Rev. Father Gary Donegan

Fr Gary Donegan, a Passionist priest who served 15 years at Holy Cross Church in Ardoyne in North Belfast, was today honoured with the Community Relations Council (CRC) Award for Exceptional Achievement.

Rev Norman Hamilton presented the award after delivering the annual David Stevens Memorial Lecture on “Reconciliation Reframed.” The event was held in the new Houben Centre in the grounds of Holy Cross Church. You can read the lecture in full here: Stevens Lecture 13 Jan 2017 FNL Pub

Donegan was acknowledged as a priest who got out into the nooks and crannies of the streets, standing up to injustice. He received death threats for his condemnations of violence, yet could not be silenced. Donegan also facilitated behind-the-scenes talks, participated in the “Make it Work” campaign that lobbied for the Good Friday Agreement, and built enduring relationships with people of all faiths and none.