Father Ted Crilly stationed in a Wexford parish, where he was investigated under suspicion of stealing a child's Lourdes money to fund his own trip to Las Vegas. Though escaping formal charges, Ted was still punished by Bishop Brennan, who sent him to the inhospitable Craggy Island until all the money was accounted for. Ted was unsuccessful in this regard, as in the first series he mentions having lived on the island for over six years. For the duration of the show, Ted lives in the Craggy Island Parochial House with the childlike Father Dougal McGuire; the senile, aggressive and alcoholic Father Jack
Father Ted Crilly transferred to an idyllic parish in Castlelawn, Dublin, but is soon sent back to Craggy Island when irregularities are discovered in his expenses. In the final episode, "Going to America", Ted persuades the suicidal Father Kevin not to jump off a ledge at the "It's Great Being a Priest! '98" conference. Impressed, an American priest offers Ted a place at his Los Angeles parish. Ted, unable to tell the others that they cannot come with him, is wracked with guilt; he cancels the move at the last minute, then tells them that he has realized he belongs on Craggy Island.