Speculation is mounting in County Limerick that an announcement from the Vatican is imminent about who will be appointed bishop in succession to Dr Donal Murray, who resigned last December in the wake of criticisms in the Murphy Report of his handling of child sex abuse cases when he was an auxiliary bishop in Dublin.It is understood locally that soundings have been taken of clergy in the diocese as to their preferred choice and a shortlist of three recommendations is ready to be sent to the Vatican. This would pave the way for a new appointment to be made before the end of the year.
The priests favoured by their colleagues for the post are reported to be Monsignor Dan Neenan, who is parish priest in Monaleen, Fr William Walsh of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, also in Limerick city and Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon who is based in Mungret.
Fr Fitzgibbon and Msgr Neenan are vicars-general of the diocese.
Former diocesan secretary Fr Tony Mullins, who has been acting as temporary administrator since Dr Murray stepped down, may also be considered.
However, the view of local clergy is only one element of the decision-making process.
Since Bishop Murray resigned, there has been repeated speculation that Bishop John Fleming of Killala, who is a native of Limerick, might be transferred.
Former diocesan secretary Fr Tony Mullins, who has been acting as temporary administrator since Dr Murray stepped down, may also be considered.
However, the view of local clergy is only one element of the decision-making process.
Since Bishop Murray resigned, there has been repeated speculation that Bishop John Fleming of Killala, who is a native of Limerick, might be transferred.
Killala is one of the country’s least-populated dioceses and a transfer to Limerick would be seen as a move to a more prominent posting.
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