Major clergy changes in Limerick diocese announced by bishop

BISHOP Brendan Leahy has expressed his gratitude to priests taking up new pastoral appointments in the parishes of the Limerick diocese, saying changes are necessary to renew the Church's mission.

He sais they allow the gifts and experience of priests to be shared across the diocese, while reminding us that our faith is ultimately rooted not in any individual priest but in Christ himself. They invite both priests and parish communities to embrace each new chapter with faith and hope, said Bishop Leahy.

The bishop thanked the priests who will be taking up new appointments, acknowledging both their willingness to serve where needed and the impact their departure will have on the communities they are leaving behind.

"I also want to thank the priests who are moving parish for their generous ministry in the communities where they have been serving. Their willingness to embrace new appointments reflects the spirit of service that lies at the heart of priestly life. I wish them every blessing as they begin this new chapter of their ministry."

Reflecting on the nature of priestly life, Bishop Leahy referred to a recent letter from Pope Leo in which the Holy Father wrote that "A fidelity that generates the future is what priests are called to today."

Bishop Leahy said those words capture something fundamental about priestly ministry.

"A priest's life is made up of a continuous journey of daily conversion, integrating human and spiritual growth. Parish ministry and the encounters with people day by day become the occasion for that daily conversion.

"While priests naturally become deeply attached to the communities they serve, they also know that accepting new appointments is part of their vocation. It is one expression of that fidelity and ongoing conversion to which Pope Leo refers," he said.

Bishop Leahy 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 per cent of priests under the age of 75 serving in the diocese of Limerick.

"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.

Bishop Leahy added that the latest appointments reflect the diocese's continuing commitment to ensuring pastoral care for communities across Limerick while responding to changing pastoral needs.

"The willingness of priests to move where they are needed enables us to continue serving our parish communities and proclaiming the Gospel throughout the Diocese. I ask parishioners to keep all our priests, particularly those beginning new ministries and those entering retirement, in their prayers."

Fr Chris O’Donnell appointed as co-parish priest and moderator of the newly constituted Pastoral Unit of Askeaton/Ballysteen, Kildimo/Pallaskenry and Kilcornan. Fr Sean Harmon appointed co-parish priest (from April 1) and moderator from September 5 of St Nessan’s Pastoral Unit - Mungret/Raheen/Crecora, Patrickswell/Ballybrown and St Paul's.

Msgr Tony Mullins VG, appointed as co-parish priest and moderator of Maigue Pastoral Unit - Banogue, Bruff/Meanus/Grange, Croom, Dromin/Athlacca, Fedamore and Manister. Canon Pat O’Sullivan appointed as moderator of the Cill Rois Pastoral Unit – Christ the King, Cratloe/Sixmilebridge and Our Lady of the Rosary.

⁣Fr Andrew Chamberline SMMM appointed to St Ita’s Pastoral Unit - Dromcollogher /Broadford, Feenagh/Kilmeedy and Killeedy/Ashford, with particular responsibility for Killeedy/Ashford.

Fr Michael Edoziuno appointed to Maigue Pastoral Unit – Banogue, Bruff/Meanus/Grange, Croom, Dromin/Athlacca, Fedamore and Manister.

Fr John Mockler appointed to Íde Naofa Pastoral Unit - Abbeyfeale, Athea, Templeglantine and Tournafulla /Mountcollins.

Canon Noel Kirwan, appointed to St. Nessan’s Pastoral Unit - Mungret/Raheen/Crecora, Patrickswell/Ballybrown and St Paul's.

Fr Robbie Coffey appointed to Cathedral Pastoral Unit - St John’s, Monaleen, St Michael's, St Patrick's/St Brigid's and Our Lady Help of Christians.

Fr Emmanuel Okwudinka appointed to Cill Rois Pastoral Unit - Christ the King, Cratloe/Sixmilebridge and Our Lady of the Rosary, with particular responsibility for Cratloe parish.

Fr Tim Collins appointed to Ballyhoura Pastoral Unit – Ardpatrick, Bulgaden/Martinstown, Effin/Garrienderk, Glenroe/Ballyorgan, Kilfinane and Kilmallock.

Fr Jaison Mathew MI appointed as Healthcare Chaplain at University Hospital Limerick with effect from May 25, 2026

Fr Sunny Joseph Aresseril MI appointed as provider of Sacramental Service at Bon Secours Hospital and locum chaplain at University Hospital Limerick with effect from June 1, 2026

The changes will take effect on September 5 unless otherwise stated.