Fr Gerry Boyle (on left), formerly Parish Priest of Multyfarnham, and now Parish Priest of Rathkenny and Administrator of Lobinstown, County Meath.

Clerical appointments for 2016 announced

Published: Thu 15 Sep 2016, 10:23 AM

Last updated: Thu 15 Sep 2016, 11:25 AM

Bishop Michael Smith has announced clerical appointments, which will take effect from October 2.

Fr Richard Matthews, Parish Priest of Killucan, becomes Parish Priest of Kilcormac.

Fr Michael Walsh, Parish Priest of Kilcormac, becomes Parish Priest of Carnaross.

Fr Mark English, Administrator of Kingscourt, becomes Parish Priest of Killucan.

Fr Sean Henry, Parish Priest of Trim, will commence a one-year sabbatical leave in the Diocese of Bathurst, Australia.

Fr Warren Collier, newly ordained, becomes Curate in Trim.

Fr Conor McGee, newly ordained, becomes Curate in Clara.

Fr Joseph Gallagher, Parish Priest of Tullamore, becomes Vicar Forane in Clara Deanery.

Fr Padraig McMahon, Cathedral Administrator, becomes Vicar Forane in Mullingar Deanery.

The following appointments will take effect from October 29.

Fr Michael Sheerin, Parish Priest of Lobinstown, is retiring and will remain as priest-in-residence in Lobinstown.

Fr Gerry Boyle, Parish Priest of Multyfarnham, becomes Parish Priest of Rathkenny and Administrator of Lobinstown.

Fr John Hogan, Administrator of Rathkenny, becomes Parish Priest of Multyfarnham.

Fr Mark English said: “I am very happy to receive my new pastoral appointment to Killucan Parish.

"I know it is not easy for parishioners saying farewell to Fr Richard Matthews and welcoming a new priest, but I hope it won't take too long to become familiar with everyone and to continue the task of sharing the faith we hold as a community.”

Ordained in Bohermeen, County Meath in October 1998, Fr English served as Curate at the Cathedral (1998-2008) and Dunboyne (2008-2014). After sabbatical leave in 2014, he was appointed Administrator of Kingscourt (2015-2016).

Fr Gerry Boyle said: “I am really grateful to the many people who made my time in Multyfarnham so enjoyable.

"Leaving the parish brings back memories of happy occasions and times of sorrow.

"Each of these experiences has given me strength and confidence that I can rely on as I go to Rathkenny and Lobinstown.

“I will be with Fr Michael Sheerin this coming week on our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes.

"I have no doubt that we will work well and get on well together in Lobinstown. He will continue to be an important part of the parish.”

Fr Boyle is a native of Dunshaughlin, where he was ordained in 1988. He was appointed Curate in Tullamore that year and Parish Priest of Multyfarnham in 2006.