Bishop Leahy announces clergy changes and thanks Priests for their ministry
Bishop Leahy announces clergy changes and thanks Priests for their ministry
Monday, 20 July 2026: Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has paid tribute to priests retiring after many decades of dedicated ministry while expressing gratitude to those taking up new pastoral appointments in parishes across the Diocese.
Announcing clergy changes across the Diocese, Bishop Leahy said that, aside from retirements, changes are necessary to renew the Church's mission as they allow the gifts and experience of priests to be shared across the Diocese, while reminding us that our faith is ultimately rooted not in any individual priest but in Christ himself. They invite both priests and parish communities to embrace each new chapter with faith and hope, he said.
Bishop Leahy paid tribute, in particular, to retiring priests Canon John O'Shea, from St Nessan's Pastoral Unit, comprising the parishes of Mungret/Raheen/Crecora, Patrickswell/Ballybrown and St Paul's, Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Kilcornan with effect from 1st April 2026; Fr John Keating, from St Ita's Pastoral Unit comprising the parishes of Dromcollogher/Broadford, Kileedy/Ashford and Feenagh/Kilmeedy; and Fr Michael Hanley, who will retire from Maigue Pastoral Unit comprising the parishes of Bruff/Meanus/Grange, Banogue, Dromin/Athlacca, Croom, Fedamore and Manister.
"I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Canon John O'Shea, Fr John Keating and Fr Michael Hanley for their generous and fruitful priestly ministry over many years. They have touched countless lives through their pastoral care, their celebration of the sacraments, their companionship with people in moments of joy and sorrow, and their faithful witness to the Gospel. I thank them sincerely and wish them every blessing in retirement."
Bishop Leahy also congratulated those priests celebrating significant jubilees this year, such as Fr. Martin Madigan (70 years), Fr. Paddy Bowen (60 years), Fr. Michael Hanley (50 years); Frs. Joe Cussen, Tim Curtin and Tom Mangan (40 years); Fr. Derek Leonard (30 years); and Frs. Michael O'Shea and Liam Enright (25 years). Bishop Leahy himself celebrates this year his fortieth anniversary of ordination to priesthood. And he recalled with gratitude to God the service of priests who have died during the year since last year's announcement of changes, Fr. Liam Enright, Fr. Tony Bluett and Fr. Tom Coughlan.
Bishop Leahy also thanked the priests who will be taking up new appointments, acknowledging both their willingness to serve where needed and the impact their departure will have on the communities they are leaving behind.
"I also want to thank the priests who are moving parish for their generous ministry in the communities where they have been serving. Their willingness to embrace new appointments reflects the spirit of service that lies at the heart of priestly life. I wish them every blessing as they begin this new chapter of their ministry."
Reflecting on the nature of priestly life, Bishop Leahy referred to a recent letter from Pope Leo in which the Holy Father wrote that "A fidelity that generates the future is what priests are called to today."
Bishop Leahy said those words capture something fundamental about priestly ministry. "A priest's life is made up of a continuous journey of daily conversion, integrating human and spiritual growth. Parish ministry and the encounters with people day by day become the occasion for that daily conversion.
"While priests naturally become deeply attached to the communities they serve, they also know that accepting new appointments is part of their vocation. It is one expression of that fidelity and ongoing conversion to which Pope Leo refers," he said.
Bishop Leahy acknowledged that changes of clergy can be emotional occasions for parish communities.
"I know that people are often very sad to bid farewell to a priest they have come to know and love. That sadness is itself a powerful sign of the bond that develops between priests and the people they serve. Those relationships are among the great blessings of parish life."
He said the Diocese also continues to be greatly enriched by the contribution of international priests, who now comprise approximately 30 per cent of priests under the age of 75 serving in the Diocese of Limerick.
"Our international priests make an invaluable contribution to the life of the Diocese. They bring new vitality, different gifts and experiences, and remind us that the Church is truly universal. Their presence enriches our parishes and broadens our appreciation of the worldwide family of the Church. We are deeply grateful for their ministry," he said.
Bishop Leahy added that the latest appointments reflect the Diocese's continuing commitment to ensuring pastoral care for communities across Limerick while responding to changing pastoral needs.
"The willingness of priests to move where they are needed enables us to continue serving our parish communities and proclaiming the Gospel throughout the Diocese. I ask parishioners to keep all our priests, particularly those beginning new ministries and those entering retirement, in their prayers."
The new appointments will take effect on the dates outlined in the diocesan appointments' announcement.
Please click to view the diocesan appointments
ENDS