Tullamore native to be ordained Bishop of Killaloe

Tullamore native Fr Fintan Monahan will be ordained Bishop of Killaloe at the Cathedral of Ss Peter and Paul in Ennis next Saturday, September 25.

The Bishop Elect was born in Tullamore in 1967 to parents Tom and Peg Monahan. The Monahan family moved to county Galway in 1980 after Tom was appointed principal at at Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, An Cheathrú Rua.
In 1996, the family moved to Castlegar, Galway City, where Fr Fintan’s mother was born.

Fr Fintan completed his primary education in Tullamore before his family’s move. His secondary education was in Carraroe before studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Tuam in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1984. In 1987 he completed a BSc in NUI Maynooth, a BD in the Pontifical University in 1990, an STL in Biblical Theology in 1992 and a H Dip in Ed in NUI Galway in 1993.

He was ordained to the priesthood in Séipéal Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua on June 16 1991 by Most Rev Dr. Joseph Cassidy.

While studying for the H Dip in Ed in Galway he was curate in An Tulach, Baile na hAbhann, Conamara from 1992- 1993. From 1993-2006 he taught Science, Irish and Religion at the diocesan college, St Jarlath’s College in Tuam, along with coaching basketball and hurling.

In 2006, Archbishop Michael Neary appointed him chaplain to St. Jarlath’s College and as diocesan secretary. During that time he also worked in the area of Communications, Vocations’ Promotion and served as editor of the Tuam Diocesan Magazine, New Dawn. In recent years he joined the Communications Council of the Episcopal Conference. He is a fluent Irish speaker and enjoys the outdoor life, hill walking, jogging, cycling, Gaelic games, swimming and gardening.

Bishop Elect Fintan has chosen as his motto; 'Críost Liom Críost Romham’ – Christ with me, Christ before me. These words are taken from Lúireach Phádraig, [St Patrick’s Breastplate], a fifth century Irish hymn whose lyrics were traditionally attributed to St Patrick and his ministry. The words reflect his prayer and hope for his ministry as Bishop of Killaloe.