A parishioner from Greencastle has said that photographs from their wedding are now difficult to view after the priest who officiated admitted to 109 sex offences.

Edward Gallagher, 59, who served as parish priest in Greencastle from 2015 to 2022, entered guilty pleas at Derry Crown Court on Monday. The offences include attempted sexual communication with a child under 16, possessing indecent images of children, and attempting to encourage a child to engage in sexual activity. The charges relate to dates between June 22, 2023, and April 18, 2025, after he had left Greencastle.

The parishioner said that Gallagher conducted their wedding ceremony and signed the marriage certificate. They now want to renew their marriage vows because of his involvement.

"It was Fr Gallagher who conducted my wedding ceremony. But the photographs and videos of that day are now ruined for me. I can't look at them without seeing him," the parishioner said.

The parishioner also noted that many homes in the Greencastle area display photographs of family occasions such as baptisms, confirmations, and first communions at which Gallagher was present.

Gallagher moved to Moville, County Donegal, in 2022. He remains in custody and is due to be sentenced on December 9.

Following the guilty pleas, Bishop of Derry Michael Router said he is petitioning the Holy See to submit the case directly to Pope Leo XIV with a recommendation that Gallagher be dismissed from the clerical state.