He has already served as Administrator of the Diocese for a period in 2007 following the retirement of Bishop Laurence Forstall.

For the first time in the history of St Anne’s a Roman Catholic Priest will serve on the Cathedral Chapter.

Appointee to support work of parishes and offer vision and leadership to enable priests and people make needed changes to allow parishes continue to be vibrant faith communities.

Fr Dermot Ryan is director of adult faith development in the diocese as well as chairperson of the Ossory council of priests.

Bishops of Elphin and Ossory welcome Minister of Education and Skills’ new capital investment programme for schools 2016 to 2021.

“As a tactician he was brilliant in analysing the opposition and devising strategies to overcome them - a very inspirational figure.”