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12/11/2009
Priest Freed In Philippines
Just over a month after his kidnap, an elderly Irish priest has been released from captivity in the Philippines.
Speaking today, he has told how he hiked through jungles, survived raging seas and slept in a swamp under a tarpaulin before his release.
Fr Michael Sinnott is said to be in good health as he recovers from his ordeal after being handed over to police and government officials around dawn - shortly before 9pm Irish time last night.
The 79-year-old missionary, who has a serious heart problem, was abducted from his gated compound in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on October 11.
It is being stressed that no ransom was paid for the release of the Wexford cleric.
Irish President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin led tributes to Fr Sinnott, a member of the Columban Fathers.
"He is clearly a man of great resilience, strength and courage and we wish him well as he seeks to recover from such a trying ordeal," said the President.
Mr Cowen said everyone's prayers had been answered: "Government officials will be liaising with Fr Michael and offering any assistance we can, in bringing about a speedy reunion with his family and friends."
The freed missionary is now in a health centre in the city of Zamboanga in the southern region of the island.
Father Pat O'Donoghue, Regional Director of the Columban Fathers in the Asian islands, said he was grateful, joyful and thankful for his peaceful release.
"I trust the people who are with him and they told me he is in good health and is resting," said an emotional Fr O'Donoghue.
(BMcC/GK)
Speaking today, he has told how he hiked through jungles, survived raging seas and slept in a swamp under a tarpaulin before his release.
Fr Michael Sinnott is said to be in good health as he recovers from his ordeal after being handed over to police and government officials around dawn - shortly before 9pm Irish time last night.
The 79-year-old missionary, who has a serious heart problem, was abducted from his gated compound in Pagadian City on the island of Mindanao on October 11.
It is being stressed that no ransom was paid for the release of the Wexford cleric.
Irish President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin led tributes to Fr Sinnott, a member of the Columban Fathers.
"He is clearly a man of great resilience, strength and courage and we wish him well as he seeks to recover from such a trying ordeal," said the President.
Mr Cowen said everyone's prayers had been answered: "Government officials will be liaising with Fr Michael and offering any assistance we can, in bringing about a speedy reunion with his family and friends."
The freed missionary is now in a health centre in the city of Zamboanga in the southern region of the island.
Father Pat O'Donoghue, Regional Director of the Columban Fathers in the Asian islands, said he was grateful, joyful and thankful for his peaceful release.
"I trust the people who are with him and they told me he is in good health and is resting," said an emotional Fr O'Donoghue.
(BMcC/GK)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
