Throughout our divided society, there are figures who work tirelessly and usually behind the scenes to improve community relations.
It may well be that the contribution of Fr Gary Donegan in Ardoyne and other districts over the last 15 years will only be fully recognised after he moves to a new post later this month.
However, ordinary citizens on both sides of the divide have good reason to be grateful to Fr Donegan for his efforts during pressurised and often traumatic periods in a uniquely sensitive area.
They also will be relieved to learn that, while his pastoral role is taking him to Co Down, he will still be centrally involved in the reconciliation process in north Belfast.
