STAFF at the White Oaks addiction treatment centre in Co Donegal were said last said to be "deeply saddened" by the death of its founder.
The passing of Father Neal Carlin, aged 81, was posted on the St Eugene's Cathedral in Derry's social media platforms on Friday.
Fr Carlin founded the Columba Community in Derry and established St Anthony's Retreat Centre near Bridgend, and will also be remembered for setting up the IOSAS Centre organic gardens and the Celtic Prayer Garden near Muff.
From Fahan in Co Donegal, the late priest played a leading role in supporting people fighting addiction.
He was also a published author, most recently co-penning ‘The Eagle, the Tiger and Covid – Imaging God recalling Ireland’ with Carl Bradley.
In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf and watching Gaelic football.
A statement from St Eugene's Cathedral said news of Fr Carlin's death had been greeted with great sadness.
"Fr Neal, founded the Columba Community and established St Anthony's Retreat Centre near Bridgend, White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre, Columba House (Queen Street), the IOSAS Centre organic gardens and the Celtic Prayer Garden near Muff," the statement said.
"He has touched many lives in the north west and beyond."
Located on a hillside on the Derry-Donegal border, the 60-bed White Oaks residential rehabilitation centre for those addicted to alcohol and drugs was opened 2001.
