A popular parish priest has retired after almost 30 years in Stockport .

Father Moss O’Connell, 81, has been the priest at St Joseph’s RC Church in Reddish since 1989.

Over the years, the much-loved priest became well known for taking the time to visit parishioners at home, and could often be found cycling around the parish on his bicycle.

Father Moss moved to Greater Manchester from Ireland in 1959, and spent six years at St Anne’s Church in Crumpsall .

He later spent 14 years at Salford Cathedral and a decade at St Teresa’s in Stretford , before eventually coming to St Joseph’s.

Father Moss said: “Wherever I've been, I've loved it because the people have been wonderful.

“I've always had a great rapport with them. I've been as happy as the day is long.

“St Joseph’s has been my home, the people there have been like my family for 27 years, but no one can carry on forever, I’m 81 now.

“The most enjoyable part has been dealing with all aspects of family life. There are happy times, such as children’s baptisms and first holy communions, and weddings. Of course there are sad times too, with funerals, but as people of faith, we have to turn that sadness into joy.

“I've always gone to visit parishioners in their homes, and that has helped me get to know them better.”

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Father Moss celebrated his retirement with several parties.

He was also presented with gifts by young people from St Anne’s R.C High School and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, including a Manchester United top with ‘Father Moss’ printed on the back.

Now living in Stretford, he will continue to visit parishioners, but is also looking forward to taking a holiday.

He plans to visit his sister and her family in Ireland for an extended break - the first time he has taken more than a few weeks off since he first became a priest.

Father Moss added: “I’m looking forward to taking a long holiday for the first time. I've never been home for Christmas since I was first ordained.

“I will miss everyone at St Joseph’s very much, but I will be praying for them. I want to thank them, they've been very good to me.”

Father Philip Cauldwell, from St Cuthbert’s Church in Withington , will become the new priest at St Joseph’s.