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Rev Joseph Doherty RIP

​Born 18 June 1920
​Ordained 17 June 1945
Died​​26 November 2012

From the parish of St Eugene, Derry City, Fr Joe Doherty was one of a large family. As a boy he attended Rosemount Boy's school before moving on to St Columb's College. After completing his Senior Certificate he entered Maynooth College. He was there during the years of the Second World War and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Neil Farren in St Columb's College Chapel on the 17th June 1945, the very month the war ended.

He began his priestly ministry in the diocese of Middlesborough and returned to Derry in 1947. Fr Joe served in may parishes and is still fondly remembered in Kilrea, Moville, Coleraine, Killygordon, Greencastle, Keenaught and Lavey before being appointed as parish priest in Plumbridge in 1976. He retired from active ministry in 1989. It has been said that it was the pressure from the troubles that led him to retire. He went to live in the village of Clar in Donegal and died there on the 26th November 2012.

The Doherty family, living in the Creggan Road area of Derry, were very much involved in the life of the Church and from the family two sons, Fr Joe and Fr Charlie, became priests. They are buried together in Ballybrack, Moville.

Fr Joe was a faithful priest, faithful to Jesus and to the people he served so well. He was a quiet man. His years of retirement were difficult for him with failing health and the loneliness of living alone. But he was greatly consoled by the care and attention he received from his nieces and nephews who were very devoted to him and also from his very caring neighbours in Clar. He often referred to himself as the 'Last of the Doherty's'. May he rest in peace.

Homily - World Day of Peace - Bishop McKeown
Contact

Diocesan Offices
St Eugene’s Cathedral
Francis Street, Derry
BT48 9AP

Tel: 028 7126 2302

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