Bishop Martin Hayes.

Parishes to retain identities, Bishop assures

ANNOUNCEMENT Appointments of clergy in Dioceses of Kilmore

The Bishop of Kilmore has assured that parishes will retain their identity, despite the latest clerical appointments resulting in a greater sharing of administration.

With pressures on priest numbers nationally continuing, Bishop Martin Hayes has decided to formalise the trend towards greater cooperation between parishes in use of resources. He said he made the changes "upon consultation and reflection" on the "pastoral needs" of the Diocese. The new appointments come into effect from Saturday, September 3.

Bishop Hayes further announced the retirement of two priests, Very Rev. Eamonn Lynch, PP Killinkere and also Very Rev. Donald Hannon, CC Arva to retire.

“The appointments this year mark the initiation of partnerships between parishes which are being formed out of an already existing cooperation between neighbouring parishes," said Bishop Hayes. "Each parish will retain its identity, yet in sharing their administration there will be opportunities to work and grow together in the future.

"I wish to acknowledge and thank all the priests who are ministering generously in challenging times throughout our diocese of Kilmore. I would like to record my appreciation of those priests who are retiring after many years of faithful service and wish them well into the future. I thank all who are taking on new responsibilities and entrust their ministry into the hands of the Good Lord. May we continue to nurture the vocation of all our people and the calling of priestly ministry.”

Very Rev. Donald Hannon, CC Arva to retire.

Very Rev. Peter Casey, PP, Kilmore to be CC Kilmore.

Very Rev. Oliver O’Reilly, PP Ballyconnell to be CC Arva.

Very Rev. John McTiernan, PP Belturbet to be Adm. Belturbet.

Very Rev. Eamonn Lynch, PP Killinkere to retire.

Very Rev. Brian Flynn, PP Laragh to be CC Munterconnaught.

Msgr. Liam Kelly, PP, VG, Kilsherdany and Drung to be PP in Ballyconnell.

Very Rev. Seán McDermott, PP Ballintemple to also be Adm. Ballinagh.

Rev. Martin Gilcreest, CC Cavan to be PP Laragh.

Rev. Darragh Connolly, Priest in residence Drumkilly to be PP Killinkere.

Rev. Loughlain Carolan, Adm, Killinagh and Glangevlin to be PP Killinagh and Glangevlin.

Rev. Yusuf Bamai, CC Kilsherdany and Drung to be PP Kilsherdany and Drung.

Rev. Thomas Small, Priest in Residence Shercock to be CC in Cavan.

Rev. Anthony Kidarathil, CC Munterconnaught to be CC Shercock.