Christopher McGinley (1889 – 1974)

(6th December 1889 – 12th November 1974)

Fr. Christopher McGinley

Like his younger brother, Andrew, Christopher (Christy) was born and reared in Mín an Aoire. He joined the priesthood and following his ordination in 1914 he travelled to Buffalo, in the USA to serve with his uncle, Father Christopher O’Byrne, formerly of An Dúinín, Cill Charthaigh. He returned to the Raphoe Diocese in 1920 and served as curate in Churchill, Carrigart, Cill Charthaigh, Falcharrach and Glenswilly. Father Christy organised regular music sessions in his various parishes, and both Mick Carr and Jimmy Bhidi Mhici were often called upon to play, where they met with many musicians from the north of the county. Father Christy was appointed parish priest of Cill Charthaigh in 1948 and retired in 1968.