Fr Michael McCullagh launches book at Leabharlann Phobail na Rosann, Dungloe

Congratulations have been passed onto Fr Michael McCullagh, a native of the Quay Road, Dungloe, on the local launch of his book, With Due Respect: Taking a Second Look at God, at Self, at Others, in Leabharlann Phobail na Rosann, Dungloe.

There was a lovely turnout of family, neighbours, and friends for the occasion. Fr Michael is a priest of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) and recently celebrated his golden jubilee as a priest in June 2024. Despite his travels around the world his passion and love for his native Dungloe and his sense of mission has never waned.  

Pat Dunleavy, a friend of Fr Michael, launched the book to a very warm and receptive crowd, having been introduced by librarian Fiona Sweeney. The highlight of the morning was Pat Dunleavy’s rendition of the recitation The Drumnakilly Devil, a request from Noel McCullagh, Fr Michael’s brother. 

Fr Michael spoke a little about his faith journey and his years as a spiritual director and the ups and downs of the life of a priest. His ministries have included teaching, prison ministry and spiritual direction in Britain, the USA and Ethiopia and with the seminarians in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He was proud of his appointment as the first parish priest with the Travelling Community in the Diocese of Dublin in 1980. He is currently based at Knock Shrine providing a support ministry to priests. 

The underlying premise of the book is that life is beautiful and meaningful. Fr. Michael explores the depths of human emotions, both positive and negative, and he doesn’t shy away from exploring his own moments of loneliness, doubt, and despair.

Tea and coffee and a lovely buffet were provided by The Old Chapel Café and Sally’s kitchen from the Cope. Fr Michael went down the street to the Cope after the launch and continued to sign books and chat to neighbours and friends well into the afternoon. 

The book, With Due Respect: Taking a Second Look at God, at Self, at Others, can be bought in The Cope or at the bookshop at Knock Shrine and can be ordered by email from bookshop@knockshrine.ie. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the charity Community Cenacolo Ireland. This is an organisation which provides a free, fully residential programme to help people suffering from addiction to change their lives.