Archbishop Michael Neary welcomes the appointment of Father Paul Dempsey as Bishop of Achonry

27 Jan 2020

I welcome the news today that His Holiness, Pope Francis, has chosen Father Paul Dempsey, of the clergy of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, to be Bishop of Achonry, and I congratulate Father Dempsey on his appointment.

Father Dempsey has garnered a wealth of pastoral experience since his ordination in 1997 through his priestly ministry in Clane, Kildare and most recently as Parish Priest of Newbridge.  He has also served as Diocesan Youth Director and Director of Vocations.  A gifted communicator, Father Dempsey has hosted a very successful religious affairs programme on KFM Radio, and has also written a regular column in the Leinster Leader newspaper, as well as other media appearances.

I look forward to working with Father Dempsey, and on behalf of the bishops of the Tuam Province, I warmly welcome him and assure him of our help and support as he assumes his new responsibilities.

Today’s announcement is also great news for the faithful of the Diocese of Achonry who have been looking forward to a new bishop since Bishop Brendan Kelly was transferred to Galway two years ago.  In the interim, Father Dermot Meehan, as Diocesan Administrator, has led the diocese with the greatest dedication and competence, in addition to his responsibilities as Parish Priest of Swinford.  I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Father Meehan for his great work over the past two years, for his contribution to the Episcopal Conference and meetings of the Western Bishops.

ENDS

  • Archbishop Michael Neary is Archbishop of Tuam.