Tributes have been paid to a well-respected priest in Derry after news of his passing over the weekend.
Fr Paddy McIntyre, 86, served at St Eugene’s Cathedral in the city, the parish where he grew up and had returned to over the past number of years.
He had given 30 years of his priesthood to the missions in South America, while also serving as a priest in several locations throughout the UK.
Read more: Popular tearoom to close after receiving electricity bill of over £4,000
Paying tribute, St. Eugene's Cathedral said: "It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that we announce the death of Fr Patrick McIntyre.
"Fr Paddy has been celebrating mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral, in the parish where he grew up over the past number of years, after giving 30 years of his priesthood to the missions.
While in South America he did fantastic work building schools, colleges and nurseries. Fr Paddy, retired in October 2013 and returned to Derry to celebrate mass in St Eugene’s Cathedral.
"He will be remembered with respect and admiration for his integrity, his passion about mission and his courtesy. The funeral will take place on Tuesday 30th at 11.00am."
Former SDLP mayor of Derry, Pat Ramsey, said Fr McIntyre would be missed in the local community. He said: "I am so so sorry to learn of Fr Patrick’s death, he loved serving people through mass but especially confessions
"My thoughts and prayers with his family and also priests of the parish a very dedicated, compassionate and loving priest."
In other tributes, another wrote: "Such a gentle and devoted man. We will never forget all your kindness, nothing was too much bother to you Fr. Patrick, and not just for your family, but for people everywhere. Rest in peace, a life well lived."
READ NEXT:
-
Kellie Maloney delighted to visit Derry boxing club before headlining Pride event
- Derry restaurants honoured Irish Restaurant Awards 2022
- Castlerock: Woman rescued after falling from a cliff near Northern Ireland beauty spot
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
