Speculation abounds that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ossory could lose the privilege of having its own bishop, if discussions understood to be currently under way are realised.
Under the mooted proposals, Bishop of Ferns Gerard Nash could take over long-term responsibility for Ossory, although the diocese would retain its separate identity, a source suggests.
The move would follow a trend in other areas of Ireland where smaller dioceses are being united with larger ones, under instructions from Pope Leo XIV.
Already, the dioceses of Clonfert and Galway have been united under a single bishop, as have Elphin and Achonry, and Tuam and Killala.
There is even a possible suggestion that Bishop Niall Coll, who was recently transferred to his native diocese of Raphoe, may also be given responsibility for Derry, whose Bishop is past retirement age.
There is a longstanding bishopric tradition in Ossory since the setting up of the current diocesan boundaries in 1178, with 57 bishops appointed over eight-and-a half centuries.
In a statement to Kilkenny Live, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Ossory said: "It is possible that the outcome of this might be the union of the Diocese with another in the person of the Bishop (In persona episcopi). In this manner one Bishop would lead two dioceses. This has happened in several cases in recent years throughout Ireland and even in many other countries.
"In making a recommendation to the Holy See, having listened carefully to all who were consulted, the Nuncio will suggest the person or outcome that will allow for the best possible future for the Diocese and its ability to care for the people of Ossory," the spokesperson continued.
"The process for selecting a bishop to lead the Diocese could only begin at the time of the Diocese becoming vacant. This, for Ossory, was in late January.
"At that point the Papal Nuncio began a process of extensive consultation with people, religious and the priests of the diocese. This process will naturally take some time, often this can take up to a year and in some cases longer. As part of this process the Papal Nuncio will presumably also consult outside of the Diocese," they added.