Parishioners Rally behind Priest Embroiled in Images Scandal

Tyrone Times
April 20, 2012

http://www.tyronetimes.co.uk/news/local/parishioners-rally-behind-priest-embroiled-in-images-scandal-1-3748429

A GROUP of Pomeroy parishioners have rallied behind their parish priest who is embroiled in an indecent images scandal.

Father Martin McVeigh remains at the centre of a media storm after the pictures appeared on a projector to parents during a presentation at St Mary’s Primary School in the village.

While some parishioners have called on the priest to be suspended, another group has emerged to accuse elements of the media of portraying Fr McVeigh in a harsh light.

A spokesperson for the group supporting Fr McVeigh listed the priest’s achievements, including the building of an adoration chapel which is attended by over 100 people each week to pray and reflect.

“The main parish chapel has also been refurbished and this has made the building more comfortable and welcoming for those attending Mass and ceremonies”, said the spokesperson.

“Altmore car park and grounds have also been upgraded and a lot of voluntary work took place to achieve this.

“Fr McVeigh has been in the parish for 14 years and has been always available to many families during times of sickness or bereavement.

“He has helped many people through times of difficulty and sadness and many parishioners have expressed their gratitude and thanks for the help that he gave them over these times.

“He is also excellent at saying Mass and conducting many other ceremonies and we hope that he is allowed to conduct these ceremonies in the parish again very soon.

“The majority of parishioners within Pomeroy parish hope that Fr. McVeigh will remain as their parish priest and that the people who are against him will learn to respect him and put the past behind them.

“Fr McVeigh can be ‘temperamental’ at times, as all of us but he is a very kind, concerned and helpful man who does his best to serve his parishioners in whatever way he can.

“He is very open and punctual and always will respond to anyone who needs his help. Many parents have also told us that he has great rapport with children and excellent communication skills with adults and children alike.

“The majority of parishioners wish this sad incident to be resolved quickly.

We need to get back to being a united parish community to work for the good of each other with Fr McVeigh as our parish priest.”