Father Brian D'Arcy

Brian D'Arcy C.P (born 1 June 1945) is a Passionist priest based in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. A writer, newspaper columnist, broadcaster, and preacher, he serves as Rector of St. Gabriel's Retreat, the Graan, and is the author of several books, including A Little Bit of Religion and A Little Bit of Healing.

D'Arcy grew up in the village of Bellanaleck in County Fermanagh. His father Hugh worked at Enniskillen railway station and had been a notable Gaelic Athletic Association footballer in his youth. His primary education was in a local school while his secondary education was in the Christian Brothers Grammar School, Omagh. Having successfully sat the 11-plus exam, he entered St. Michael's College, Enniskillen. He later studied scholastic philosophy at UCD.

In September 1962, at the age of 17, D'Arcy became a novice at the Passionist monastery in Enniskillen. A year later he was transferred to Mount Argus in Dublin. He was ordained a priest in December 1969.

In his early years as a priest, D'Arcy became an unofficial chaplain to the showbusiness community in Dublin, visiting dancehalls seven nights a week and hearing confessions from musicians and fans alike. Such was his fame during this period that he reportedly became the inspiration for Dermot Morgan's character, Father Trendy.

D'Arcy has publicly opposed the existing disciplinary norms regarding clerical celibacy and has sought the possibility to ordain married priests.

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Wikipedia