A Catholic priest in Armagh has taken a leave of absence after a Grindr account where he had uploaded photos of himself was discovered.

Northern Irish priest Grindr pictures have been discovered resulting in the priest taking a leave of absence from his duties in early March to “obtain personal and spiritual support,” says a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Armagh. Fr. Rory Coyle, originally from Drogheda, Co. Louth but operating as a curate in an Armagh parish for the last six years.

The thirty six year old priest is an active member of the parish community, acting on Armagh’s GAA management committee as well as being a member on the board of governors of St Malachy’s Primary School.

It was reported that as well as posting pictures of himself to the popular gay dating app, a series of comments and a phone number were available to contact the Northern Irish priest on Grindr.

Fr. Coyle posted a bulletin to the parish news board in which he advised parishioners that his extended leave would continue and for people to keep him in their prayers.

According to MLA Cathal Boylan “Fr. Rory Coyle is well respected by the community in Armagh and known for his dedication and work promoting Gaelic games”.

This comes after Donegal’s Éamon McGee said that the GAA is not very accepting of LGBT members. McGee explained that none of the members that he has played alongside have come out as gay.

The All-Ireland winner asserts that statistically some of his colleagues should be LGBT, but that because of the GAA’s environment they have not felt accepted enough to come out.

While Ireland is definitely becoming a more accepting country for LGBT citizens, Northern Ireland has yet to legalise same-sex marriage, with the Democratic Unionist Party continuing to block legislation.

With Ireland about to celebrate the one year anniversary of the day in which same-sex marriage was voted in by the people, how long will it be before Northern Ireland and the Catholic Church follows suit?