Priest retirements and appointments announced across Cork

The Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin has announced changes to appointments of priests in the diocese.

A number of priests will be retiring from full-time appointments, though their priestly ministry will continue.

Those retiring are: Fr Ted Collins, AP, in the Family of Parishes of Ardfield and Rathbarry, Barryroe, Clonakilty, Kilmeen and Castleventry, Rosscarbery and Timoleague; Fr Jeremiah Cremin, Co-PP, and Fr Bertie O’Mahony, AP, in the parishes of Bandon, Enniskeane & Desertserges, Innishannon/Knockavilla, Kilbrittain, Kilmurry, Murragh & Templemartin; and Canon James O’Donovan, AP, in the parishes of Ballyphehane, The Lough and Togher.

“I am deeply grateful for their service and commitment over many years in different appointments, through their dedicated priestly ministry, which continues in consultation with moderators and teams of priests in each Family of Parishes,” Bishop Gavin said.

Bishop Fintan also extended his gratitude, and that of the diocese, to Fr John Heinhold, SPS Co-PP and moderator in the parishes of Aughadown, Castlehaven, Kilmacabea, Rath & The Islands and Skibbereen, who is returning to St Patrick’s Missionary Society.

A number of priests will take up roles in families of parishes from July 27, as follows:

• Family of Parishes of Carrigaline, Crosshaven, the Harbour Parishes (Monkstown and Passage West), and Tracton Abbey: Fr David O’Connell, Co-PP resident in Monkstown.
• Family of Parishes of Aughadown, Castlehaven & Myross, Kilmacabea, Rath & The Islands and Skibbereen: Fr Kevin O’Regan Co-PP and Moderator resident in Skibbereen.
• Family of Parishes of Ardfield & Rathbarry, Barryroe, Clonakilty, Kilmeen & Castleventry, Rosscarbery & Lisavaird and Timoleague.-Canon Martin O’Driscoll Co-PP resident in Rosscarbery and Fr Fergus Ryan OP CC resident in Barryroe.
• Family of Parishes of Ballincollig, Ballinora, Ovens & Farran-Fr John McCarthy Co-PP resident in Ovens.
• Family of Parishes of Bandon, Enniskeane & Desertserges, Innishannon/Knockavilla, Kilbrittain, Kilmurry, Murragh & Templemartin-Fr Pontianus Jafla CC resident in Kilbrittain.
• Family of Parishes of Bantry, Caheragh, Goleen, Muintir Bháire, Schull, Fr Myles McSweeney Co-PP and moderator to be resident in Bantry, and Fr Chris O’Donovan, Co-PP resident in Schull.
• Family of Parishes of Blackpool, The Glen & Ballyvolane, St Peter and Paul’s, St Finbarr’s South, St Patrick’s, Sunday’s Well and The Cathedral: Fr Kieron O’Driscoll Co-PP resident in St Finbarr’s South.
• Family of Parishes of St Joseph’s Mayfield and Upper Mayfield. Pastoral Care of Holy Family Church, Military Hill: Fr Liam Ó hIcí AP resident in St Joseph’s Parish, Mayfield.
• Family of Parishes of Clogheen & Kerry Pike, Farranree, Gurranabraher, Knocknaheeny & Hollyhill Fr Declan Mansfield to assist in this Family of Parishes, while also fulfilling the role of part-time chaplain in Marymount University Hospice.