Fr Eddie Gallagher confronted earlier this week by paedophile hunters outside Derry hotel
The cleric has been suspended from his post in the Derry Diocese after he was charged with attempted sexual communication with a child.
Fr Gallagher appeared before a special sitting of Derry Magistrates’ Court charged that on dates between April 2, 2025 and April 17, 2025 that he attempted sexual communication with a child.
The 58-year-old is the curate for the Camus, Clonleigh and Leckpatrick parishes, which include St Patrick’s Church in Murlog, Lifford, in Co Donegal where he is the regular celebrant.
His arrest and charge follows an incident involving ‘paedophile hunters’ outside a Derry hotel on Thursday last, which saw a number of allegations put to him.
In that video, various allegations are put to the priest about his alleged sexual activity, and he is seen visibly shaken and staggering back against a wall.
Shortly after the confrontation, Fr Gallagher was arrested, questioned and then appeared in court.
The priest, with an address at Orchard Park in Lifford, spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charge while no application for bail was made with the case being adjourned until May.
Following his arrest on Thursday last, uniformed Gardai and detectives visited a mobile home in Buncrana on the Inishowen Peninsula owned by the priest.
Eye-witnesses told how they saw Gardai enter the mobile home and later remove a number of items from the property.
The Garda Press Office was contacted for a reaction to the development.
However, a spokesperson said they do not comment on inquiries which may relate to ongoing investigations.
The investigation is being co-ordinated by the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch based in Derry.
A spokesperson for the Derry Diocese has confirmed Fr Gallagher had been suspended as criminal proceedings continue.
“The Diocese of Derry is aware that Fr Edward Gallagher has appeared in court in relation to serious charges of a sexual nature in relation to attempted sexual communication with a child.
“The diocese takes such matters very seriously and as such has, in addition, commenced its own internal investigation, which will only take place in a manner which does not impede the criminal investigation. Fr Gallagher is suspended from ministry.”
“As charges are now before a court, it would not be appropriate for the diocese to comment further until the completion of the criminal proceedings.”
“If anyone has any allegations or concerns regarding child abuse, they should contact the PSNI and Social Services in Northern Ireland, or An Garda Síochána and Tusla in the Republic of Ireland.
“In addition, contact for diocesan safeguarding can be found on the diocesan website (derrydiocese.org) or on posters in churches within the diocese.”
Gallagher was born in the USA but his family moved to Derry when he was aged ten.
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