Several Mayo parishes are to receive new priests as part of a clergy reshuffle across the Tuam Archdiocese from September.
Roundfort, Robeen, Carras, Aghamore, Achill, Aughagower and its half-parish, Cushlough, are each affected by the changes, which were confirmed by Archbishop of Tuam and Killala, Francis Duffy.
This includes Father Mike Murphy, who is set to leave south Mayo after ministering in the area for the past 17 years.
Fr Murphy, who served the parishes of Robeen, Roundfort and Carras, was informed on Friday that he will be moving to Kilkerrin-Clonberne in County Galway.
He will be replaced in Robeen, Carras and Roundfort by Fr Britus Kadavunkal Francis, who has served as Parish Priest of Aughagower and Cushlough for the past seven years.
A native of County Galway, Fr Murphy was well-known in south Mayo, where he presided over numerous ceremonies and was heavily involved in parish life.
Fr Thomas Gallagher will be moved from Achill to Corrandulla-Annaghdown while Fr Jerald David, Administrator of Aghamore, will become Parish Priest of Milltown.
The changes in the Tuam diocese – effective from September 11 - come following the retirement of three priests; Father Michael Molloy, Parish Priest of Moore, County Galway; Father James Ronayne, Parish Priest of Clifden, County Galway, and Father Frank Conlisk, who was based in Milltown-Kilconly.
In a letter sent to priests throughout the Tuam diocese, Archbishop Duffy, said that a priest will be appointed to Aughagower in October 2026 while a priest will be appointed to Aghamore in November 2026. Local priests will provide cover until these appointments are finalised.
Meanwhile, Fr Tommy Commins, a native of County Mayo and brother of broadcaster Michael Commins, will be moved from Kilkerrin-Clonberne to Moore.
Both Fr Molloy, who is leaving Moore, and Fr Murphy, who is moving to Kilkerrin-Clonberne, served as Parish Priest in Roundfort and Carras in the last two decades.
In a letter to parishioners in this weekend’s parish newsletter, Fr Mike Murphy thanked the people for “seventeen wonderful years” in south Mayo.
“After 32 happy years serving in County Mayo – and with Sam Maguire finally making his way back across the border – it may just be the right time for me to return him to County Galway!” Fr Murphy wrote.
“When I arrived in Roundfort, Robeen and Carras in 2009, Ireland was facing one its greatest financial crisis. Since then, we have shared so much together – the joys and sorrows of parish life, celebrations and milestones, and the extraordinary challenges of the Covid years.
“Throughout it all, I have been deeply touched by your faith, generosity, kindness and commitment to one another and to your parish.”
Fr Murphy said that he would “always treasure” the friendships and memories he shared during his time in south Mayo.
He said parishioners were receiving “a wonderful young priest in Fr Britus” and said they would welcome him with “the same warmth and support” he had received.
Fr Britus arrived in the Tuam diocese directly from his native India when he was first installed as Administrator of Aughagower and Cushlough in 2018.
In 2023, Fr Britus took on extra pastoral responsibilities within Westport (Aughaval) Parish, where he served alongside Father John Kenny, Administrator of Westport Parish.
In June, Fr Britus concelebrated Mass attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is a practising Catholic, when he visited his ancestral home of Aughagower.
Fr Britus, became an Irish citizen last year, which required him to renounce his Indian citizenship.
In a post on his Facebook page, Fr Kenny thanked Fr Britus for his “dedicated service, kindness, and spiritual guidance” to the people in Aughagower, Cushlough and Westport over the past eight years.
“His presence has been a wonderful blessing and support to so many - through his prayers, his pastoral care, and the way he has helped others to grow in faith, hope and love,” wrote Fr Kenny.