Saint MacNissi's Church
Randalstown
OUR PRIESTS
Our Priests
Over the years, many dedicated priests have guided our parish with faith and care. We gratefully remember those who served in the past, give thanks for those who lead us today and look forward to our future generations.
Very Reverend Canon John Forsythe PP
Canon John Forsythe joined our parish in September 2017 as Parish Priest. He has served our community with great dedication and, in July 2022, was appointed Canon of the Cathedral Chapter, Down and Connor by Most Rev. Bishop Noel Treanor.
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Canon John came to us from St Mary’s on the Hill, Glengormley, where he served for six years. Prior to that, he ministered at Christ the Redeemer Parish from August 1997.
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Canon John was ordained in 1976 and spent the early years of his ministry teaching in Knock and the Holy Rosary until 1990. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Boston before returning home to work as a school inspector for the Diocese, covering areas from Portstewart to Kilkeel. Following that role, Canon John supported schools in an advisory capacity before his appointment to Christ the Redeemer.
Future Priests
We are blessed to have two young men from our parish currently preparing for the priesthood. We keep them in our prayers and offer our support as they continue this journey, trusting that God will guide them each step of the way.
Past Priests
1997-2017
Very Rev. Con Boyle
Parish Priest
Currently serving in Ballycastle.
1988-1997
Fr. William McKeever †
Parish Priest
1980-1988
Fr. Patrick McGarry †
Parish Priest
1973-1980
Fr. Anthony McHugh
Curate
1969-1980
Fr. Daniel McGuckian †
Parish Priest
Interred in our cemetery.
1966-1969
Fr. Richard O'Neill †
Parish Priest
Interred in our cemetery.
1965-1966
Fr. Denis McAteer
Curate
1964-1973
Fr. Vincent Maguire
Curate. Instrumental in the planning and construction of the new church of 1972.
1958-1964
Fr. Patrick Meehan
Curate
1948-1958
Fr. John Murray
Curate. Supervised the building of St. Olcan's School, now known as St. Benedicts College.
1944-1948
Fr. Charles Bready
Curate. Purchased the site on which the new church and car park now stand from William Hurrell.
1943-1944
Fr. Gerald McCall
Curate
1943-1943
Fr. Hugh Roe O'Donnell
Curate
1932-1965
Very Rev. Canon Denis McCartan †
Parish Priest, interred in our cemetery.
1905-1944
Fr. Philip McGee
Curate
1938-1941
Fr. Patrick McCarthy
Curate
1932-1938
Fr. John Henry
Curate
1930-1932
Fr. James Watters
Curate
1922-1932
Fr. Thomas Lynch
Curate. Established branches of the Pioneer Total Abstistence Society and the Apostolic Work Society.
1920-1922
Fr. Daniel Lafferty
Curate
1918-1920
Fr. James J. Connolly
Curate. Involved in founding of Tír na nÓg hurling club.
1917-1918
Fr. Thomas McGrattan
Curate
1914-1917
Fr. Andrew F. Bready
Curate
1913-1914
Fr. John Murphy
Curate
1911-1912
Fr. John Rooney
Curate
1910-1911
Fr. Joseph McGlave
Curate
1909-1910
Fr. Arthur Walsh
Curate
1903-1909
Fr. James L. O'Flaherty
Curate
1899-1903
Fr. Hugh Fitzpatrick
Curate
????-1932
Very Rev. Canon P. J. Murphy †
Parish Priest
Interred in our cemetery.
????-1884
Fr. John McGrehan †
Parish Priest
Interred in our cemetery.
Fr. Daniel Curoe
Fr Daniel Curoe holds a significant place in the history of our parish. Born on 20 October 1793 in Kilclief, County Down, he was appointed parish priest on 1 October 1825. During his tenure, he oversaw major developments to the old church and was instrumental in shaping the spiritual and educational life of the community.
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In 1826, Fr Curoe established a parish council that remained active for many years. He was also responsible for the construction of the first national school.
In 1848, he purchased an acre of land from Lord O’Neill for use as a graveyard and oversaw the building of the church’s bell tower, completed in the same year. Other improvements under his guidance included the installation of a new altar, the addition of Stations of the Cross, and the replacement of the church’s earthen floor with tiles.
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Fr Curoe passed away on 21 October 1854 at the age of 61. His grave, a raised sarcophagus surrounded by black railings, remains one of the most prominent features in Drummaul graveyard. The Latin inscription on his tomb reads:​
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In memoriam Admodum Revdi Danielis Curoe P.P., et V.G., Qui, virtutibus moribus atque doctrinis præcellens, curaque pastorali tam senioribus quam junioribus gregis, disciplina Domini in edocenda intentus, obiit die 21a Octobris, Anno Sal. Rep. 1854, ætatis annœ 61. Requiescat in pace. Amen.
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This translates to:​
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In memory of the Most Reverend Daniel Curoe, Parish Priest and Vicar General, who excelled in virtue, morals, and learning. A true shepherd to both the young and old of his flock, he was devoted to teaching the ways of the Lord. He died on 21 October 1854, aged 61. May he rest in peace. Amen.