Bishop Michael Duignan of Clonfert and Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora has announced new appointments for the dioceses. The diocesan changes are as follows: Fr Pat Kenny PP to retire as PP of New Inn and Bullaun. Effective from June 30, 2026. Fr Declan McInerney PP Eyrecourt, Clonfert, Meelick and Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of…
Category: Irish News
100th Eucharistic Procession in Cork to be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime moment’ for the diocese
In the Diocese of Cork and Ross, preparations are in full swing for the centenary of the first Eucharistic Procession through Cork City on June 7. The weeks leading up to the 100th anniversary will include 100 hours of Eucharistic Adoration, a diocesan mission and blessings with a relic of St Carlo Acutis. Speaking to…
Catholic school leaders urged to create ‘climate of possibility’
The relationship between faith and education is “extremely challenging” but Catholic school leaders must resist discouragement and instead focus on unlocking the dormant potential in every person they serve, Bishop Paul Dempsey has said. The Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin addressed the Association of Patrons and Trustees of Catholic Schools (APTCS) at Marino Institute on May…
Lenten synodal programme lacked catechetical grounding, priest argues
A Lenten reflection resource from the Irish Synodal Pathway used language that even Rome had avoided — and sent Catholics into sensitive discussions without the formation needed to navigate them, a Dromore priest has argued. Fr Andrew McMahon, writing in The Irish Catholic, says Baptised and Sent in Lent was asking participants to address some…
Father Ted should not be dragged into anti-semitism, says co-creator
“Ted and Dougal shouldn’t be dragged into it,” said Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted, commenting about RTÉ’s decision to air the show in boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest For Mr Linehan, the decision of not airing the contest because Israel is participating is “not a principled humanitarian stand. It is antisemitism —…
Retired pastor’s buffer zone fine sparks religious liberty concerns
A retired pastor has been convicted after preaching a Bible verse during an open-air church service inside an abortion safe access zone in Northern Ireland. Pastor Clive Johnston, 78, was fined £450 at Coleraine Magistrates Court on May 7 after being found to have breached safe access zone legislation outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. The…
Dublin parish remembers the Liberator
This Sunday, the parishioners of St Andrew’s, Westland Row will gather to pray for Daniel O’Connell and give thanks for his legacy — a fitting act of remembrance from the Dublin parish that claims the Liberator as one of its own. For all his great achievements, O’Connell was first and foremost a proud Kerryman. But…
A year of priestly jubilees in Clonfert and Galway
A recent retreat for priests of the Dioceses of Clonfert and Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora marked a milestone for 20 of the clergymen who attended, each celebrating a priestly jubilee. This year, five priests in the dioceses are celebrating 60 years of priesthood, four priests are celebrating 55 years, four priests are celebrating 50 years,…
Holy Land reduced to a ‘Christian theme park’ if attacks continue
Jerusalem bishop to promote pilgrimage of peace at Knock The Holy Land risks becoming “little more than a Christian theme park” if the persecution of its ancient Christian community is not halted, a senior Catholic charity leader has warned — as a Jerusalem bishop prepares to bring an urgent appeal to Ireland this month. Michael…
AI is a ‘great tool’ in developing a homily, says Irish Silicon Valley priest
“There are those who say, we shouldn’t be using these machines to produce homilies. Well, have you listened to the average homily on a Sunday? They could do with a bit of improvement,” said Fr Brendan McGuire in conversation with The Irish Catholic, speaking about the positive ways to use AI in developing a homily.…




Renata Steffens




