An Irish priest who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in February, has completed a 550km journey from the top to the bottom of Ireland raising almost €220,000 to aid research into the condition. Dublin-based priest, Fr Tony Coote said the disease was a “very degenerating and difficult illness” but rather than complain about…

Pilgrims travelling to see Pope Francis in the Phoenix Park this month should be careful travelling to and from the event and make use of public transport when possible, Killaloe’s bishop has said. Bishop Fintan Monahan said that on August 26, around 500,000 people are due to be in Dublin together for the World Meeting…

A prominent pro-life group has condemned Health Minister Simon Harris who said he will provide abortion to women from the North of Ireland when the regime is introduced in the South. Precious Life said it was a “shocking and outrageous attack” on Northern Ireland’s unborn babies and the democratic process after Simon Harris said last…

Funding threat compels change   The decision of the Church’s marriage agency Accord to offer same-sex couples access to their counselling service is not “sending out the right message” about Church teaching theologians have told The Irish Catholic. A spokesperson for the hierarchy confirmed that Accord is opening its counselling services to same-sex couples “Our…

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 Carlson   One of the biggest events for young Catholics in Ireland has been cancelled this year due to low bookings and slow fundraising with volunteers and attendees opting to focus on the World Meeting of Families this August. Although there is some disappointment among organisers, they will now set their sights on the WMOF.…

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 Carlson   A former Irish international rugby player has been chosen to speak at the Pastoral Conference at the World Meeting of Families this month. Ronan O’Gara played fly-half for several Irish teams and is now the assistant coach of the Canterbury Crusaders in New Zealand. O’Gara will be speaking on the topic of ‘Celebrating…

A religion department in Dublin’s Trinity College will no longer be offering an undergraduate degree in Catholic Theological Studies following significant internal changes between departments within the university. The Loyola Institute, which was established in 2012 following an agreement between Trinity College Dublin and the eight religious congregations associated with the Milltown Institute of Theology…

Parents will continue to “foot the bill” for primary education costs until the sector is properly funded, a Catholic schools association has said as a third of families admitted back to school fees have put them in debt. Despite schools making efforts to keep costs as low as possible for parents, a survey conducted by…

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 Carlson   The recent drought in Ireland may have revealed a significant archaeological find – what is thought to be the childhood home of St Oliver Plunkett just outside Oldcastle. The hot weather and lack of rain this summer has exposed the outline of a house on what is now the Loughcrew estate with a…

A prominent pro-life group has said that a new president who defends the right to life could be a powerful voice for those who support pro-life initiatives. The comments come after the apparently unofficial launch of a campaign which would see Fianna Fáil councillor Éamon Ó Cuiv running for the presidential election. Spokesperson for the…