New Bishop for Ardagh and Clonmacnois

Bishop Paul Connell was installed as the new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois at his ordination at Saint Mel’s Cathedral in Longford at the weekend.

The principal consecrator for the Mass was Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, assisted by co-consecrators Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam and by Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath.

The new Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, His Excellency Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, also presided at the Mass.

The Mass was concelebrated by Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop Emeritus of Armagh; members of the Irish Bishops’ Conference and other clergy. Dozens also joined proceedings by webcam, including those in All Saints and Saint Gabriel’s in Florida, and Saint Gregory’s in San Diego where Bishop Connell previously ministered.

In recent years Bishop Connell, a Mullingar native, was President and Principal of Saint Finian’s College until 2019, and in 2020 was appointed by Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath, as Chancellor of the Diocese of Meath.

In August 2021, he was appointed Administrator of the Parish of Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath.

Father Michael McGrath, CC of St Mel’s Parish, Longford, preached the homily at the ordination and the Cathedral Choir performed music throughout the liturgy under the direction of Fintan Farrelly.

Addressing those in attendance, Bishop Connell, who completed his seminary training at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1982, thanked everyone for their “very supportive presence”.

“To the people of the diocese I want to express my deep gratitude for the very warm welcome that you have given me, and I am looking forward to meeting and working with you across the diocese in the coming years.”