BREAKING: Tuam priest to become Bishop of Killaloe

Well-known Tuam priest Father Fintan Monahan is to be the new Bishop of Killaloe.

He was appointed by Pope Francis who made the announcement in the Vatican this morning.

Archbishop of Tuam Michael Neary has welcomed the news, stating that Fr Monahan has served the Archdiocese of Tuam “very faithfully, with great dedication and distinction as a priest since his ordination 25 years ago”.

The Archbishop said Fr Monahan's appointment as Bishop of Killaloe is a huge loss to the Archdiocese of Tuam but a wonderful blessing to his new diocese and to the Church in Ireland at this time.

“Father Fintan is a man of deep faith, integrity and humility, someone who radiates a great love for and joy in priesthood. All those qualities are very much appreciated by those to whom he ministers. He brings great qualities of generosity, wholesomeness and leadership to his new responsibility,” said Archbishop Neary.

Fr Fintan is very popular in Tuam town and the Archdiocese and is well known for his love of the outdoor life, including hill walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and gardening.

His parents Tom and Peg live in Castlegar in Galway. He has one brother, Seán, and one sister Caitriona who is married to Dominic. From 1980-1996 the family lived in Carraroe where his father was principal teacher at Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin, Carraroe. In 1996 the family moved to Castlegar, the native home of his mother.

After completing postgraduate studies in Theology, Father Fintan ministered in An Tulach in the parish of An Cnoc Indreabhán before being appointed to the teaching staff of Saint Jarlath's College, Tuam. Since 2006 he has served the diocese as Diocesan Secretary.

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Dublin offered his congratulations to Fr Fintan.

“This is a very special day for Father Fintan himself, as well as for his family and friends. It is also a very special day for the Diocese of Killaloe to which Pope Francis has sent a new bishop. To this new responsibility, Father Fintan brings many pastoral and administrative gifts. His outreach to young people, his promotion of vocations, his pastoral wisdom – all of these gifts and more besides – equip him well for his new tasks in Killaloe,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bishop of Galway Martin Drennan has announced his resignation on grounds of ill health.

Archbishop Martin has expressed his sincere gratitude to Bishop Drennan who has been a member of the Episcopal Conference since 1997.