Shock as Fr Eugene Boland resigns as Parish Priest of Cappagh

Ulster Herald
March 30, 2014

http://ulsterherald.com/2014/03/30/shock-as-fr-eugene-boland-resigns-as-parish-priest-of-cappagh/

PARISHIONERS in Cappagh have been left shocked following news that Fr Eugene Boland has resigned as Parish Priest and is to take leave of absence from ministry.

It is just two weeks since Fr Boland returned to work in the parish after an absence of four years. He was acquitted of charges of indecent assault in 2012.

The announcement was made at Masses in the parish yesterday by Fr Kevin McElhennon.
In a statement, Fr Francis Bradley, the Diocesan Administrator for the Derry Diocese said that Fr Boland ‘needed more time’ for help and guidance in returning to ministry and that his resignation had been accepted.

“Over a protacted period of time, Fr Boland engaged in therapy to help him cope with what he was experiencing and to prepare him properly for a return to public ministry and interaction with the people again,” Fr Bradley said.

“However, it has all too quickly become clear to Fr Boland and diocesan authorities that he is not ready.

“For that reason, Fr Boland now needs more time for help and guidance in this regard and has been granted leave of absence from ministry.”