Clerical Changes 2026 | Diocese of Derry

Bishop Router has announced the following clerical changes for the Diocese of Derry, effective from Friday, 30th October 2026:

Rev Eamon McDevitt, PP Dunamanagh, to retire

Rev Paul Fraser, PP Ardstraw West & Castlederg, PP Langfield and PP Termonamongan, to be PP Drumragh

Rev Chris McDermott, Adm Granaghan, CC Kilrea & Desertoghill and CC Errigal, to be PP Ardstraw West & Castlederg, PP Langfield and PP Termonamongan
Rev James Devine, CC Ardstraw East, CC Badoney Upper, CC Badoney Lower and CC Greencastle, to be Adm Granaghan, CC Kilrea & Desertoghill and CC Errigal

Rev Patrick Lagan, CC Glendermott and CC Strathfoyle, to be PP Greencastle and PP Badoney Lower
Rev Stephen Baxter, CC Drumragh and CC Cappagh, to be CC Glendermott and CC Strathfoyle

Rev Roland Colhoun, CC Ardstraw East, CC Badoney Upper, CC Badoney Lower and CC Greencastle, to be Adm Donagheady, while remaining CC Ardstraw East and CC Badoney Upper

Bishop Router notified that Very Rev Michael Canny, PP Glendermott and Adm Strathfoyle, and Rev Paul McCafferty were recently reappointed as Vicars General.

Bishop Router confirmed the re-appointment and appointment of a number of clergy in the role of Vicar Forane:
Very Rev John Farren, as Vicar Forane for Inishowen Deanery
Very Rev Peter Madden, as Vicar Forane for County Derry Deanery
Very Rev Kevin McElhennon, as Vicar Forane for the County Tyrone Deanery
Very Rev Paul Farren, Adm St Eugene's Cathedral, to be in addition Vicar Forane of the Derry City Deanery

Rev David O'Kane is retiring as Vicar Forane for the Derry City Deanery, while remaining as Adm Claudy.

Bishop Router thanks the priests of the diocese for their continued ministry and service and sends his good wishes to those who are taking up these new appointments. He also thanks the people of the Diocese of Derry for their ongoing prayers and support for their clergy. He encourages them to warmly welcome their new priests in the coming weeks.