Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administration of Kilfenora

The retirement has been announced of Most Reverend Martin Drennan DD as Bishop of Galway & Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora. 

His retirement takes effect from Friday 29 July 2016.

Bishop Drennan

Martin Drennan was born on 2nd January, 1944 in Piltown, County Kilkenny. 

Educated at Tobernabrone National School and St Kieran's College, Kilkenny, he studied for the priesthood at St Patrick's College, Maynooth from where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1968. His brother Michael is also a priest.

Following his ordination he continued his studies in Rome where he was awarded a Licentiate in both Sacred Theology and Sacred Scripture.

On his return to Ireland Fr Martin served as curate in St Mary's Cathedral Parish in Kilkenny and then in Ballycallan. From 1975 he taught Sacred Scripture at St Kieran's College, returning to Rome in 1980 to become Spiritual Director at the Irish College there for the next five years.

When Fr Martin again returned home he became a Lecturer in Sacred Scripture at St Patrick's College, Maynooth where he continued to teach until his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin in 1997. His area of pastoral responsibility in that time was East Wicklow and South Dublin.

On the retirement of Bishop James McLoughlin, Bishop Drennan was chosen as Bishop of Galway & Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora, and he was installed on 3 July 2005 in Galway Cathedral.

In the subsequent eleven years Bishop Drennan instigated and oversaw many worthy initiatives and developments in the diocese, including the founding of the Good Shepherd Parish at the east edge of Galway city and the reordering of parish boundaries and personnel throughout the diocese in response to changing demographics. 

Last year he welcomed Cardinal Sean O'Malley to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of Galway Cathedral. 

In this, his last year as shepherd to the people of this diocese, Bishop Drennan had the joy of ordaining three men to the priesthood: Fr Michael King who is taking up an appointment as curate in Gort, Fr John O’Halloran who is taking up an appointment as curate in the Good Shepherd Parish at the eastern edge of Galway city and Fr Daniel Gallagher who is taking up an appointment as curate in Oranmore.

Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administration of Kilfenora - Clerical Appointments 2016

Most Reverend Martin Drennan, Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora, has made the following diocesan appointments with effect from Friday 12 August 2016: 

Rt. Rev. Mgr. Malachy Hallinan, PP, Sacred Heart, to be Pastor Emeritus 

Very Rev. Patrick Canon Callanan, retiring as PP, Kilbeacanty, to be appointed Administrator, Kilbeacanty 

Very Rev. Michael Brennan, PP, Lettermore/Rosmuc, to be PP, Bearna 

Very Rev. Desmond Forde PP, Bearna, to be CC, Ennistymon 

Very Rev. Barry Hogg, President, St Mary’s College, on Sabbatical 

Rev. Gearóid Ó Griofa, CC, Gort, to be Admnistrator, Lettermore/Rosmuc 

An tAthair Dáithí Ó Murchú, CC, Knocknacarra, to be Chaplain in University Hospital, Galway 

Rev. Peter Joyce, Chaplain, University Hospital, Galway, to be Administrator, Renmore 

Rev. Alan Buke, Administrator, Oughterard, on sabbatical Rev. Michael Connolly, CC, Mervue, to be PP, Oughterard 

Rev. Patrick O’Donohue, CC, Good Shepherd, & Chaplain, GMIT, to be PP, Clarinbridge 

 Rev. Michael King, CC, Sacred Heart, to be CC, Gort 

Rev. John O’Halloran, CC, Renmore, to be CC, Good Shepherd 

Rev. Daniel Gallagher, recently ordained, to be CC, Oranmore, with additional diocesan duties 

Rev. Kevin Keenan SVD, Administrator, Clarinbridge, to be PP, Sacred Heart 

Rev. Donal Sweeney OP, Prior, St Mary’s, Claddagh, to be PP, St Mary’s, Claddagh

Diocese of Ferns - Clerical Appointments 2016

 

The Bishop of Ferns, Dr. Denis Brennan has announced the following clerical changes in the Diocese of Ferns:

Fr. Hugh O’ Byrne P.P. Blackwater to retirement on health grounds, effective immediately.

