Harborough's Father Owen O'Neill says farewell after 55 years of giving 'wisdom, grace and support' to everyone

Tributes have been paid to a veteran Market Harborough churchman who is retiring after a 55 years.

Father Owen O'Neill has been the Roman Catholic Priest at Our Lady of Victories Church on Fairfield Road, Market Harborough, for the last 19 years.

The popular clergyman is retiring on Wednesday September 16 after devoting 55 years of his life to the ministry.

At a socially-distanced presentation at St Hugh's Church in Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Father O’Neill was presented with a cheque from all the churches by Janet Smith, chair of Churches Together in Harborough.

He was also given a framed photo of Our Lady of Victories Church and St Dionysius and the Old Grammar School by Christopher Brown, Minister of Harborough Baptist Church.

Janet and Christopher each spoke of the “great respect” Father Owen has been held in for so many years.

They also thanked him for his “wisdom, grace and support for all the churches”.

Father Owen said: "Churches Together in Harborough has been both a joy and a blessing.

“It's essential that we continue to share together, reach out together and love one another."

Methodist Minister Andy Murphy has produced a special video interview with Father Owen. You should be able to see the video attached to the article but if you can't access it, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99k8jjV9aDM