I wish to congratulate Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam, the former Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, who has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as Bishop of Killala, an appointment which results in the Diocese of Killala and the Archdiocese of Tuam being united in the person of the bishop, in persona episcopi.
A native of Kilmore diocese, from Bawnboy in the parish of Templeport here in Kilmore, Archbishop Francis attended Munlough National School, Bawnboy, and completed his post-primary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan.
He was ordained in 1982 after attending Saint Patrick’s College in Cavan town and Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
In 2008, following twelve-years as principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, he was appointed diocesan secretary, financial administrator and chancellor of Kilmore diocese, as well as to Laragh parish in Cavan.
In October 2013, he was ordained Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, based in Longford town. On 10 November 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Francis as Archbishop of Tuam.
In giving thanks for his contribution to Kilmore diocese, and his support as a member of the Episcopal Conference, I wish Archbishop Francis well as he takes up his additional responsibilities as Bishop of Killala.
Finally, I would like to wish Bishop John Fleming well in his retirement and to thank him for his welcome and friendship as a member of the Episcopal Conference.