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	Controversial Priest Moves out of Strabane By Alan Rodgers The Ulster Herald March 29, 2010 http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/UH/free/296918980390703.php THE priest at the centre of sex abuse allegations who had been living in Strabane Parochial House for over nine years, is moving out of the residence. Parishioners in the town were told of the decision on Fr John McCullagh at weekend Masses by Parish Priest, Fr Declan Boland. He had previously accused the Derry Diocese of 'stitching him up' amid fears that the parish would be tainted by the controversy. In a statement read to congregations Fr Boland said the decision was taken following consultations with the Parish Pastoral Council and Bishop Seamus Hegarty. "It is a matter of deep regret that I was not more fully informed by the diocesan authorities. I now find myself having to handle a problem and deal with a situation hat I should never have had to deal with," he said. "However, in the circumstances I found myself in I have acted swiftly and decisively, an action that was personally very distressing as an aged and frail brother priest was involved. "You the people of Strabane Parish have always been my first priority and will continue to be," he added. Last week it emerged that Fr Mc Cullagh had been staying in Strabane since April 2001, but that the full extent of the allegations made against him were kept secret from Fr Boland. Massgoers at the Church of the Immaculate Conception gave Fr Boland a number of rounds of applause as he read the pre-prepared statement yesterday morning. Speaking of his appreciation of the trust and confidence which had been placed in him by the people of Strabane, he went on to explain the circumstances of how Fr McCullagh had come to live in the town. "In 1997 my predecessor, the late Fr James Clerkin, gave accommodation to Fr McCullagh in the curates section of the parochial house which he used from time to time. This arrangement was still in place when I became Parish Priest in September 1999 and remained so until April 2001 when I was asked by the bishop if this could become permanent. I agreed as there was plenty of available space. "I have always told the truth, in this matter I am telling you the full truth and I will continue to tell you the truth in the future. "I deeply appreciate the overwhelming support that I have received from you in the past number of days which has been so valuable to me and I ask you to hold me in your hearts and prayers at this difficult and stressful time." It is understood that several representations had been made to have Fr McCullagh removed from the Parish during recent days.
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