'Our crisis is our opportunity,' assures Bishop

Priestly shortage as Diocese announces clerical changes

Bishop of Kilmore Martin Hayes has described the Diocese as facing a critical moment as he announced the 2026 clergy appointments, revealing figures that underline the growing challenge of sustaining parish ministry across the region.

Almost one in three (30%) of Kilmore priests are now over 75 years of age, with some fully retired while others continue to serve in active ministry. Almost half (47%) are over 70, while 60% have reached the age of 65. Two-thirds are over 60, leaving just one-third- only 20 priests- under the age of 60.

Just nine priests, including those serving from overseas, are under 40 years of age.

The figures highlight what Bishop Hayes has described as a defining challenge for the Diocese, while also pointing to a renewed vision for the future through lay leadership, overseas clergy and collaborative parish ministry.

"It means that the task of providing priests for each parish into the future in Kilmore Diocese is challenging and amounts to a crisis," he said in a statement issued this week.

However, he said the current crisis also presents an opportunity for renewal through greater lay involvement and shared ministry.

"It affords the opportunity for increased lay involvement in our parishes, ongoing prayer for priestly vocations and our appreciation of the availability and giftedness of our priests from abroad. Together, we are embracing new models of parish ministry."

Following a six-month period of discernment, the women and men selected as candidates for Lay Pastoral Ministry have successfully completed the first year of their two-year formation programme.

"Trusting in the Good Lord, we look forward to the collaboration of our priests, deacons and lay pastoral workers into the future," Bishop Hayes said. "We can never have enough people with the capacity for listening, ministry and working together in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

He also noted that this year marks the completion of the four-year term of Parish Pastoral Councils, with information events planned for September ahead of the formation of new councils in October and their commissioning early in the New Year.

"Each Parish Pastoral Council, together with our priests and deacons, is vital in prayerfully identifying the needs of their parish and in responding by coordinating the gifts of parishioners for the sake of their local community," he said.

"Together, we in Kilmore Diocese, as people, deacons, priests of our diocese and from abroad, and bishop embrace the crisis of the evident reduction in vocations to diocesan priesthood in Ireland. It is our opportunity with God's help to give witness to our faith."

Announcing a series of clergy appointments and retirements, Bishop Hayes thanked the Diocese's priests and deacons for their faithful ministry, together with diocesan staff and volunteers, and congratulated those celebrating significant jubilees of priestly ordination this year: Very Rev. Fr Peter McKiernan, PP Crosserlough (Golden Jubilee); Very Rev. Fr John Sexton, Adm. Ballaghameehan/Kiltyclogher and Chaplain to St Clare's Comprehensive, Manorhamilton (Ruby Jubilee); and Msgr. Enda Murphy, Chaplain to Pope Leo XIV at the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Rome (Silver Jubilee).

He also remembered the priests who have died since January 2025: Fr Eamonn Bredin, Fr Bernard Doyle, Fr Michael Gilsenan ss.cc, Fr Patrick Brady, Fr Philip Brady, Fr Oliver O'Reilly, Msgr. Michael Cooke, Fr Anthony Fagan and Fr Patrick McHugh.

Bishop Hayes concluded by referring to Pope Leo's Apostolic Letter on priesthood, A Fidelity That Generates the Future, which states that "every vocation in the Church arises from a personal encounter with Christ."

He ended with a prayer for new vocations: "Loving God, our need for Vocations to the priesthood in our diocese is great. In a busy world it is difficult for people to hear and respond to your gentle but insistent call. We pray for the gift of courage, generosity and faith in the hearts of those you call. We beg you, Lord, for the gift of new vocations to the Priesthood in our diocese. In your fatherly care, accompany those who are seeking to do your will in their lives."

Clergy Appointments

Most Rev. Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore, has announced the following diocesan appointments, effective August 17, unless otherwise stated.

Rev. Fr Brian McElhinney CC, Urney & Annagelliff, to be Chaplain to the Parishes of Denn, Crosserlough, Kilmore and Ballintemple while residing in Cavan.

Rev. Fr Peter Casey CC, Kilmore, to retire on December 31.

Very Rev. Fr John Phair PP, Kinlough, to retire and remain as Chaplain to Kinlough Parish until March 31, 2027.

Msgr. Liam Kelly PP VG, Kildallan, to become Administrator of Corlough-Templeport Parish in addition to his current responsibilities.

Very Rev. Fr Peter McKiernan PP, Crosserlough, to retire to Cavan Town.

Very Rev. Fr John Cooney PP, Drumgoon, to become Parish Priest of Killann Parish and Administrator of Kilmainhamwood & Moybologue Parish.

Very Rev. Fr John Gilhooly PP, Manorhamilton & Killasnett, to become Administrator Pro Tem of Kinlough Parish until March 31, 2027.

Very Rev. Fr Donal Kilduff PP, Denn, to commence a sabbatical until March 31, 2027, and thereafter become Parish Priest of Kinlough.

Very Rev. Fr Maurice McMorrow PP, Kinawley, to become Parish Priest of Killinkere with pastoral responsibilities in Lurgan, Mullagh and Castlerahan.

Very Rev. Fr Kevin Fay, Administrator of the Cathedral, to become Parish Priest of Crosserlough and Administrator of Denn Parish.

Very Rev. Fr Darragh Connolly PP, Killinkere, to become Parish Priest of Drumgoon.

Very Rev. Fr Ultan McGoohan PP, Killann & Administrator of Kilmainhamwood, to become Cathedral Administrator and Parish Priest of Urney & Annagelliff.

Very Rev. Fr Sean Maguire PP, Corlough & Templeport, to become Parish Priest of Kinawley/Killesher.

Rev. Fr Malachy Moses CC, Ballinamore & Drumreilly Upper, to become Curate in Corlough & Templeport with pastoral responsibilities in the Parishes of Kildallan and Ballinamore & Drumreilly Upper.

Rev. Fr Cyriacus Offor MSP CC, Urney & Annagelliff, to become Curate in Denn Parish with pastoral responsibilities in Crosserlough, Kilmore and Ballintemple.

Rev. Patrick Ezefunamba (Diocese of Nnewi, Nigeria), to become Curate in Urney & Annagelliff from October 1.

Rev. Fr Matthew Alechenu Onyilo (Archdiocese of Abuja, Nigeria), to become Curate in Urney & Annagelliff.