Séamas Mac Pháidín : Short Biography

Rev. Fr. James McFadden was born Séamas Mac Pháidín in Doochary, County Donegal. Educated at Maynooth seminary, he came to Gweedore, County Donegal, where he was appointed parish priest in 1875. There, he became known as 'An Sagart Mor': 'The Big Priest' and 'The fighting priest of Gweedore', although he was small in stature. In 1888 was imprisoned for encouraging tenants not to pay rent (as part of the Land League cause). MURDER TRIAL In 1889, District Inspector Martin attempted to serve a summons on him outside Derrybeg Chapel after mass; a scuffle broke out, and Martin was allegedly murdered by bystanders. Cannon McFadden, along with others, was arrested and tried for murder. He was released, although some of the participants were imprisoned for up to thirty years. He later became parish priest of Iniskeel and died in Glenties.