PRESS RELEASE

29 DECEMBER 2002

Strictly embargoed until 3.00pm

ORDINATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD FOR

THE DIOCESE OF CLOYNE

 
The Bishop of Cloyne, the Most Rev. John Magee, will ordain two new priests for
service in the Diocese of Cloyne in the Cathedral of St. Colman, Cobh today,
Sunday, December 9th 2002, The Feast of the Holy Family, at 3.00 p.m.

Rev. Patrick Thomas Relihan is a Deacon of the Diocese of Cloyne, ordained to
that Ministry on the 6th of January 2002.

Patrick is a son of John and Una Relihan of Norwood Park, Cobh, Co. Cork, one of
four sons of the Relihan family. Born in January 1977, Patrick frequented the Sacred
Heart National School, Rushbrooke and the Presentation Brothers School for his Primary
education and subsequently Colaiste Muire, Cobh for his Secondary education. After his
Leaving Certificate Patrick studied at Cork Regional Technical College for a Certificate
in Chemistry and it was after two years study there that he applied for acceptance as
a candidate for Priesthood in the Diocese of Cloyne.

Patrick has followed his formation programme for priesthood in St. Patrick’s College,
Maynooth, in the Pontifical Irish College in Rome and for the past three years he has
had the opportunity of continuing his formation in an international setting by being a
student in the Pontifical Swedish College in Rome. He has begun this year a propaedeutic
year in the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome after having obtained his BD in Theology
from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He will be continuing his studies after his
priestly ordination at the Biblical Institute in order to obtain an LSS, a Licence in
Sacred Scripture.

Rev. Anthony Sheehan is a Deacon of the Diocese of Cloyne, ordained to that Ministry on
the 1st of April 2002.

Anthony is a son of Noel and Hannah Sheehan of Clonmeen, Banteer, Co. Cork. Born in March
1965, Anthony attended St. Patrick’s National School, Mallow for his Primary education,
continuing on with his Secondary education in the Patrician Academy in Mallow where he
obtained his Intermediate Certificate and then in Sacred Heart College, Carraig na bhFear,
Co. Cork where he obtained his Leaving Certificate.  After his Leaving Certificate Anthony
entered St. John College, Waterford to study for Priesthood. He completed his Philosophical
studies there in 1984 and then took time to consider his calling in life. In 1987 he joined
the Brothers of Charity and while a Member of the Order he took several qualifications,
namely MSc Econ. Care Management Post Graduate Dip Business Administration, Diploma in
Teaching Adults with Mental Handicap and a National Health Management Certificate. He
returned to study for Priesthood in 1999 and attended his formation course in St. Patrick’
College, Maynooth. He is at present completing his Diaconate service in the Parish of
Charleville.

With the Ordination of Patrick and Anthony on Sunday 29th December the Diocese of Cloyne
will be giving thanks to God for the three priestly ordinations in the year 2002. The Rev.
 Liam Foley was ordained for the Diocese on the 19th of May 2002 and is at present serving
as Curate in the Parish of Meelin and Rockchapel.  

ENDS
29 December 2002
 
Further information:
Ms Brenda Drumm: 087 233 7797