Changes announced by Archbishop come into effect from today

A number of clerical retirements and appointments in the Archdiocese of Tuam take effect from today.

Archbishop Francis Duffy announced the changes last month.

Fr James Walsh, AP Kilmeena is to retire. The Administrator of the parish, Fr John Kenny, will now be assisted in the provision of pastoral and sacramental care by the Parish Priest of Newport, Fr Tod Nolan.

Fr James Quinn, AP Crossboyne-Taugheen, Fr Martin O’Connor, PP Kilvine (Ballindine-Irishtown) and Fr Martin Long, PP Louisburgh are all to retire.

Fr Gerard Burns, PP Ross (Clonbur-Corr na Mona) and Fr Eugene O’Boyle, PP Ballinakill (Letterfrack) and ADM Inishbofin Island are both to go on sabbatical leave.

Fr Seán Flynn, CC Tuam, is to be PP for Crossboyne and Kilvine. Fr Jose Raju, CC Castlebar, is to be ADM for both Ballinakill and Inishbofin Island. Rev Deacon James McLoughlin is to assist in Ballinakill and Inishbofin Island.

Fr Nelson Joseph, CC Achill, is to be ADM for Louisburgh. The recently ordained Fr Mark Quinn is to be CC for Tuam.

Fr Michael Tracy, Diocese of Biloxi USA, will provide weekend services in Clonbur and Corr na Móna,while the pastoral care of the parish will be provided by priests in the Ballinrobe Deanery.

The Archbishop announced that further appointments will shortly be made to Achill and Castlebar.