New Bishop of Plymouth has Irish roots

The parents of Msgr Mark O’Toole came from Lettermore, Galway

A cleric with Gaeltacht roots has been selected by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of Plymouth in the south of England.

Msgr Mark O'Toole (50), the Rector of Allen Hall Seminary in London, is the youngest son of Maura and Marcus O'Toole who originally came from the Irish-speaking community of Lettermore, Galway and the family has links with the parishes of Knock, Spiddal, Carraroe and Carna.

Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam warmly welcomed the appointment and said he wishes ìMsgr OíToole every good wish and blessing in his new roleî.

Msgr OíToole, who served as Private Secretary to Cardinal Murphy-OíConnor of Westminster for six years, will be ordained in January at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth.