FR EDDIE GALLAGHER FROM LIFFORD IN DERRY CHARGED WITH CHILD SEXUAL COMMUNICATION AND SUSPENDED FROM MINISTRY

Fr Eddie Gallagher, a priest based in Lifford, has been formally suspended from his duties within the Catholic Church following serious allegations and subsequent legal charges. The suspension was officially confirmed after Fr Gallagher appeared before a special session of Derry Magistrates’ Court, where he faced accusations of attempting sexual communication with a minor. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between April 2, 2025, and April 17, 2025, raising grave concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the community.

Fr Gallagher serves as the curate for several parishes, including Camus, Clonleigh, and Leckpatrick, with his primary church being St Patrick’s in Murlog, Lifford. He is known to regularly conduct services at this church, making the allegations particularly distressing for the local congregation and community members. His arrest followed an incident involving individuals known as ‘paedophile hunters,’ who confronted him outside a hotel in Derry. This confrontation was captured on social media and quickly gained widespread attention. In the video footage, accusations are made against Fr Gallagher concerning sexual activity, and he appears visibly shaken and unsteady, which has added to the public concern and media coverage surrounding the case.

The Diocese of Derry has publicly acknowledged Fr Gallagher’s court appearance and confirmed that he has been suspended from his clerical duties. They also announced that they have initiated an internal investigation into the matter. The diocese emphasized that this internal inquiry will proceed independently and will not interfere with the ongoing criminal proceedings. A spokesperson for the diocese stated, “The diocese takes such matters very seriously and has, in addition, commenced its own internal investigation, which will only take place in a manner that does not interfere with the criminal investigation. Fr Gallagher is suspended from ministry.” They further noted that it would be inappropriate to comment further until the criminal case is resolved.

In addition to the suspension, the Diocese of Derry has urged anyone who has concerns or allegations related to child abuse to contact the appropriate authorities, including the PSNI, Social Services, or Garda Síochána. They provided links to diocesan safeguarding contacts to facilitate reporting and ensure that any potential victims or witnesses can come forward. This case underscores the ongoing criminal investigation and internal review into allegations of child sexual misconduct, highlighting the serious nature of the charges and the community’s concern for child safety in the Lifford and wider Derry area.