Local diocese clustering parishes due to priest shortage

The new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois said the diocese will be implementing "a strategic plan to cluster parishes" due to the current shortage of priests.

Bishop Paul Connell, who was ordained in June, announced forthcoming clerical appointments for the diocese earlier today (Friday).

The Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois takes in parts of Leitrim, Cavan, Longford, Westmeath and Offaly.

None of the clerical appointments announced today related to Westmeath or Offaly parishes, but the Bishop referred to the impact which clerical shortages were having on diocesan structures.

"In light of the ongoing shortage of available clergy for appointment, the diocese is adopting a strategic plan to cluster parishes in order to provide pastoral care going forward," he said in a statement issued by the Catholic Communications Office.

It was announced that, in Leitrim, the parish of Annaduff and Kiltubrid was being clustered with Carrick-on-Shannon.

The retirements were announced of Fr Gerry O'Brien, PP Bornacoola, Fr John Wall, PP Annaduff, and Fr Tomas Flynn, PP Kiltubrid.

Fr Frank Garvey, PP Carrick-on-Shannon, is to be appointed Administrator of the parishes of Annaduff and Kiltubrid. Fr Ciaran McGuiness, MAfr, is being appointed CC in Carrick on Shannon, and Fr Sean Burke, CC Mohill and Fenagh, is being appointed Administrator of the parish of Bornacoola.

In Longford, meanwhile, Fr Joseph Ukut, CC Longford, is being appointed CC of the parishes of Mohill and Fenagh.

The clerical appointments will take effect from Sunday, October 1.

"I wish those who are taking up appointments every success and happiness in their new responsibilities," said Bishop Connell.