Bishop Niall Coll has announced the following clerical appointments for the Diocese of Ossory, effective from Saturday, 30th August 2025, Feast of Saint Fiacre. The following is from Bishop Niall.
“In making these appointments I warmly welcome the generosity of those priests whom, in changing circumstances, are embracing new and perhaps more onerous roles in the Diocese. Their willingness to respond to the needs of the Diocese is reflective of the great generosity that exists among so many in our parishes – priests, lay faithful and religious – who work together to ensure that the message of the Gospel continues to be proclaimed with love and confidence. We know that we will face many challenges together. We find courage for this work during this Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, because Christ Jesus is truly the way, the truth and the life.”
Very Rev. Liam Barron, P.P., Mullinavat, to retire and will continue to reside as Pastor Emeritus in the parish of Mullinavat. To assist in the Pastoral Area of Aghaviller, Ballyhale and Mullinavat.
Very Rev. Liam Cassin, P.P., Aghaviller, to retire and will continue to reside as Pastor Emeritus in the parish of Aghaviller. To assist in the Pastoral Area of Aghaviller, Ballyhale and Mullinavat.
Very Rev. James Murphy, P.P., St Canice’s Parish, to retire and reside in the parish of
Thomastown. To help with Chaplaincy ministry in both St Columba’s Hospital and Grennan College, Thomastown. In addition, to assist with Chaplaincy ministry in Loreto Secondary School and in C.B.S. Secondary School in St Canice’s Parish.
Very Rev. Daniel Bollard, P.P., Thomastown, to retire and reside in St Canice’s Presbytery, Granges Road, Kilkenny. To assist with Masses in the Pastoral Area of St Canice’s, St John’s, St Mary’s and St Patrick’s and with Chaplaincy ministry in St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.
Very Rev. Patrick Guilfoyle, C.C., Tullaroan, to retire and will continue to reside in the parish of Tullaroan.
Very Rev. Sean O’ Connor, P.P., Ballyhale, and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Aghaviller, Ballyhale and Mullinavat, appointed Parish Priest of Aghaviller and Mullinavat, while continuing his service to the people of Ballyhale and as Pastoral Area Coordinator.
Very Rev. William Purcell, P.P., Clara, and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Clara, Gowran and Tullaherin, appointed Parish Priest of St Canice’s Parish, to reside in the Parochial House, Dean Street, Kilkenny.
Very Rev. Francis Purcell, P.P., Inistioge, and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Thomastown and Inistioge, appointed Parish Priest of Thomastown, while continuing his service to the people of Inistioge and as Pastoral Area Coordinator.
Rev. Patrick Carey, Chaplain, St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, appointed Parish Priest of Clara and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Clara, Gowran and Tullaherin, to reside in Clara.
Very Rev. Raymond Dempsey, Team Member, St John’s Parish, appointed Chaplain to St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, to reside in St Canice’s Presbytery, Granges Road, Kilkenny.
Very Rev. Thomas O’ Toole, P.P., Glenmore, appointed Team Member in St John’s Parish, to reside in St John’s Presbytery.
Rt. Rev. Mgr. Daniel Cavanagh, P.P., Rosbercon, granted sabbatical leave from July until December 2025.
Very Rev. Liam Taylor, P.P., Ballycallan and Tullaroan, Administrator, Freshford, and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Ballycallan, Freshford and Tullaroan, appointed Parish Priest of Glenmore, to reside in Glenmore. Appointed Administrator of the parish of Rosbercon from July until December 2025.
Very Rev. Mark Condon, P.P., Danesfort, appointed Parish Priest and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Ballycallan, Freshford and Tullaroan, to reside in Freshford.
Very Rev. William Hennessy, P.P., Conahy, appointed Parish Priest of Danesfort, to reside in Danesfort.
Very Rev. Eamonn O’ Gorman, P.P., Ballyragget and Lisdowney, and Coordinator of the Pastoral Area of Ballyragget, Conahy and Lisdowney, appointed Parish Priest and Coordinator of the Pastoral Area of Galmoy, Johnstown and Urlingford, to reside in Urlingford.
Very Rev. Oliver Maher, P.P. and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Galmoy, Johnstown, and Urlingford, appointed Parish Priest and Coordinator of the Pastoral Area of Ballyragget, Conahy and Lisdowney, to reside in Ballyragget.
Very Rev. Patrick Canon Duggan, P.E., Tullaherin, will assist with Masses in Tullaherin parish. All other matters pertaining to Tullaherin parish are the responsibility of the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Patrick Canon Dalton.
Please keep in your prayers those priests who are involved in these appointments and the people and parishes where they will serve.
With every blessing,
Most Rev Niall Coll,
Bishop of Ossory.
