Bishop of Limerick thanks retiring priests for dedicated ministries
‘I know that people are often very sad to bid farewell to a priest they have come to know and love’: Bishop Brendan Leahy
BISHOP of Limerick Brendan Leahy has paid tribute to priests retiring after many decades of dedicated ministry .
Bishop Leahy paid tribute, in particular, to retiring priests Canon John O'Shea, from St Nessan's Pastoral Unit, comprising the parishes of Mungret/Raheen/Crecora, Patrickswell/Ballybrown and St Paul's, Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Kilcornan with effect from April 1, 2026; Fr John Keating, from St Ita's Pastoral Unit comprising the parishes of Dromcollogher/Broadford, Kileedy/Ashford and Feenagh/Kilmeedy; and Fr Michael Hanley, who will retire from Maigue Pastoral Unit comprising the parishes of Bruff/Meanus/Grange, Banogue, Dromin/Athlacca, Croom, Fedamore and Manister.
"I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Canon John O'Shea, Fr John Keating and Fr Michael Hanley for their generous and fruitful priestly ministry over many years.
They have touched countless lives through their pastoral care, their celebration of the sacraments, their companionship with people in moments of joy and sorrow, and their faithful witness to the Gospel. I thank them sincerely and wish them every blessing in retirement.”
Bishop Leahy also congratulated those priests celebrating significant jubilees this year, such as Fr Martin Madigan (70 years), Fr Paddy Bowen (60 years), Fr Michael Hanley (50 years); Frs Joe Cussen, Tim Curtin and Tom Mangan (40 years); Fr. Derek Leonard (30 years); and Frs Michael O'Shea and Liam Enright (25 years).
Bishop Leahy himself celebrates this year his 40th anniversary of ordination to priesthood. And he recalled with gratitude to God the service of priests who have died during the year since last year's announcement of changes, Fr Liam Enright, Fr Tony Bluett and Fr Tom Coughlan.
The bishop acknowledged that changes of clergy can be emotional occasions for parish communities.
"I know that people are often very sad to bid farewell to a priest they have come to know and love. That sadness is itself a powerful sign of the bond that develops between priests and the people they serve. Those relationships are among the great blessings of parish life."
He said the diocese also continues to be greatly enriched by the contribution of international priests, who now comprise approximately 30% of priests under the age of 75 serving in the diocese.
"Our international priests make an invaluable contribution to the life of the Diocese. They bring new vitality, different gifts and experiences, and remind us that the Church is truly universal. Their presence enriches our parishes and broadens our appreciation of the worldwide family of the Church. We are deeply grateful for their ministry," he said.