Fr. Brendan Nolan P.P. Our Lady’s Island to P.P. Blackwater, effective 6th August.

Fr. James Cogley P.P. Oylegate to P.P. Our Lady’s Island, effective 6th August.

Fr. John Byrne ADM St. Senan’s Parish to P.P. Oylegate, effective 6th August.

Fr. Paddy Banville C.C. St. Senan’s to be ADM St. Senan’s, effective  6th August.

Fr. Robert McGuire C.C. Galbally Ballyhogue to be C.C. Caroreigh, effective 6th August.

Fr. Ken Quinn, chaplain Wexford General Hospital to be C.C. Galbally Ballyhogue, effective 6th August.

Fr. Michael Doyle,  to be Hospital Chaplain, Wexford General in addition to his current post as CC in St. Leonards. effective 6th August.

Fr. David Murphy to temporary sabbatical leave, pending appointment.

Diocese of Elphin - Clerical Appointments 2016

 

Bishop Kevin Doran has announced the following diocesan appointments:

Roscommon – Kiltoom – Athlone – Athleague (effective 31^st July)

Very Rev Canon Eugene McLoughlin, who is retiring as PP VF of Roscommon, to be Administrator Athleague and Fuerty, which became vacant on the death of Very Rev John Leogue PP

Very Rev John Cullen, PP Kiltoom to be PP Roscommon

Rev Michael McManus CC Athlone (Drum), to be PP Kiltoom

Rev Kazimierz Wrobel (Archdiocese of Katowice, Poland), CC Athleague and Fuerty to be CC Athlone (Drum)

Castlerea – Kilgefin (Ballyleague) – St. Mary’s, Sligo (effective 31^st July)

Very Rev Canon Joseph Fitzgerald PP is retiring as PP Castlerea. He will reside in Ballygar and join the parish team at Sacred Heart Parish, Roscommon

Very Rev John McManus, PP Kilgefin (Ballyleague) to be PP Castlerea

Rev Dusmanta Mahanyak (Archdiocese of Cuttack Bhubaneswar, India), CC St. Mary’s, Sligo, to be Administrator Kilgefin (Ballyleague)

Rev Julian Lupot (Diocese of Tagbilaran, Philippines), to be CC St. Mary’s, Sligo

Tulsk (effective 15^th July)

Rev John Gannon (Archdiocese of Johannesburg), to be PP Tulsk, which became vacant on the death of Monsignor Austin McKeon

Aughrim and Kilmore (effective 31^st July)

Rev Tomasz Grzegorzewski SDB is taking sabbatical leave and has resigned as PP of Aughrim and Kilmore

Rev Stephen Ezenwegbu (Diocese of Awka, Nigeria), to be Administrator of Aughrim and Kilmore

Effective 1st May 

Fr Seán O’Dowd SPS retired as CC Athlone at the end of April 2016 and has been appointed Chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy in Dun Mhuire, Athlone.

Rev Michael Duignan
Diocesan Secretary

Diocese of Down & Connor - Clerical Appointments 2016

 

In response to the pastoral needs of the people of the Diocese of Down and Connor, Bishop Noel Treanor has made the following clerical appointments which take effect on Thursday 28th January 2016:

Fr Hugh Kennedy to be Chaplain to the Congregation of Our Lady, More House, Archdiocese of Westminster, London.

Fr Martin Graham to be Administrator of St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Fr John McManus to be PP Strangford and Kilclief.
 
Fr Eugene O’Hagan to be Diocesan Chancellor.

Fr Gregory Cormican resignation on grounds of ill health as PP of Coleraine has been accepted.

Fr Brendan Mulhall CSsR to be Administrator of Coleraine.

