New Prior takes over the helm at St Mary’s
By Mary Dennehy
AFTER six years at the helm of St Mary’s Priory, Fr Donal Sweeney has stepped down as Prior – paving the way for a new Prior who has been living in Tallaght for 17 years.
A native of Walkinstown, Fr Donal Roche (picturted on left below) will continue the work of Fr Donal Sweeney, who after six energetic years as Prior will remain a staple in Tallaght life as he continues on as the parish priest of St Mary’s.
A former student of Drimnagh Castle, Fr Roche was the curate in St Dominic’s Church in Millbrook Lawns before moving to St Mary’s Priory in 1998, where for his first three years he served as the chaplain in IT Tallaght.
In recent years, Fr Roche, a well-known sports fanatic, who is big into GAA and played for Thomas Davis club as a young man, has been the Sub Prior.
Speaking to The Echo, Fr Roche said: “We are a very democratic community here at St Mary’s and after serving two terms, Fr Sweeney resigned a little early so that we wouldn’t be having a Christmas election.
“Fr Sweeney was the Prior for almost six years and is well known for his contributions to music in the church and care in the community, especially to our older residents.”
When asked how he is feeling about his term as Prior, Fr Roche said: “I’m looking forward, but with trembling hands.
“These are difficult times that we live in, but Tallaght is a great community.”
He added; “Tallaght is a vibrant place that continues to grow . . . and the Priory is an important cultural, social and educational hub at its centre.”
