Former parish priest passes away

Fr McAlinden, who was 51, was ordained on June 24, 1990 in St Peter’s Church, Lurgan and was a curate at a number of parishes, including Newry, Saval, Drumgath, Tullylish and Seapatrick.

He became Parish Priest in Moyraverty in 2004 and was appointed Parish Priest of Dromore for two years.

Subsequently he was appointed to the staff of St Patrick’s College Maynooth in 2014.

He is survived by his parents Mary and Barney, and his sister Linda.

His remains will arrive at St Anthony’s Church, Craigavon for Mass at 7.30pm, followed by an all-night vigil.

Fr. Martin’s remains will leave St Anthony’s Craigavon at 12.15pm on Wednesday, arriving at St Peter’s Church, Lurgan for Requiem Mass at 1pm.

Burial in Lylo Cemetery, Craigavon.

Monsignor Hugh Connolly of Maynooth said: “Fr Martin McAlinden has departed this life after an extraordinarily courageous and inspiring struggle with terminal illness.

“Despite being a member of the Maynooth faculty for a comparatively short time he has made an enormous contribution to the Pontifical University and National Seminary as Director of Pastoral Training.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”