A Catholic priest has been suspended by his diocese in Derry after being remanded in custody on a charge of attempted sexual communication with a child.
Edward Gallagher (58), of Orchard Park, Lifford, appeared via videolink from Strand Road Police Station before a special sitting of the Derry’s magistrates court sitting in Dungannon on Saturday morning.
Wearing a grey jumper, Mr Gallagher was told he has been charged with attempted sexual communication with a child between April 2nd and 17th 2025.
When asked whether he understood the charges, Gallagher replied: “I do”.
‘There were four girls raped in front of us. Their mother cried for their safety’
Nicotine pouches in schools: ‘This is heading towards epidemic proportions’
Why did two Kerry politicians fight to protect Airbnb in the Kingdom?
‘Wouldn’t it be great if he got voted in?’ The cardinal from Drimnagh tasked with organising the papal conclave
Earlier, on Saturday morning, a constable told the Derry court that police believe they can connect the accused to the charge.
A defence lawyer said there would be no bail application at this stage, and also requested that his client be remanded until May 1st. He said there is an “issue over addresses”, but they are in conversation with police about that and hopeful of a resolution in the next week to 10 days.
He said there would be no bail application on that date. He also applied for legal aid for his client.
“He would have been in receipt of a modest stipend. The circumstances of the case are ... such that that will obviously cease,” he said.
District Judge Steven Keown said the defendant should be produced via video link for a court sitting on May 1st. He granted a limited legal aid certificate for that day.
In a statement afterwards, the Diocese of Derry said it is aware Fr Gallagher has “appeared in court in relation to serious charges of a sexual nature in relation to attempted sexual communication with a child”.
Providing diocesan safeguarding links, it said the diocese takes such matters “very seriously” and has begun its own internal investigation and suspended him from the 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,” the diocese said. - Additional reporting PA
