Fond farewells to the Rev Adrian Halligan and his family

Tuesday February 24th 2026

At Craigs Parish Church after the Rev Adrian Halligan’s final service on February 22 are, from left: Rector’s Warden, Marie Moore; Wendy Halligan, Rev Adrian Halligan; Abigail Halligan; and Church Reader Sandi McKendry, along with gifts presented.

The Rev Adrian Halligan said farewell to the Parishes of Craigs, Dunaghy, and Killagan at his final service on Sunday February 22 in Craigs Parish Church.

Adrian will be instituted as rector in the Parishes of Ballinderry, Tamlaght, and Ardboe, Diocese of Armagh, on March 3.

During his final sermon on Sunday, Adrian reflected on his journey since moving into the Craigs Rectory in Cullybackey. His sermon, infused with personal anecdotes and spiritual insights, emphasised the beauty of the inspirational scenery surrounding the parish and the divine guidance he felt while writing his sermons, often with pencil in hand.

Mrs Wendy Halligan, the Rev Adrian Halligan and Abigail Halligan at Adrian’s service in Craigs Parish Church.

In his address, Adrian likened the Christian journey to that of a pencil, noting that while we strive to do right, we often need to correct our mistakes – much like the small eraser on a pencil. He acknowledged the challenges posed by COVID-19 but highlighted how these adversities fostered resilience and camaraderie.

Adrian also shared fond memories of his unique role as the only minister in Northern Ireland to serve as a chaplain at Cranswick, a pig factory, which brought new members to the church. He expressed gratitude for the friendships formed through the church, his involvement with the Cullybackey Community Partnership, and his support for the Cullybackey Detachment of the 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force.

A notable mention included the church’s role as a film location on four occasions, including a wedding scene in the popular TV series Derry Girls.

Adrian often included his two cats, Moses (the black and white cat) and Esther (the calico) in puppet form and during his address to the children in the church. Moses made his goodbyes to the younger (and older) members of the congregation. Esther could not make it as she was already packed away ready for the move.

The congregation of Craigs bid an emotional yet joyful farewell, with presentations led by Reader Sandi McKendry, who will also be stepping down to pursue her own spiritual journey.

Adrian was ordained a Deacon in January 2011 at All Saints’ Parish Church in Antrim and later served as Priest. He did his first curacy in Antrim before moving to Skerry, Rathcavan and Newtowncrommelin in Broughshane for three years. During this time, he transferred from Non-Stipendiary to Stipendiary Ministry. He began his ministry in the Grouped Parishes of Craigs, Dunaghy, and Killagan in September 2018.

Originally from North Belfast, Adrian 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 transitioned into lecturing and began exploring his vocation in ministry.

He is married to Wendy, and they have one daughter, Abigail, who teaches at Glengormley Integrated College. His interests include rugby, caravanning, movies, reading, and his cats.

As Adrian prepares to take on his new role, the Craigs, Dunaghy, and Killagan community wishes him and his family all the best as they embark on this new chapter, confident that they will continue to make meaningful connections along the way.