Fr. John Silke.

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Dr. John Silke Celebrates his Golden Jubilee.

Local priest Fr. John Silke celebrated his golden jubilee with a special Mass in St. Michael's Church  10th June 2002. The well-known priest renowned for his literal efforts, he has written several books. His latest being on the History of Raphoe Diocese. His jubilee Mass was concelebrated with eleven other priests,  attended by family members, friends and locals.

Fr. Silke was born in Creeslough to Paddy and Ann (McGinley) Silke. He was educated at Drimnaraw National School and St.Eunan College Letterkenny . He studied for the priesthood in Monnoth College Dublin and was ordained 23/4/65 . Fr.Silke served on the staff of St. Eunan's College for twenty years. He spent four years in Philadelphia USA. He became Parish Priest for Glendone where he served for five years.In 1989 he wrote the History of Raphoe.

His father John Silke was a native of Co.Clare came too Creeslough as an agiculture instructor married  a local girl Ann (Pood) McGinley from fermore and  had three boyes Paddy, Michael, Malacky, John, and two girls Mona and Teresa. His father John Silke bought  a farm and built a bigh house. Putting Creeslough on the map when he won the World Record for growing potato's Aran Baner. He also became  a potato exporter

  The Diocese of Raphoe Book

Page 11. Turas Massinass, Creeslough, said to be the last well that Colum Cille   blessed when on his way to Tory Island.

Page 27. Bishop (John MacCormacs) at the mouth of the River lacagh near Doe Castle is the Bishop Isle, where tradition says a bishop is buiried. A little to the south Rinnarispy juts into Ards. Was John the bishop may have had his home here in the Parish of Clondahorkey.

Page 30. Franciscian Communities were the Third Order House at Ballymacsweeney near Doe Castle.

Page 50. Priest's done to death at Massinass Creeslough.

Page 58. Dominican Fr. Dominic Curnin a Massrock priest died in 1809 aged 85 and is buiried beside Doe Castle.

Page 73. Bishop  of Raphoe William Mac Neely brought the Capuchin Franciscan's to Ards in 1930.

Page 75. Mc Cormick architect for the Creeslough Church.