“YOU don’t walk away from 20 years of memories too easily,” says Canon Michael McGourty.

The Devenish Parish Priest will be bidding a fond farewell to Irvinestown at the beginning of next month when he retires to be Pastor Emeritus in Ballyshannon and support pastoral ministry in the parishes of Bundoran, Ballyshannon and Belleek-Garrison.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter this week, Father McGourty says he is mindful that ‘change’ is not easy for anyone: “For the person leaving or the people left behind”, but adds that his replacement will bring “great blessings” to the people of the parish.

“The people of this parish have been so marvellous,” he says, “I have made a lot of friends here in this parish.

“And of course, when you move to new surroundings, it takes a while to adjust.”

Father Kevin Duffy, currently the Curate in Lisnaskea, will become the Parish Priest for Devenish upon Father McGourty’s departure.

“I know Father Duffy will enjoy the great community relations that I have here over the last 20 years,” says Father McGourty.

He marked 50 years in the priesthood two years ago, having served in a number of counties over the years.

“I thought I would finish my days in Fermanagh,” he adds, “I started in Bundoran 50 years ago, for a short while, then to Trillick, and on to Monaghan. I have been here 20 years and now I will be returning to Donegal.”

Asked about his standout memories during his time in Irvinestown he says he will remember “living among wonderful people”.

“They have been so supportive. I couldn’t have found a better parish to have been working in for 20 years. The people here are always so willing to help you in any way they can.

“They are so very mild and gentle, and wonderful people to work with. This is a great community, where everyone treats each other with respect.

“There are great cross community relations here and everyone gets on so well together.

“I believe they are a model for any other parish or any community to follow and it has always has been like that.

“It was wonderful to come here and have that great community spirit - I hope that what has always been will continue to be.”

Serving as a priest for 20 years in Irvinestown has also brought some challenges.

And for Father McGourty, the most notable of these have been tragedies within the parish.

“The most stressful times have been the loss of children, through illness,” he says, “The parish and the whole community have rallied around the families on those occasions.

“Those times were certainly difficult,” he adds, “But I can’t remember a time of personal stress.

“People have been so good. And if there was ever a problem, there was always someone to call on for advice or to help out.

“So, yes, I have enjoyed those 20 years - I have enjoyed every bit of it.”