Lifford-based priest Fr Edward Gallagher has been suspended from ministry by the Diocese of Derry after being charged with attempted sexual communication with a child.
His suspension was confirmed after he appeared before a special sitting of Derry Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Fr Gallagher is charged that on dates between April 2, 2025 and April 17, 2025 that he attempted sexual communication with a child.
He is the curate for the Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick parishes, which include St Patrick’s Church in Murlog, Lifford, where he is the regular celebrant.
His arrest and charge follows an incident involving ‘paedophile hunters’ outside a Derry hotel on Thursday, which was widely-spread across social media.
In that video, various allegations are put to the priest about his alleged sexual activity, and he is seen visibly shaken and staggering back against a wall.
Fr Gallagher’s suspension from the ministry has now been confirmed by the Derry Diocese as criminal proceedings continue.
“The Diocese of Derry is aware that Fr Edward Gallagher has appeared in court in relation to serious charges of a sexual nature in relation to attempted sexual communication with a child,” the diocese said in a statement to Donegal Daily.
“The diocese takes such matters very seriously and as such has, in addition, commenced its own internal investigation, which will only take place in a manner which does not impede the criminal investigation. Fr Gallagher is suspended from ministry.”
“As charges are now before a court, it would not be appropriate for the diocese to comment further until the completion of the criminal proceedings.”
“If anyone has any allegations or concerns regarding child abuse, they should contact the PSNI and Social Services in Northern Ireland, or An Garda Síochána and Tusla in the Republic of Ireland. In addition, contact for diocesan safeguarding can be found on the diocesan website (derrydiocese.org) or on posters in churches within the diocese.”
