Pictured at the ruby celebrations were Fr. Stephen Farragher with some of his class friends from St. Jarlath's College (from left), Michael Grogan, Liam Lyons and Eugene Lannon.

Ruby anniversary celebrations for popular Mayo priest

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IT was the eve of the longest day of the year, and the hottest day of the year, but for Ballyhaunis pastor Fr. Stephen Farragher, June 20 was the highlight of 2025 thus far in his priestly ministry when he celebrated the great occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, writes Mike Byrne.

The celebration was coordinated and hosted by the Ballyhaunis Pastoral Council, and parishioners turned out in great number to the recently refurbished St. Patrick's Church for the con-celebrated Mass which was attended by members of Fr. Farragher's family, friends, the Archbishop of Tuam, Francis Duffy, a large number of priests, colleagues of Fr. Stephen, which included his brother Fr. Patrick Farragher, who is currently administrator to the Archbishop of Tuam, Fr. Joe Feeney, Ballinlough, and Fr. Stephen's class-mate from Maynooth, Fr. Tommy O'Connor, who delivered the homily.

Fr. Stephen Farragher with sacristan Irene Nunes at the 40th anniversary celebrations.

As Fr. Farragher took up ministry as Parish Priest of Kiltullah Parish some time ago, in addition to his duty as P.P. at Ballyhaunis, a large number of representatives from the parish of Kiltullagh (Ballinlough, Cloonfad and Granlahan) also attended the ceremony.

It was a celebration of thanksgiving for 40 years of priestly service and also something of a tribute to Fr. Farragher on behalf of the people of Ballyhaunis for the hard work, loyalty and dedication he has devoted to the parish since taking up duty in July 2011, taking over from the late Canon Joe Cooney.

A native of The Neale, Fr. Stephen served as curate in Knock Shrine for some time before being appointed administrator at the Cathedral of Tuam under Archbishop Michael Neary. Since his arrival in Ballyhaunis 14 years ago, he has carried out Trojan work throughout the parish and has forged many friendships, including many from the Muslim community, a number of whom were present in the parish church for the Jubilee Mass – an indication of the willingness of the Ballyhaunis pastor to embrace people of all faiths and none through his ministry here in what is without doubt one of the most diverse parishes in the country.

Among the large crowd who attended the Ruby Jubilee celebrations for Fr. Stephen Farragher were Eavan Caulfiield and Mary McBride from Ballyhaunis.

Music for the ceremony was provided by the combined Parish Choir, Abbey Male Choir and the Le Cairde international group.

The Jubilee Mass was followed by a social in the rugby club, where parishioners turned out in great numbers to pay tribute to and thank Fr. Stephen for his outstanding service to the parish.

A presentation was made on behalf of the parish by Wiktor Siemionkowski, former altar boy in the parish, who is currently studying for the priesthood in Maynooth College. A presentation was also made to Fr. Farragher by Ballyhaunis Pastoral Council.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was Kevin Henry, chairman of the Ballyhaunis Pastoral Council.

Fr. Stephen Farragher with Ballyhaunis Councillor Alma Gallagher and retired councillor John Cribbin.
A packed congregation for the anniversary celebrations.
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