Five parish priests to retire in local diocese

The pressures on parishes due to the decrease in the number of priests show no sign of abating, with one local diocese this week announcing that the retirements of five of its parish priests will take effect in the coming weeks.

Paul Connell, Bishop of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, this week published its list of diocesan appointments for 2026.

The clerical changes in the diocese include the retirements of Fr John Quinn (parist priest in Gortletteragh), Fr Ciaran McGovern (parist priest in Clonguish), Fr Bernard Hogan (parist priest in Drumlish), Fr Seamus McKeon (parist priest in Colmcille), and Fr Sean Casey (parist priest in Killoe).

As a result, Fr James McKiernan, administrator of the Cathedral Parish of Templemichael, has been appointed to also be the administrator of the parish of Clonguish.

Fr Tom Murray, parish priest in Ballinalee will also become the administrator of the parish of Killoe, while Fr Nigel Charles, parish priest in Mohill will also be the administrator of the parish of Gortletteragh.

Fr Seamus O'Rourke, CC, Carrick-on-Shannon, has been appointed administrator of the parish of Colmcille, while Fr Eamon McNerney, on loan from the archdiocese of Edmonton in Canada, is to become administrator of the parish of Drumlish.

The appointments will take effect from September 6, 2026.

Bishop Connell expressed his "sincere gratitude to the priests of the diocese who continue so generously to take on extra responsibilities to ensure pastoral service in all our parishes".