Fr Peter O’Kane to be PP Christ the Redeemer, Lagmore.

Fr Brendan Hickland on sabbatical leave from St Teresa’s

Fr Don Kettle on loan from the Archdiocese of Perth, Australia, to be Administrator of St Teresa’s, Belfast.

Fr Peter Carlin to be priest in residence in St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast.

Fr Gary Toman to be priest in residence in Glenarm.

Fr Gerard Magee OCSO, with the permission of his Abbott, to the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).

Fr Michael Dempsey CSsR to be Assistant Chaplain in the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH).

Fr Joseph Rooney in addition to Judicial Vicar of the Diocese appointed Judicial Vicar for the Armagh Regional Marriage Tribunal.

Fr Gerard Fox in addition to his ongoing position as Director of Formation in St Malachy’s Seminary to assist and supply within the West Belfast Pastoral Community.

Fr Paul Morely in addition to CC Holy Family, at the request of Cardinal George Alencherry, Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, appointed assistant priest to the Syro-Malabar community in Down and Connor.

Fr Vincent Cushnahan appointed to the Down and Connor Office of the Armagh Regional Marriage Tribunal at the Good Shepherd Centre, Belfast and to be priest in residence in the Parish of the Nativity, Belfast.

Fr Andrew Black recently ordained to be Catholic Chaplain in Belfast City Hospital (BCH) residing in St Paul’s, Belfast

Fr Conor McCarthy recently ordained to be CC Larne.

Once again, on behalf of the Diocese I extend my heartfelt thanks to Bishop Anthony Farquhar who recently retired after many years of pastoral ministry and fruitful service within the Diocese of Down and Connor. 

I also pay tribute to and thank Fr Phil Dunlea CSsR who retired recently after many years of service within the Royal Victoria Hospital.

I would like to record my thanks to all my priest colleagues affected by the above appointments. I thank all involved in these appointments for their co-operation and I wish them God’s blessing, good health and fulfilment in their respective ministries.

+Noel Treanor
Bishop of Down and Connor

Diocese of Derry - Clerical Appointments 2016

Bishop Donal McKeown, Bishop of Derry has announced the following clerical changes, effective on 9th September 2016:

Fr Eamon Graham, Adm Long Tower, to be PP Lavey and PP Greenlough, residing in Lavey;

Fr Aidan Mullan, CC St. Eugene’s Cathedral, to be Adm Long Tower;
 
Fr Noel McDermott, CC Faughanvale, to be PP Faughanvale;
 
Fr Brendan Crowley, CC Burt Inch & Fahan, to be PP Errigal;
 
Fr James McGrory, CC Culdaff and Clonmany, to be PP Coleraine;
 
Fr Patsy Mullan, retiring as PP Faughanvale, to be CC Faughanvale;
 
Fr Charles Keaney PP Coleraine, to take a twelve-month sabbatical, before new appointment in September 2017;
 
Fr Fintan Diggin to be CC Burt, Inch & Fahan;
 
Fr Eugene Hasson, PP Lavey and Greenlough, to be CC Omagh (Drumragh);
 
Fr Karl Haan, CC Errigal, to be CC Clonmany and Culdaff, residing at Culdaff;
 
Fr Paul Fraser, CC Creggan, to be, in addition, Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre;
 
Fr Dermott McGirr, CC Omagh (Drumragh), to be CC Ballinascreen and Desertmartin, residing at Desertmartin;
 
Fr Peter O’Kane, Director of Diocesan Pastoral Centre, to enter the novitiate of the Dominican Order;
 
Fr Brendan Collins CC Long Tower, to take a twelve-month period of sabbatical leave from ministry, before his next appointment in 2017;
 
Fr Micheál McGavigan, CC The Three Patrons, to undertake further studies in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America, Washington DC;
 
Fr Christopher McDermott, newly ordained, to be CC St. Eugene’s Cathedral;
 
Rev. Malachy Gallagher, newly ordained Deacon, to Parish of Templemore.

