted easily to university life. After completing his BA, he studied for a Bachelor of Divinity degree between 1997 and 2000. In his final year, 2000–2001, he studied a diploma in Pastoral Studies, focusing entirely on pastoral preparation for his priestly ministry. Like his earlier school years, seminary life was also a happy and fulfilling period in Brian’s life.

Ordination Day – The fulfilment of a lifelong calling – July 1, 2001
Brian describes this as one of the most important and fulfilling days of his life. From childhood in Machaire Rabhartaigh, summers on Inis Bó Finne, and his time at Falcarragh Community School, his path had always led toward this moment.

He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Philip Boyce in the Cathedral of St Eunan and St Columba, Letterkenny, before family, friends, classmates and priests. It marked the fulfilment of a vocation first stirred decades earlier by the sea, Sunday Mass, the silence of the island, and the faith of his parents and grandparents.

First Mass in Gort a’ Choirce – A Moment of joy and gratitude
This was an extremely important moment for the newly ordained priest. The event took place in Teach Pobail Chríost Rí, Gort a’ Choirce, on July 2, 2001. An t’Athair Seán Ó Gallchóir was Parish Priest at the time, and his organisational skills ensured a memorable first Mass with lay participation. Like the ordination ceremony, the church was packed to capacity with many of the same attendees along with the wider parish community. Celebrations continued late into the night in the nearby hotel.

Inis Bó Finne – Returning to the source of his vocation
While both earlier events were deeply meaningful, his trip to Inis Bó Finne as a priest carried an even greater significance and poignancy for him. It was through meditative prayer and reflection 20 years earlier on the island that Brian made the connection with his higher spiritual power and his calling to the priesthood. 

He said the experience reminded him of St Patrick’s message 16 centuries earlier, calling him back to Ireland, and also stating in his native language the words of Saint John Paul II to the people of Ireland in Limerick in 1979, “Mairigí dílis do bhur rútaí i bhfód na hÉireann, do bhur dteaghlaigh agus do bhur ndúchas féin, mairigí dílis do na hurnaithe agus do na tréithe luachmhara a thóg sibh sa bhaile in Éirinn agus sinigí mar oidhreacht anonn iad chuig bhur sliocht, mar is fónta agus is luachmar mar oidhreacht Í”

The island also held personal meaning, as his father was born there. He also knew of the hardship endured by islanders who on Sunday mornings would row a currach to the mainland and walk eight miles to the Church in Gort a’ Choirce for Mass. In 1964, Dr Shiels encouraged them to build their own church, completed in 1965. Sixty years later, when Brian’s parish church, St Mary’s in Derrybeg, was destroyed by fire, he drew inspiration and strength from their faith and determination in building a brand-new church on a remote island in honour of Our Lady.

During his reflective visits in the late 1980s, Brian meditated on God’s word and the sterling work of local priests. He came to understand the priest’s role not only as a servant of God, but also a servant of God‘s people, sharing in the joy and sorrow of those he is so privileged to serve and journey with along life’s path. The Mass on the island proved deeply memorable, as did visiting neighbouring Tory Island shortly after and celebrating a Mass for and with the islanders in their beautiful island church.

Early Ministry – Teaching, serving, and inspiring Youth
After ordination, Brian continued his studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway, completing a Higher Diploma in Education. Upon completion, Bishop Boyce appointed An t’Athair Brian as full-time Chaplain to Falcarragh Community School and Curate in Paróiste Ghaoth Dobhair.

 Delighted to return to his old school, he was fondly remembered by teachers who had taught him a decade earlier. His only challenge, he joked, was remembering to address them by their proper names rather than the nicknames used during his student days.

A natural leader, he inspired students, guiding them in academics, faith, and when needed, counselling. In the evenings and weekends, and during school holidays, he celebrated Mass in Teach Pobail Mhuire, Na Doirí Beaga and served the parishioners as their Curate.

In 2012, the Bishop appointed him as Chaplain to Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair while continuing his duties as parish curate. Leaving his Alma mater, Falcarragh Community School after 16 years and being fully immersed in the education sector was not an easy task and “broke his heart,” but he soon built the same strong bond with staff and students at Pobascoil Ghaoth Dobhair.

Promoted to Parish Priest – Serving God and his people
In 2022, 21 years after ordination, Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, appointed An t’Athair Brian as Parish Priest of Gaoth Dobhair. It was a moment of great pride but also one of immense responsibility, he added. He turned to God, acknowledging, “You can do nothing without God in your life.” Through prayer and discernment, he sought the strength to meet the demands of leading Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht parish.

