Fintan Monahan, Bishop for the Diocese of Killaloe Rachel Beard
Fr Fintan Monahan has said he is “looking forward” to becoming the Bishop of Killaloe. Pope Francis appointed the Tuam priest to the position on July 29.
“I’m still in a state of surprise and almost shock because I wasn’t expecting it,” Fr Monahan said. “It’s with humility and a sense of faith and a sense of very much anticipation for lots of support and help, and I know from the experience I had down there last Friday that people seem to be more than willing to help out and I’m awfully impressed with what I saw there.”
By appointing Fr Monahan of Tuam as bishop of Killaloe, the Pope filled a position that has been vacant since 2014.
Pope Francis also accepted the resignation of Bishops Seamus Freeman and Martin Drennan on July 29. At 72, both have been in poor health for some time.
In the Archdiocese of Tuam, Bishop-designate Monahan served in parishes, Catholic education, administration and child safeguarding.
Fr Monahan said he is “excited” to take over a diocese that is “pretty well organised” and appreciated the support he received he visited the diocese shortly after his appointment.
“So I look forward to it, and pray that God will be very much with me along with the great help that people will have, will give in the new role,” Fr Monahan said.