Iconic local priest, Father Edward Flanagan has moved closer to sainthood following an announcement by Pope Leo XIV this morning declaring the Ballymoe man Venerable. Father Flanagan was born in Leabeg, County Roscommon, in the Diocese of Elphin, on 13 July 1886 and, following his primary education in Drimatemple National School, went to the College of the Immaculate Conception, Summerhill College, Sligo, to complete his secondary education. A one hour documentary movie on the life of Father Flanagan, 'Heart of a Servant', has been completed, and is scheduled for broadcast by RTÉ in the coming months. “This would normally follow the recognition of a Miracle, attributed to the intercession of Father Flanagan, I encourage people to pray through the intercession of Father Flanagan for healing for family members and friends who are sick, and to make contact with me, or with the Father Flanagan League of Devotion, if you believe that an unexplained healing has taken place. Father Flanagan Prayer Cards and Medals are available from the Memorial Centre in Ballymoe.”

Source: The Herald March 23, 2026 17:54 UTC