Statements on the appointment of Mgr Denis Brennan as Bishop of Ferns

01 Mar 2006

PRESS RELEASE

1 MARCH 2006

STATEMENTS ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MGR DENIS BRENNAN

AS BISHOP OF FERNS

– Bishop-elect Denis Brennan
– Bishop Éamonn Walsh
– Mgr John Kehoe, VG

Bishop-elect Denis Brennan said: I am honoured and surprised that the Holy
Father has invited me to become Bishop of Ferns.

It is not a call I ever expected to receive but since I have received it,
I will, with the help of God and the priests and people of the diocese
respond to it as faithfully and lovingly as I can.

I would like to express my gratitude to Bishop Éamonn Walsh. Since Bishop
Éamonn came to us four years ago he has thrown himself heart and soul into
the life and work of our Diocese.

We owe him an enormous debt of gratitude and I wish him well in his future
ministry.

In welcoming the announcement, the Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Éamonn Walsh
said: I warmly welcome the appointment today by Pope Benedict XVI of Monsignor
Denis Brennan as Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Ferns. It is a very special day
for the Diocese.

Since coming to the Diocese as Apostolic Administrator, Monsignor Brennan has
worked closely with me as Vicar Forane and Child Protection Delegate. He is a
man of deep faith, integrity and sound judgement. My prayers and the prayers
of the people, priests and religious of the Diocese are with him at this time.

On a personal note, I thank Monsignor Lory Kehoe, the Vicars Forane, and the
priests and people of the Diocese for their support, co-operation and advice
during the past four years. It has been a privilege for me to serve the Diocese
of Ferns.

Welcoming the announcement the Vicar General, Mgr J L Kehoe said: On behalf
of all the people and the priests and religious of our Diocese, I warmly welcome
the appointment of Monsignor Denis Brennan by our Holy Father Pope Benedict as
Bishop-Elect of our Diocese.

In welcoming our new bishop I would take this opportunity to thank Bishop
Éamonn Walsh for his great work and his presence in the Diocese over the
last four years.

Further information:

Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm Communications Officer (087 233 7797)