After recent speculation concerning the relationship between the curate and horse trainer Avril Burke, Father Sheahan contacted The Examiner.

He indicated he was surprised that as soon as two people were seen together, it was assumed romance was in the air.

Fr. Sheahan assured us that as a priest he was available to all his parishioners. Because he and Ms. Burke shared the problem of alcoholism, they naturally support each other to overcome this.

Most recently Fr. Vincent has been staying in Cilldargen with Fr. MacAnally, and this is why he was seen leaving town.

Drinkers at Fitzgerald's were overheard betting on how long it will be before the curate is looking for another home.

Speculation seemed to be confirmed when Fr. Vincent was seen speeding away from the priests' house late one night.

When approached by our reporter and asked about rumoured conflict, Fr. Mac's housekeeper replied, 'No comment'.

Liam Coghlan who works at the stables confirmed that he had not seen anything to support the rumours.

'They're just good friends. Vincent had experience with horses back in Australia' he helpfully informed us. Changing the subject Liam continued, 'D'ya know Wagga Wagga is the horse capital of Australia? They trained all the horses used in the Pentathlon in the Sydney Olympics there.'

More recently, the two priests were seen entering the Bank together. Speculation has it that they are negotiating a loan to find the curate a permanent abode.

We will have more details on this soon.

By Jen Jolley

There's another pub quiz tonight in Fitzgerald's. Pop in for craic and a bit of fun!