In this new role as parish priest, Brian was now responsible for promoting the Catholic faith and nurturing his parishioners' faith life and their relationship with God, through sacraments and spiritual counsel. He is also responsible for leading the faithful towards holiness, visiting the sick and the housebound, administering the sacraments, preaching and teaching the Word of God and preparing the faithful to embrace eternal life with grace and hope. He manages it all, he says, through the inspiration and help of God, supported by a strong and caring parish community and their beautiful churches, particularly St. Mary’s Church in Derrybeg, built in 1972, reminiscent of the great Knock Basilica.

The fire at Teach Pobal Mhuire – A night of devastation and faith
Easter Sunday 2025 was a day of great joy, jubilation and celebration at Teach Pobail Mhuire in Gaoth Dobhair. The church was packed to capacity for the 11am Mass as parishioners and many visitors to the parish rejoiced in the Resurrection of Christ. Yet only hours later, joy turned to horror. 

Around 4am on Easter Monday, Brian was jolted awake by loud creaking noises. At first, he thought it was someone outside his house, but when he looked out the back door of the parochial house, he froze and hoped that what he was witnessing was just a bad dream. St Mary’s Church, his and his parishioners’ spiritual home, was completely engulfed in flames.

He quickly alerted the emergency services and walked towards the Church, unable to comprehend the scene before his eyes. The sky glowed red, sparks rose into the night, the crackling of the wood burning echoed in the valley, and waves of heat forced him back. 

He stood in complete shock, his heart broken and tears streamed down his face as he stood helpless, watching his treasured spiritual home, a place of meaning and meeting for his community collapse. He described it as “a complete inferno of flames, a sight and sounds that still echo in my heart to this day” and said that as he watched the sparks rise and fall through the dark sky, a part of his own spirit seemed to be on flame and burning with them.

Between 4 and 5am, he lived through the toughest hour of his life. The total loss and complete destruction of the main parish church felt like an unexplainable death. Yet before dawn had broken, the first signs of hope appeared. Parishioners began to arrive, silent at first, then offering support and finally praying together as the emergency services tackled the flames. In the midst of devastation, their unity lit a small but steady flame of renewal, the beginning of an extraordinary display of faith, solidarity and perseverance that would define the months ahead.

Rising from the ashes – The strength of a united community
Within an hour, and in a time of need, the community came together and has not faltered since. Emergency services fought the fire while parishioners prayed for God's protection and strength that they would rise stronger, “like a phoenix from the ashes.”

Hundreds of messages of support poured in, one  in particular offering comfort and reminding Brian that “The many Saints who have walked through the doors of Teach Pobail Mhuire, Doirí Beaga will give you all the grace to honour the sanctity of the holy ground.” Soon, a fundraising committee of volunteers from the parish was formed spontaneously, recognising that their priests were currently traumatised and needed support. Celebrities including Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Daniel O’Donnell, and Moya Brennan took part in a sell-out concert in Crolly in July 2025. Donations arrived from across the globe, and plans for the new church are well underway.

While the fundraising committee did its work selflessly and with admirable dedication, Brian, as Parish Priest, has taken charge of the project. Under the guidance of the Bishops' Office in the Diocese of Raphoe, from the many offers of assistance, he assembled an expert team of volunteers, ‘Meitheal Mhuire’, whose knowledge, skillset and experience are invaluable in assisting and guiding him in the various aspects of the rebuilding project, ensuring that every aspect is handled efficiently and effectively. With calm, Shackleton-like innate leadership skills, he has kept the team united in their principal and primary focus of building a beautiful new state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable church dedicated to Our Lady, creating a sacred place of prayer, reflection, and community gathering for all.

Epilogue – Faith reborn in Gaoth Dobhair
From the ashes of destruction has risen a renewed spirit of faith, unity, and purpose. What began as despair on Easter Monday has become a testament to the unbreakable bond between priest and people. Today, the site at Teach Pobail Mhuire stands not only as a rebuilding project but as a symbol of endurance, courage, and divine providence. All this has been made possible through the innate leadership of An t’Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh and his Curate An t’Athair Brendan Mac a Bháird, whose calm strength and steadfast faith have guided their parish through loss toward renewal.

The fire that once consumed the church rekindled something greater, a living faith that now burns brighter than ever in the hearts of his parishioners and in the soul of Gaoth Dobhair.

Support the rebuilding of our church
The construction of the new parish church St. Mary’s in Doirí Beaga will be a multi-million-euro project, reflecting a shared commitment to creating a sacred, sustainable, and welcoming space for generations to come. All donations, large or small, towards the rebuilding costs will be deeply appreciated.

Bank Details:
Account Name: Ciste Mhuire
IBAN: IE10 AIBK 9373 3928 0400 90. BIC: AIBKIE2D
National Sort Code: 93-73-39. Donations may also be sent by post to:
Ciste Mhuire
Teach na Paróiste
Doirí Beaga
Gaoth Dobhair
Leitir Ceanainn
Tír Chonaill
F92 X2R4.
Eamonn Coyle is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist, originally from the Gaoth Dobhair Gaeltacht