The Bishop of Killaloe has announced clerical changes in a number of Clare parishes.
The new appointments include changes in Kilmaley, Kilmurray Ibrickane, Bridgetown and Quin.
There are now 82 full-time priests in the Diocese of Killaloe -15 priests are fully retired and there’s just one student from the diocese studying for the priesthood, so with dwindling numbers and an ageing clergy more changes are being made throughout the 58 parishes of Killaloe which serve a Catholic population of approximately 124,000 people.
The parishes of Kilmaley and Kilmurray Ibrickane will welcome new priests as part of these appointments, with Ennis native Fr. Anthony McMahon moving to Mullagh to succeed Fr. Pat Larkin who has been appointed as the Parish Priest of Kilmaley – Canon Michael McLaughlin will remain as priest in residence in Inch.
Kildysart native Fr. Paddy McMahon will return from the USA to be attached to the parish cluster of Scath na Sionaine in Bridgetown, with Fr. Noel Hayes retiring from the area due to ill health.
St. Flannan’s College teacher Fr. Ignatius McCormack will continue to work and reside there but will be available for weekend ministry in Quin – All appointments take effect from August 30th.
