Bishop of Kilmore announces new clergy appointments in Leitrim parishes

New clergy appointments have been announced for the Diocese of Kilmore, which encompasses much of Leitrim, as well as parts of Sligo, Fermanagh, and Meath.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Kilmore, Martin Hayes, has revealed the diocesan appointments for 2025.

“Our 2025 clergy appointments take account of the reduced number of available priests in Kilmore Diocese. We give thanks for the faithful ministry of all our priests including those from abroad who are ministering with us,” Bishop Hayes said in a statement.

As a result of these changes, new priests will be assigned to some Leitrim parishes.

READ NEXT: Former Leitrim pub and nightclub to be transformed into new housing development

The Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Comiskey, P.P., who has recently returned from sabbatical, will become the new Parish Priest of Killinagh-Glangevlin in Cavan effective September 13.

The Very Rev. Fr. Thomas McManus, P.P. of Drumkeeran, will retire as Parish Priest but will remain available for pastoral ministry in the Manorhamilton Deanery, also from September 13.

The Very Rev. Fr. Paul Casey, Parish Priest in Dromahair, will additionally serve as Administrator of Drumkeeran, effective from the same date.

Bishop Hayes highlighted a “strong tradition of lay involvement and of pastoral planning,” which has enabled the launch of a Lay Pastoral Ministry Programme in partnership with the Centre for Mission and Ministries at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, starting this September.

READ NEXT: New LIS funding for Leitrim welcomed, but backlog still a major hurdle

“Therefore, guided by the Holy Spirit, we look forward in this Jubilee Year of Hope to a collaborative ministry of people and priests in the spirit of walking together and sharing the responsibility of doing our best to nurture our Christian faith,” Bishop Hayes’ statement concluded.