Caught with his pants down: Sun shines its light on gaydar.ie priest
Updated at 2000 hrs. Scroll down for more
Feakle’s parish priest Fr. Michael Hogan first came to prominence in March 2006 when he commented on the death of a four year old boy who died in the local school in March of 2006.
But now, he is making the headlines for all the wrong reasons as he adorns the front page of the Sun newspaper wearing nothing but his underpants, a crucifix and a smile.
The priest was stung by the investigative journalist from the paper after a local parishioner found the priests profile on the website Gaydar.ie
During online conversations between the priest and the undercover journalist, an in-person meeting was arranged for Durty Nelly’s pub in Bunratty.
However, Fr. Hogan’s engagements got in the way of the mid day meeting and a later one was set up in County Tipperary.
During the real-world conversation the two had, Fr. Hogan admitted to being a cleric, meeting up with other men and even overnighting with some of them.
Father Hogan is due to make a formal statement on the revalations later today.
In a statement released this afternoon, Fr. Michael Hogan has requested a period of leave from his duties from the Bishop of Clare after today’s Sun newspaper story.
In the statement he acknowledged that he breached his vow of celibacy and issued an apology to the parishioners of Feakle.
INN News has reported that the Bishop of Killaloe, Willie Walshe has granted a request by Fr Michael Hogan to be allowed take time out from his duties to reflect on his situation.
The news agency also reports that the community of Feakle have by and large come out in support of their parish priest, and are asking that his privacy be respected now.