Major Clerical Reshuffle Announced Across Diocese of Ferns as Priests Take Up New Appointments

A number of significant clerical changes have been announced across the Diocese of Ferns, with several priests taking up new appointments following the annual reshuffle.

Speaking on Morning Mix, Bishop Ger Nash said the changes have been made possible by the return of several priests from ministries outside the diocese, as well as retirements and pastoral reassignments.

The appointments will take effect from Tuesday, September 1st 2026.

The changes include the retirement of two priests from active ministry. Fr Martin Casey will retire from his role as Co-Parish Priest in Carnew, while Fr Paddy Cushen will retire from his role as assistant priest in the Ferns Bunclody Pastoral Area.

Several priests will take up new pastoral appointments, while others will return to parish ministry following periods of study, sabbatical leave, or service in other roles.

Fr John Paul Sheridan, currently Co-PP in the Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin, Carnew Pastoral Area, has been appointed to a full-time position at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth.

Fr Brian Whelan, Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Pastoral Area, will undertake a year-long sabbatical to pursue further studies. During this time, he will reside in Kilmuckridge and provide weekend cover for Masses as available.

Returning from the Staff of St Patrick’s Seminary, Maynooth, Fr Chris Hayden has been appointed Co-PP in the Castlebridge, Crossabeg, Oylegate Pastoral Area and will reside in Oylegate.

Fr Jim Doyle, returning from his role as Chaplain in the Irish College, Paris, has been appointed Co-PP in the Horeswood, Ramsgrange, Duncannon and Templetown Pastoral Area, where he will reside in Templetown.

Fr Brian Broaders V.G., currently Co-PP in the Ballindaggin, Rathnure, Cloughbawn, Davidstown and Bree Pastoral Area, has been appointed Co-PP in the Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn and Piercestown Pastoral Area. He will reside in Barntown and will continue his role as Vicar General of the Diocese.

Fr Eamonn Salmon, formerly Chaplain to Wexford General Hospital, has been appointed Co-PP in the St Aidan’s, St Senan’s and Marshalstown Pastoral Area, residing in Marshalstown.

Fr Sean Devereux, returning from sabbatical leave, has been appointed Co-PP in the Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn and Piercestown Pastoral Area. He will reside in Clonard and will also take responsibility for Diocesan Communications.

Fr Frank Murphy, currently Co-PP in the Imeall na Screige Pastoral Area, has been appointed Co-PP in the Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin and Carnew Pastoral Area, residing in Annacurra.

Fr John Carroll, currently Co-PP in the Wexford Town, Clonard, Glynn and Piercestown Pastoral Area, will become Co-PP in the New Ross, Cushinstown, Adamstown and Newbawn Pastoral Area, residing in New Ross.

Fr Tom Orr, currently Co-PP in the Horeswood, Ramsgrange, Duncannon and Templetown Pastoral Area, has been appointed Co-PP in the Ballindaggin, Rathnure, Cloughbawn, Davidstown and Bree Pastoral Area, residing in Rathnure.

Fr James Cullen, currently Co-PP in the St Aidan’s, St Senan’s and Marshalstown Pastoral Area, has been appointed Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Pastoral Area, residing in Ferns.

Fr Dermot Gahan, currently Co-PP in the Castlebridge, Crossabeg and Oylegate Pastoral Area, has been appointed Co-PP in the Annacurra, Kilaveney, Kilanerin and Carnew Pastoral Area, residing in Carnew.

Bishop Ger Nash thanked all the priests involved for their generous service and commitment to the people of the Diocese of Ferns. He expressed his appreciation to those retiring from active ministry and offered his prayerful support and best wishes to those beginning new roles, undertaking further study, or returning to parish ministry.

Bishop Nash said the annual changes are normally carried out once a year and are designed to meet the pastoral needs of parishes while making the best use of available clergy. He said the return of several priests this year had made the process a particularly positive one for the Diocese of Ferns.