Announcement of the New Bishop of the Diocese of Raphoe — made this morning at 11am in the Cathedral of St Eunan and St Columba, Letterkenny.
At 11 o’clock this morning in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, Monsignor Kevin Gillespie (Diocesan Administrator) formally announced the appointment of the new Bishop of Raphoe.
He delivered the announcement and an address, followed by an address from Bishop Niall Coll. The ceremony concluded with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. Local parishioners, local schools, and a large gathering of media were present for the occasion.
Welcoming Bishop Niall Coll marks an important moment in the life of the Diocese of Raphoe. A native son returning home, he brings a deep pastoral heart, wide experience in education, and strong leadership shaped by parish life and academic formation.
We look forward to his ministry among us and invite everyone in the diocese to keep him in prayer as he begins this new chapter.
⸻
About Bishop Niall Coll
• Born 25 August 1963 in St Johnston, County Donegal, the eldest of four children of Willie and Kathleen Coll.
• Educated at St Baithin’s National School, St Johnston, and St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny.
• Entered the seminary at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in September 1981; earned a BA (1984) and BD (1987).
• Completed graduate studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, obtaining a Licence in Dogmatic Theology (1987–89) and a Doctorate in Christology (1992–95).
• Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Raphoe on 3 July 1988.
• Served in both pastoral and educational roles, including:
• Teacher at St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny
• Lecturer at St Patrick’s College, Carlow
• Professor of Religious Studies & Religious Education at St Mary’s University College, Belfast
• Parish ministry appointments included: Curate in Dungloe (and teacher/chaplain in Pobalscoil na Rosann), Parish Priest of Drumholm (Ballintra), and later Parish Priest of Tawnawilly / Donegal Town and Clar.
• Appointed Bishop of Ossory and ordained in Kilkenny on 22 January 2023.
• Today he was announced as the new Bishop of Raphoe and will shortly return to his home diocese.