He brought cats, courage and community — now Craigs bids emotional farewell to Rev. Adrian Halligan

(L-R) Marie Moore (Rectors Warden), Wendy Halligan, Rev Adrian Halligan, Abigail Halligan and Church Reader Sandi McKendry along with gifts presented. 

There are farewells that feel routine — and then there are those that quietly mark the end of an era.

On Sunday 22nd February 2026, at Craigs Parish Church, Cullybackey, Rev. Adrian Halligan delivered his final sermon to the Parishes of Craigs, Dunaghy, and Killagan — bringing to a close a ministry shaped by resilience, community spirit and more than a few unexpected moments.

Standing before a congregation that has walked alongside him since September 2018, Rev. Halligan reflected on his journey from the day he first moved into the Craigs Rectory.

His sermon, woven with personal anecdotes and spiritual insight, paid tribute to the inspirational scenery surrounding the parish and to the quiet moments of divine guidance he felt while preparing sermons — often with pencil in hand.

In one of the most memorable moments of his address, he likened the Christian journey to a pencil: we aim to do right, he said, but like the small eraser at its tip, we all need the opportunity to correct our mistakes.

It was a simple image, but one that carried weight — particularly after years that included the profound challenges of COVID-19. Rev. Halligan acknowledged those difficult months, yet spoke of how adversity strengthened resilience and deepened camaraderie within the parish family.

His time in Craigs also came with a distinction few can claim. Rev. Halligan served as the only minister in Northern Ireland to take on the role of chaplain at Cranswick, a local pig factory — a unique ministry that saw new members drawn into church life.

He spoke warmly of friendships formed through the church community, his involvement with the Cullybackey Community Partnership, and his support for the Cullybackey Detachment of the 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force.

The church itself became something of a screen presence during his tenure, serving as a filming location on four occasions — including a wedding scene in the popular television series Derry Girls — an unexpected but cherished footnote in parish life.

(L-R) Wendy Halligan, Rev Adrian Halligan & Abigail Halligan 

For many younger members of the congregation, however, it was two familiar faces who stole the spotlight at Sunday’s farewell.

Adrian’s beloved cats, Moses — the black and white cat — and Esther, the calico, regularly appeared in puppet form during children’s addresses. Moses made his goodbyes to the younger (and older) members of the congregation, while Esther was unable to attend, already packed away for the family’s upcoming move.

The congregation of Craigs responded with an emotional yet joyful farewell. Presentations were led by Church Reader Sandi McKendry, who is also stepping down to pursue her own spiritual journey, marking a significant moment of transition within the parish.

Rev. Halligan’s path to ministry began far from the pulpit. Originally from North Belfast, he grew up attending Whitehouse Presbyterian Church and later studied Electronic Engineering at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

After a successful career as a Telecommunications Engineer with Nortel Networks, he moved into lecturing before exploring his vocation in ordained ministry.

He was ordained Deacon in January 2011 at All Saints’ Parish Church, Antrim, later serving as Priest. Following his first curacy in Antrim, he ministered in Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowncrommelin in Broughshane for three years, transferring from Non-Stipendiary to Stipendiary Ministry during that period.

In September 2018, he began his ministry in the Grouped Parishes of Craigs, Dunaghy, and Killagan.

Married to Wendy, with one daughter, Abigail — a teacher at Glengormley Integrated College — Adrian’s interests include rugby, caravanning, movies, reading, and, of course, his cats Moses and Esther.

Now, as he prepares to take up his new role in the Parishes of Ballinderry, Tamlaght, and Ardboe, a fresh chapter awaits. His Service of Institution is set for Tuesday, 3rd March 2026.

For the people of Craigs, Dunaghy and Killagan, Sunday’s farewell was not simply about saying goodbye. It was about honouring a ministry that found faith in small details — in pencils and puppets, in factories and film sets — and trusting that the same steady guidance will shape whatever comes next.