Brian D'Arcy

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Father Brian D'Arcy (born 1945) is a Passionist priest based in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. A noted author, newspaper columnist, broadcaster and preacher, he serves as Rector of St. Gabriel's Retreat, the Graan.

D'Arcy grew up in the the village of Bellanaleck in County Fermanagh.[1] His father Hugh worked at Enniskillen railway station[2] and had been a notable Gaelic Athletic Association footballer in his youth.[3] The young D'Arcy's education began in a local school before he was sent to the Christian Brothers School in Omagh.[4] Having successfully sat the Eleven Plus exam, he entered St. Michael's College, Enniskillen.[5] He later studied scholastic philosophy at UCD.[6]

In September 1962, at the age of 17, D'Arcy became a novice at the Passionist monastery in Enniskillen.[7] A year later he was transferred to Mount Argus in Dublin.[6] He was ordained a priest in December 1969.[8]

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.[9] Such was his fame during this period that he reportedly became the inspiration for Dermot Morgan's character, Father Brian Trendy.[10]

D'Arcy hosts a weekly radio programme on BBC Northern Ireland[11] called Religion and Ethics on the air. Since July 1976 he has written the "Father Brian's Little Bit of Religion" column for the Sunday World.[12].

On Sunday 15th April, 2007, D'Arcy replaced Canon Roger Royle on the long standing BBC Radio 2 Show, Sunday Half Hour.[13]

[edit] References

  1. ^ D'Arcy, Brian, A Different Journey, (Sliabh Bán Productions, 2006, ISBN0-9545829-5-0) p.17
  2. ^ A Different Journey, p.18
  3. ^ A Different Journey, p.19
  4. ^ A Different Journey, p.20
  5. ^ A Different Journey, p.21
  6. ^ a b A Different Journey, p.38
  7. ^ A Different Journey, p.27
  8. ^ A Different Journey, p.46
  9. ^ A Different Journey, p.55
  10. ^ Connection with Brian Trendy
  11. ^ Weekly radio program
  12. ^ Link to recent article
  13. ^ Press Release from the BBC
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