WEXFORD priest Fr. Seán Devereux, inset, is critically ill in Beaumont Hospital this week after contracting malaria while working in Gambia.

The 46-year-old Tacumshane-born cleric was airlifted through Dakar in Senegal to Dublin on Saturday, where lifesaving medical care was administered. As prayer services and Masses are held throughout the Diocese for his recovery, the entire Devereux family are holding a constant vigil at his Dublin bedside. Described as 'very seriously ill', only immediate family members are currently permitted to visit Fr. Devereux. THE FAMILY of Wexford missionary priest Fr. Sean Devereux are holding a round-the-clock vigil at his Beaumont hospital bedside, where he remains in a critical condition.

The Gambian based cleric was airlifted home for life-saving medical care on Saturday after contracting malaria, which induced organ failure in the 46year-old missionary.

Prayer services and Masses have been conducted throughout the Diocese for the Tacumshane born priest, who is said to be responding to treatment but remains 'very seriously ill'.

The son of Nick and Phyllis Devereux, Fr. Sean contracted malaria in the Gambia a week ago.

His health deteriorated rapidly and he was initially brought to Senegal for treatment in Dakar, before being brought by air ambulance to Dublin.

According to his brother-in-law, Tommy Doyle, who is married to Fr. Sean's only sister Siobhan, he remains in a serious condition with only immediate family members allowed visiting rights.

'He is responding to treatment, but this week has been frightening. The whole family are with him. He is making progress but he is still very seriously ill. He has a long recovery ahead of him,' he said.

Fr. Sean Devereux has been a missionary priest in the Gambia, where he has set up a number of projects, for the last 11 years.

He was last home in Wexford in December, when he attended a fundraising concert starring Phil Coulter in Wexford Opera House.

Fr. Sean has many supporters throughout the Diocese of Ferns who fundraise for his third world charitable works, and 10 students from Gorey Community School are scheduled to head to the Gambia next week to participate in a project.

'The whole family are with Sean in Beaumount this week. They are aware that there are a lot of Masses and prayers being said for him around the county and we'd like to thank everyone for their prayers,' said Tommy.

In a statement from the Diocese of Ferns, Fr. John Carroll said that Fr. Sean is 'recovering well at present'.

'He is a little better each day and he would like to thank all for their prayers and good wishes. Fr. Sean will be available in due course to thank people personally,' he said.

Prior to working in the Gambia, Fr. Sean previously held curacies in Cleariestown, Wexford town and Poulfur.

- Anne Marie O'CONNOR