Parishes merged and priests moved in latest Kilmore shake-up

Due to falling numbers of priests some Kilmore parishes have been merged and priests moved in the latest diocesan shake-up, announced by Bishop Leo O'Reilly.
The Bishop of Kilmore has announced that the three parishes of Templeport, Corlough/Drumreilly Lower, and Ballinamore will now become two parishes.

Corlough area has been joined with the parish of Templeport to form the new parish, Corlough/Templeport. This change sees the splitting of the Corlough/Drumreilly Lower parish, with Drumreilly Lower joining with Oughteragh.

Priest changes

Bishop Leo O’Reilly has also announced changes to the posting of Priests in the Diocese. Curate in Cross Father Phil Brady is retiring and Parish Priest in the now former Parish of Corlough/Drumreilly Lower Father Tom McManus is going on sabbatical leave.

Meanwhile, Father Ultan McGoohan will take up the role of part time Curate in Teemore, while Monsignor Michael Cooke will become Diocesan Director for the Diaconate Programme.

Fr Ultan Mc Goohan, who is the newly appointed Director for Pastoral Services in the Diocese of Kilmore, says the diocese has to change to adapt to the times.

Bishop O'Reilly wished to express his 'deep appreciation for the cooperation and understanding' of the parishes concerned, and in particular the members of the Parish Pastoral Councils and Finance Committees in the consultations. 

'I trust that this change will enable all the parishioners in the parishes concerned to continue to receive the pastoral care and services they have been accustomed to, despite the fall in the numbers of priests available for pastoral ministry in the diocese,' said Bishop O'Reilly.