Killina Presentation Convent in Rahan has always been synonymous with serving the community, and now is set to be leased by a community group. The convent was opened in 1817 and after generations of nuns, and of pupils at the schools run by them, the convent closed last year. A steering group has been looking into other uses for the site and following a public meeting the needs have been established and plans are being made.

These groupings will permit our individual parishes to become stronger, more alive, and be in a position to offer an even greater level of service in their communities – Bishop Farrell.

“The world is very attractive for young people nowadays. They very much can have their own careers and get jobs, get third level education. That was not the case when sisters entered in my time,” says Sr Laura Boyle on the drop in vocations.

Fr Michael Kelly (89) from Co. Offaly conferred with the Order of Distinguished Service for his work in developing strategies for HIV prevention.

The most asked question at the Ploughing was “Is Pope Francis coming to Ireland?” That has not been confirmed yet – not even by Bishops Denis Nulty and Fintan Monahan who visited the World Meeting of Families 2018 stand on the first day.

The monastery at Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St Ciarán, from Rathcroghan, Co. Roscommon.

€170,000 allocated as part of the Government’s rural recreation projects scheme considered insufficient.

‘St Michael's Celebration’, penned by composer and musician Tom Conroy, scheduled for live broadcast on RTE One TV and RTE Radio 1 Extra on 30 October.

Thirty-nine-year-old Co Offaly native Rev Noel Weir will be ordained to the priesthood next Sunday by Bishop Michael Smith of Meath.