Fr Des Doyle revisits Kilcullen

Fr Des Doyle came back to say a mass in Kilcullen this week, some seven years after he left the parish.



The mass was followed by tea and refreshments in the Parish Centre for all who attended, during which Fr Des gave the Diary an update of his work since he left.

"I've been chaplain at the children's hospital in Crumlin for the last seven years. I'm surrounded by ill and dying children, and it is the same kind of thing all along -- you don't have the balance of experience that you have in a parish. But I help out now and again in Dolphin's Barn, which gives me a bit of normality."

Despite the pressures and, often, deep sadness, Fr Des reckons it is very good work for a priest. "You're there with all sorts, and at very difficult times, and they all appreciate it. They know why you're there, not to preach but to comfort. And sometimes in the middle of the night, you're the only one there, and they let you know it means a lot."



Fr Des is also chairman of the Board of the National School that operates in the hospital. He spent five years as a curate in Kilcullen, and in his short visit saw lots of changes. He was especially impressed with the new Parish Centre.



We'll post more pictures during the week.

Brian Byrne.