A process of consultations with Bishops and faithful is expected to begin in the coming months to ascertain the appetite for several proposals for unions (or amalgamations) of dioceses in Ireland. The main consultations, this paper believes, are concerning the proposal that Clogher Diocese would amalgamate with Kilmore and Cloyne with Cork. However, it is believed that the priests of Kilmore who have been discussing the options are split down the middle on whether a merger with Ardagh or Clogher would be best. It is believed the bishops want a wider consultation.
Bishop Martin Hayes, Bishop of Kilmore, was appointed in June 2020, and the Bishop of Clogher, Larry Duffy, was appointed in December 2018 and is due to retire.
Bishop Willie Crean is the Bishop of Cloyne. The Diocese of Cloyne covers most of Co. Cork, ministering to a large Catholic population across 46 parishes. Bishop Fintan Gavin has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross since 2019, originally coming from the Dublin Archdiocese.
In other news, the appointment of a new bishop of Derry doesn’t appear to be imminent despite speculation that it would be filled in June. It is believed that the Episcopal enquiry for the Diocese is still current but that an appointment will happen this year.