Mons Liam Kelly elected Diocesan Admin

 

Monsignor Liam Kelly, Vicar General and Parish Priest of Killsherdany and Drung, has been elected as Diocesan Administrator following the retirement of Bishop Leo O’Reilly as Bishop of Kilmore.

Mons Kelly takes up his responsibilities immediately following the decision by the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Kilmore which met yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, January 2, in accordance with its rights and duties under Canon Law.

The Diocesan Administrator will have responsibility for administering the day to day affairs of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed by Pope Francis.

In his role as Administrator, he will also attend the quarterly meetings of the Irish Bishop's Conference in Maynooth.

Speaking after the meeting, Mons Kelly said he was honoured to accept the role of Diocesan Administrator, and that he would endeavour to serve the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

He also thanked and paid tribute to Bishop O’Reilly, who had served the diocese as bishop for 22 years, a period acknowledged as having been very challenging in the life of the Church in Ireland.

“It has been a privilege for me to have worked with Bishop Leo, to have learned from his example of generous service, and to have benefited from his great kindness and support,” said Mons Kelly said. “I wish him happiness in his retirement and pray that he will enjoy good health and every blessing in the years ahead.”

Monsignor Kelly furthermore thanked the College of Consultors for their support and good wishes, and asked for the prayers and support of the priests and people of the diocese in the time ahead.

A native of Co Leitrim and educated in Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan and Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he was ordained a priest for the diocese of Kilmore in 1978. Since then he has taught in Saint Aidan’s Comprehensive School, Cootehill and Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan, and has ministered in several parishes in County Cavan.

He was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Kilmore in 2015 and is a noted historian having written several books, his most recent one being The Diocese of Kilmore c1100-1800 which was published in 2017.

He is currently editing, along with Dr Brendan Scott, a book on the history of Leitrim which is due out later this year.

Mons Kelly will continue to minister as parish priest of Kilsherdany and Drung.