A number of clerical changes announced throughout several Tipperary parishes

The Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, Most Rev Dr Kieran O’Reilly, has announced a series of clerical appointments within the archdiocese, to take effect from the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August 2025.

The appointments include pastoral reassignments and sabbaticals for several priests currently serving across Tipperary and beyond.

Fr Thomas Lanigan-Ryan, Parish Priest of Ballina and Boher, will undertake a one-year sabbatical programme for 2025–2026.

Fr Danny O’Gorman, currently Parish Priest of Mullinahone and Administrator of Drangan and Cloneen, will become Parish Priest of Ballina and Boher.

Fr Jimmy O’Donnell, Parish Priest of Killenaule and Moyglass, will take on the role of Administrator in Drangan and Cloneen.

Fr Derry Quirke, Parish Priest of Ballingarry, will also become Administrator of Mullinahone.

Fr John Littleton, Director of the Priory Institute in Tallaght, Dublin, will return to the Archdiocese and undertake a sabbatical year in 2025–2026.

Fr Joe Walsh, Parish Priest of Anacarty and Donohill, is to retire from his part-time role as Chaplain to Mary Immaculate College, St. Patrick’s Campus, Thurles.

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These appointments reflect ongoing efforts to respond to changing pastoral needs within the Archdiocese and the wider Church in Ireland.

This news follows a recent statement from the Diocese of Killaloe, which also spans parishes in North Tipperary. There, Bishop Fintan Monahan acknowledged the increasing difficulty in making diocesan appointments due to growing shortages of active clergy.

Despite a limited number of changes this year, the diocese reports a pressing challenge: 31 of its 58 parishes currently have no resident priest under the age of 75. In 2025, the number of priests in active ministry under 75 stands at 52. That figure is expected to fall to 41 by 2030, 27 by 2035, and just 22 by 2040.

“These stark statistics speak for themselves,” the diocesan statement reads.

“It is not possible to continue to sustain the level of pastoral care we currently provide in the 58 parishes and 15 pastoral areas.”

The diocese has called for a reimagining of pastoral structures to ensure long-term care for parish communities, while also safeguarding the well-being of clergy and lay ministers.

However, the message concludes on a hopeful note, marking the Jubilee Year of Hope with a reminder from Scripture: “Hope does not disappoint” 

As both dioceses navigate this time of transition, parishioners are asked to continue supporting their local faith communities through prayer, participation, and encouragement of vocations.