Diocesan Appointments and Retirements in the Diocese of Ferns, September 2025

Bishop Ger Nash has announced new appointments in the Diocese of Ferns, effective Monday, September 15th, 2025.

Retiring Priests: Msgr Denis Lennon, Co-PP Clonard Fr Jim Finn, Co-PP Crossabeg/Ballymurn Fr Ray Gahan, Co-PP Kilaveney Fr Lar O’Connor, Co-PP Bunclody Fr Paddy Cushen, Co-PP Ferns Bunclody (will remain in Ferns to assist) New Appointments and Changes: Fr Roger O’Neill becomes Director of Vocations and Youth Ministry and part-time Diocesan Secretary, while pastoral care of Cushinstown/Newbawn will be handled by area priests. Fr Odhrán Furlong moves from hospital chaplaincy to Co-PP in New Ross. Fr Brian Whelan transfers to Ferns Bunclody Kilrush as Co-PP, resident in Ferns. Fr David Murphy returns from Army Chaplaincy to Co-PP in Annacurra, Carnew Kilanerin, resident in Tinahely. Fr John Byrne, Co-PP in Ferns Bunclody Kilrush, will be resident in Bunclody. Fr Eamon Salmon, newly ordained, will serve as chaplain in Wexford General Hospital. Pastoral Care Notes: Ballymurn/Crossabeg and Clonard parishes will be managed by the relevant pastoral area priests. Moderators for the Ferns Bunclody and New Ross/Cushinstown/Adamstown/Newbawn pastoral areas will be appointed in the coming weeks.