30/11/2015

Peacemaker Priest Father Gerry Reynolds Dies

A Redemptorist priest who worked for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland has died.

SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said Father Gerry Reynolds touched the lives of countless numbers of people.

Father Reynolds was based at Clonard Monastery in west Belfast for over 30 years.

Mr Attwood said: "On behalf of the SDLP and my own family I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of father Gerry Reynolds and to his friends in the Clonard community.

He was forever working to make peace. His special work with Fr Alec Reid was one example of this. His life was defined by such work, seeking out the opportunity for good to prevail.

"He was devoted to the monastery, the people of Clonard and all of West Belfast. He brought Christian witness into private lives and public spaces.

"At birth, during life and at death Fr Gerry Reynolds was part of the lives of many, many people. He was deeply loved."

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said: "Fr Reynolds embraced the importance of dialogue with other churches. He was a leader in ecumenical outreach and was instrumental in helping to facilitate discussions between members of the Protestant churches and Irish republicans.

"I want to extend to his family, and to colleagues in the Redemptorist Order, and to his many friends my sincerest condolences."

(CD/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

11 February 2020
Sinn Fein Comes Under Dissident Threat
Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has been warned of planned attacks against herself and party colleague Gerry Kelly by dissident republicans. Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister was informed by the PSNI of intelligence pointing to attacks targeting her and Gerry Kelly MLA, the party's policing spokesperson.
14 June 2018
Orange Lodge Urged To Withdraw Application To Parade In North Belfast
The Orange Lodge is being urged to withdraw its application to parade through a mixed area of north Belfast. Sinn Féin made the call and also met with the Parades Commission to object the application. MLA Gerry Kelly said a number of residents in the area have already made a number of objections.
03 October 2017
Man Shot In Paramilitary Style Attack In North Belfast
A man has been shot in a paramilitary style attack in north Belfast. The attack happened in Valsheda Court in the Ardoyne area on Monday, 02 October. The victim, aged 30, was shot in both legs. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
19 May 2015
Prince Charles Meets SF President Gerry Adams
The Prince of Wales has shaken hands with Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams during his royal visit to Galway, Ireland. Mr Adams announced on 17 May representatives of his party would meet with the Prince during his four day trip.
23 September 2014
Game Of Thrones Begins Filming In Magilligan
The HBO sci-fi series Game of Thrones has begun filming in Magilligan, County L'Derry. Shooting for the next series is taking place in the woods under Binevenagh Mountain.