Father Bill McGeady, curate in Glencolmcille, told parishoners that a small number of people in the area had objected to how he ran the parish.
The Gortahork-born priest who grew up in Glasgow and is a great-uncle of Ireland soccer star Aiden, said he felt he could not longer continue his duties after being physically and verbally assaulted.
The 74-year-old received huge support today however from parishoners who contacted Donegal Daily.
The curate had been on secondment to Co Donegal from Falkirk.
He is hugely popular with many people in Glen.
However he told Mass-goers this morning that he had become increasingly disillusioned with a number of people who had verbally bullied him in recent months.
He read out a letter explaining why he was resigning his position and said he would pray for those opposed to his ministry in the Co Donegal village.
“Father Bill is the salt of the earth and it’s a sad day when someone like him could be forced out of his position,” said one of his supporters today.
“He was actively involved with the community including with the community council.
“It’s sad that a small number of people could force him out like this.”
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