The former husband of the Derry woman who has taken up with a local priest has refused to comment on his ex’s new relationship.

Liam Curran has remained in Derry while the whereabouts of his former partner Elaine Curran and Fr Sean McKenna last night remained a mystery.

Fr McKenna and his lover have gone to ground since he declared to a stunned Mass congregation in Derry on Saturday night that he was hanging up his robes after finding love.

The 51-year-old priest from Gortin near Omagh, Co Tyrone, had spent his entire ministry, spanning 25 years, in the Derry Diocese in parishes at Creggan, the Bogside and most recently Ballymagroarty.

It is believed Ms Curran’s marriage ended before she and the priest struck up a relationship.

Ms Curran, whose children are aged 13 and six, has not been seen in the area for several days.

It is believed she had lived at an address in the Beechwood area of the city until recently.

The house however this week appeared to be empty, with neighbours saying that the occupant had not seen her for several days.

One neighbour said: “There was a woman renting there with two children for around nine months. She kept a very low profile and kept herself to herself. She came and went by taxi.

“We saw friends arrive by taxi but not that often. We never saw a man arrive by taxi.

“I don’t think there’s been anybody there for about a week.”

Liam Curran yesterday declined to talk about the situation. His solicitor Maoliosa Barr from Barr and Company Solicitors in Derry said simply: “No comment.”

Earlier this week Fr Michael Canny revealed how the Bishop of Derry Seamus Hegarty had been left “floored” by Fr McKenna’s decision to leave.

Fr Canny said last night that efforts would be made shortly to replace the Derry priest.

He said: “We don’t rush into these things. It may take a couple of weeks or so, but hopefully before Christmas. We have to let the dust settle first.” He confirmed that Fr McKenna’s replacement at the Holy Family parish would be selected from within the Derry Diocese.

Fr McKenna told those gathered at Mass last week that he was leaving after embarking on a “loving” relationship.

He said: “My decision to leave has not come about through any lessening of the respect and regard in which I hold this very important ministry in today’s world.

“However as you are aware, celibacy is an integral part of the commitment to priesthood. In my personal life I am in a relationship.

“The nature of this relationship is such that the rule of celibacy does not allow me to continue in priesthood and to be in this relationship at the same time.

“Therefore I have made my choice. It is a difficult choice but a clear and free one.”

He received a standing ovation from parishioners and many locals have expressed their support.