New bishop of Kildare served in Mullingar parish

The pope has appointed Fr Denis Nulty PP VF as the new bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.  

Fr Nulty spent ten years in Cathedral House in Mullingar during the 1990s as part of the Mullingar parish clerical team, before being appointed to serve at St Mary's Parish in Drogheda as parish priest, becoming, at the time, the youngest parish priest in the country.

He now becomes the youngest bishop in Ireland.

Known for his stature, Fr Nulty was fondly dubbed "the high priest" during his time in Mullingar.

Bishop Michael Smith, welcoming the appointment, said this morning: "His leaving us leaves a deep void since his contribution to the mission of faith in the Diocese went far beyond his own parish.  He has at all times brought to his priestly ministry great dedication, commitment and wisdom both during his ten years in the Cathedral parish, Mullingar and since 1998 as Parish Priest of Saint Mary’s."

Bishop Smith went on to say that Fr Nulty would to his ministry intelligence and approachability, rooted in a deep faith, that was appreciated by all who crossed his path.