Bishop formally announces several changes in parishes around the county
The bishop of Achonry and of Elphin has thanked everyone involved in the recent appointments in the dioceses.
Since March, there have been new appointments, involving both clergy and lay staff, including a number in County Roscommon.
In a statement, Bishop Kevin Doran thanked “all involved for their very generous ministry in their present parish and diocesan appointments and wish them every blessing in the future”.
“In particular, I wish Canon Gerard Hanly every health and happiness as he retires from the office of Parish Priest of Boyle after 28 years,” he said. “In what is another first for our dioceses, I am very grateful to Father Gabriel Murphy for his generosity in taking on an additional parish ‘across the border’ in the Diocese of Elphin.”
He welcomed Father Luke Muhindo and Father Ronnie Kawooya, members of the East African Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross, to the diocese. They will live as a religious community in Ballintubber, serving as Parish Priests of Ballintubber and Tulsk, respectively.
“As we continue our journey together, I am grateful to all who give so much in service to the people of God in this part of the Lord’s vineyard. I am grateful, too, for your continued support and prayers for me in my ministry as bishop.”
Among the appointments and changes, Father Jim Murray of the Diocese of Elphin and Father Joe Caulfield of the Diocese of Achonry have stepped down as Directors of Accord, in their respective dioceses. Father John Mahony has been appointed Director of Accord for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, effective since August 1st 2026.
Father Micheál Donnelly PP, Fairymount and Frenchpark, was appointed Parish Priest of Ahascragh, effective since July 1st.
Father Pravin Dhason PP, Kilbegnet, was appointed Parish Priest of Athleague in addition to being Parish Priest of Kilbegnet, effective since March 18th.
Father Joseph Ali, CC Athleague and Knockcroghery, was appointed CC Athleague and Kilbegnet, effective since March 18th.
Father Alan Conway PP, Croghan, was appointed PP Ballinameen, in addition to being PP Croghan, effective since July 1st. Father John Mahony PP, Ahascragh, was appointed CC Ballinameen and Croghan, effective since July 1st.
Father Julian Lupot PP, Ballintubber, has taken a one-year sabbatical leave, effective since August 21st. Father Luke Muhindo CSC, was appointed PP Ballintubber, effective from that time.
Canon Gerard Hanly PP, Boyle, retired from the office of Parish Priest, effective since July 31st, with Father John Gannon PP, Tulsk, appointed PP Boyle, since August.
Father Larry Ebuk MSP PP, Ballinameen, was appointed PP Fairymount and Frenchpark, since July.
Father Ronald Kawooya CSC, has been appointed PP Tulsk, since early September, and is residing in Ballintubber.
The role of Mr Conor Ward, Finance and Asset Manager in the Diocese of Elphin was altered, and since May, he has been appointed Finance Manager for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin. Also since May, Mr Frank Fox has been appointed Property Manager for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin.
Ms Helen Diskin has retired as Director of Safeguarding for the Diocese of Achonry and as Diocesan Liaison Person and Safeguarding Trainer for the Diocese of Elphin.
Since the start of this month, Mrs Mary Nicholson, currently Director of Safeguarding in the Diocese of Elphin has been appointed Director of Safeguarding for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin. Also since November, Sister Pat Casey, Diocesan Liaison Person for the Diocese of Achonry has stepped down from this role.
Mrs Anne Leonard, currently Diocesan Liaison Person in the Diocese of Achonry, will now be one of two Diocesan Liaison Persons for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin.
Mrs Patricia Rogers has been appointed Diocesan Liaison Person and Trainer for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin.
The safeguarding committees of Achonry and of Elphin will shortly be joined to become one new Safeguarding Committee for the Dioceses of Achonry and of Elphin.
Mr Stephen Giblin and Deacon Seamus Talbot concluded their terms as Coordinators of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, respectively. Ms Sinead Fallon has been appointed Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, effective 15 July 2026.
Father Gerard Davey and Deacon William Gacquin have concluded their time as diocesan representatives for Trócaire. Mr Noel Connelly has been appointed Diocesan Representative for Achonry and Elphin.
