Parishoners packed the gates of St Peter’s Cathedral in support of Fr Dallat

SCORES of people turned out last night to support a Catholic priest at the centre of allegations he had an affair with a woman who fell pregnant to him.

Fr Ciaran Dallat has been on leave since the allegations surfaced last week when the woman went to see Bishop Noel Treanor over the affair.

Tonight, parishoners turned in numbers to hold a rally at the gates of St Peter’s Cathedral in west Belfast where Fr Dallat was based.

The rally was organised over the Facebook page ‘Bring Father Ciaran Dallat Back’.

Those who turned up were asked to sign a petition in support of the troubled priest.

A message this evening on the Facebook page said: “A big thank you to everyone who attended tonight.

“It shows how much Father Ciaran is respected by the people of St Peters Parish

“As we announced tonight there will be a candle light vigil on Friday at 7.30pm at St Peters Cathedral

The petition calling for Fr Dallat to be brought back

“We are calling on people from throughout Belfast to come along and show their support for Father Ciaran.

“Thank you.”