New Bishop of Kilmore announced

Very Rev Fr Martin Hayes is the new Bishop of Kilmore

The Diocese of Kilmore has a new bishop, writes Thomas Lyons.

Very Rev Fr Martin Hayes has been confirmed as the new Bishop of Kilmore at 10am mass in the Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Felim in Cavan Town in the past few minutes.

The diocese has been without a bishop since January 2019, when Bishop Leo O'Reilly retired on health grounds having serving over 20 years in the position.

Monsignor Liam Kelly has acted as Diocesan Administrator in the interm.

This morning marks the return to the celebration of public masses and the sacraments as the easing of COVID-19 restrictions continues.

There was a huge welcome for parishioners in the Cathedral this morning - the first morning mass in 16 weeks.

Ushers were in position ensuring that social distancing measures were adhered to by mass goers.

Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, papal nuncio, was also welcomed to the Cathedral of Ss Patrick & Felim. The papal nuncio made the announcement that the Very Rev Fr Martin Hayes was the new Bishop of Kilmore.

He comes to the Diocese from Cashel and Emery in Co Tipperary where he was Diocesan Director for Pastoral Planning & Development.

More to follow...