Limerick diocesan secretary to take up posting in Rome

LIMERICK’S longstanding diocesan secretary Fr Paul Finnerty is to take up a position in Rome after 12 “immense years”.

The Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy, said Fr Finnerty’s departure to take up the post of vice-rector of the Irish College in Rome would leave “a big gap to fill”. He will take up the post in June.

“Paul, as diocesan secretary, has given 12 great years of service,” said the bishop. “On my arrival here I was immediately struck by his integrity, hard work and deep humanity. He will leave a big gap when he departs.

“He has championed many causes, aside altogether from the immense workload that he has gotten through as diocesan secretary. He has put endless hours, for example, into the Le Chéile school in Roxboro and I believe its emergence as a model, inclusive education entity will stand the test of time.”

Fr Finnerty, who was born in Limerick and is a native of Dooradoyle. He family subsequently moved to Croom.

He was ordained in 2002 and his first appointment was as curate to the parish of Askeaton/Ballysteen.

One year into this appointment, Bishop Donal Murray appointed him as assistant diocesan secretary and the following year he was appointed secretary on a full-time basis to replace Fr Tony Mullins.

“The experience I have had as secretary over the last 12 years will be something I will bring to my new role. I have worked closely with priests and people of the diocese and I am very grateful for the goodwill and warmth I experienced,” said Fr Finnerty.

“The role of diocesan secretary has been a demanding one but enormously enriching,” he added.