Diocese of Cork & Ross - Clerical Appointments 2016

Bishop John Buckley has announced the following clerical changes in the Diocese of Cork and Ross effective from August 12th, 2016:

Venerable Kerry Murphy-O'Connor, PP Turners Cross to retire.

Very Reverend Christy Fitzgerald, PP Frankfield, to be PP Ballinhassig.
 
Very Reverend Kieron ODriscoll, PP Ballinhassig to one years Sabbatical study.
 
Very Reverend Kevin ORegan, PP Gurranabraher to be PP Frankfield.
 
Fr. Paul ODonoghue, CC, The Lough to be CC the Cathedral, Blackpool and Sunday?s Well parishes.

Fr. Damien OMahony, CC, the Cathedral, Blackpool and Sundays Well to be Chaplain, Mercy University Hospital.

Fr. Billy OSullivan, CC Turners Cross to be PP Turners Cross.

Fr. Tomas Walsh, SMA. CC the Cathedral, Blackpool and Sundays Well to be PP Gurranabraher.

Fr. Anthony Buckley, Chaplain, Mercy University Hospital to be CC Glanmire and Glounthaune.

Fr. John Heinhold, SPS, CC Glanmire and Glounthaune to be CC the Cathedral, Blackpool and Sundays Well.

Fr. Pat Nugent, newly ordained to be CC The Lough and Ballyphehane.

Fr. Kaz Nawalaniec, Polish Chaplain and CC Ballyphehane to return to Tarnow Diocese, Poland.

Fr. Rafal Zielonka, Tarnow Diocese to Polish Chaplaincy.
In addition to the above, Bishop Buckley has also announced some changes to the Cathedral Chapter.

Dean: Dean Noel OSullivan, DD to replace Dean Micheal O Dalaigh who has retired.

Archdeacon: Venerable Archdeacon Liam ODriscoll to replace Archdeacon Kerry Murphy O'Connor who has retired.

The following have also been appointed to the Chapter :

Canon Robert Brophy , PP Togher, 

Canon Bernard Donovan, PP Kilmurry, 

Canon John Paul Hegarty, PP The Lough, 

Canon Martin Keohane, PP Bantry, 

Canon John Kingston, PP Bandon,

Canon Kieran Twomey, PP Blackrock.

Diocese of Cloyne - Clerical Appointments 2016

CLOYNE DIOCESAN CHANGES 

(clergy appointments)

To take effect from 9th July 2016

Most Rev. William Crean has accepted the resignation from office of Rt. Rev. Msgr. Eamon Goold, P.P., V.G., Midleton to come into effect on July 9th. He is to continue to serve as Vicar General of the Diocese.

Bishop Crean has made the following appointments in the Diocese of Cloyne with effect from July 9th:

V. Rev. William Bermingham, P.P. Blarney to Sabbatical Studies

V. Rev. Michael Fitzgerald, P.P. Buttevant to be P.P. Blarney

V. Rev. Eugene Baker returning from Sabbatical Studies to be P.P. Buttevant

V. Rev. John Ryan, P.P., P.E. Aghinagh to be C.C. Midleton

Rev. Jim Killeen, C.C. Midleton to be P.P. Midleton and Vicar Forane for Midleton Deanery

V. Rev. Canon Donal Roberts, P.P. V.F. to continue as Administrator of Aghinagh Parish

Rev. Gerard Cremin, C.C., Midleton to further study.

We ask you to pray for those who are currently in a time of transition in their ministry.

Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly - Clerical Appointments 2016

The Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, Dr. Kieran O’Reilly, has made the following clerical appointments in the Archdiocese:

1. Very Rev. Liam McNamara, AP, Solohead & Oola to be AP Tipperary Town

1. Ven. Archdeacon Matthew McGrath, PP, VG, Tipperary to be AP Clonoulty & Rossmore

1. Very Rev. Donal Cunningham, PP, Upperchurch & Drombane to be AP Upperchurch & Drombane

1. Very Rev. Anthony Ryan, PP, Doon to be PP Upperchurch & Drombane

1. Very Rev. Patrick O’Gorman, PP, Golden & Kilfeacle to be AP Kilcommon, Hollyford & Rearcross

1. Very Rev. Thomas Fogarty, President, St. Patrick’s College, Thurles to be CC Moycarkey, Littleton & Two-Mile-Borris (resident in Littleton)

1. Very Rev. Conor Hayes, PP, Kilteely & Dromkeen to be PP Templemore, Clonmore & Killea

1. Very Rev. Canon Eugene Everard, PP, VF, Templemore, Clonmore & Killea to be PP, VG, Tipperary Town

1. Very Rev. James Kennedy to be Adm Pro-Tem, Templetuohy & Moyne (resident in Moyne)

1. Rev. James Purcell, CC, Cashel & Rosegreen to be Adm Pro-Tem, Loughmore & Castleiney (resident in Templemore)

1. Rev. James Donnelly, CC, Hospital & Herbertstown to be PP Doon

1. Rev. Joseph Tynan, CC, Littleton to be PP Kilteely & Dromkeen

1. Rev. Enda Brady, CC, Kilcommon, Hollyford & Rearcross to be CC Cashel & Rosegreen (resident in Rosegreen)

1. Rev. Edward Cleary, CC Tipperary to be CC Hospital & Herbertstown

1. Rev. Patrick Coffey, CC Upperchurch & Drombane to be PP Golden & Kilfeacle

1. Rev. Francis McCarthy to be seconded to the Archdiocese of Dublin

These changes to be effective from 26^th August 2016

Archdiocese of Armagh - Clerical Appointments 2016

The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin, announces the following clergy appointments, effective 3 September 2016.

Archbishop Eamon thanks the priests for their continued ministry and service in the Archdiocese and wishes them well in taking up these new appointments.  He also thanks the people of the Archdiocese of Armagh for their ongoing prayers and support of their priests.

He encourages them to welcome their new pastors in the coming weeks.

Rt Rev. Mgr Christopher O’Byrne, PE, AP, Magherafelt, to retire and to be Priest-in-Residence, Magherafelt.

V Rev Sean F Quinn, PP, Louth, to retire and to be Priest-in-Residence, Tallanstown.

Rev Thomas McNulty, CC, Cooley, retired on 12 May 2016, to be Priest-in-Residence, Cooley.

Rev Fergus Breslan, CC, Middle Killeavy, to become Assistant Pastor St Patrick’s, Dundalk (part-time), and Diocesan Liaison Priest with Redemptoris Mater House of Formation, Dundalk, / Neocatechumenal Way in the Archdiocese.

V Rev Peter Kerr, PP, Killcluney (Ballymacnab, Clady & Granemore), following a period of sabbatical leave, to be PE, AP, Cathedral Parish, Armagh (effective from First Sunday of 
Advent.)

V Rev Gerard McGinnity, PP, Knockbridge, retired on 30 May 2016.

Rev John McGoldrick, returning from sabbatical leave, to be CC, Aughnacloy (Aghaloo & Carnteel), residing in Caledon and to act as Adm Aughnacloy (Aghaloo & Carnteel) pro-tem.

Rev Sean McArdle, SM, to be PP, Louth.

Rev Kevin Donaghy, retiring as Principal of St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh, to take a period of sabbatical leave.

Rev Desmond Branigan, CC, St Patrick’s, Dundalk, to be CC, Magherafelt.

V Rev Gerard Campbell, PP, EV, Kilkerley, also to be PP, Knockbridge.

V Rev Joseph McKeever, PP, Crossmaglen, to retire on medical grounds (effective 30 September 2016.)

Rev Gregory Carvill, Adm, Aughnacloy (Aghaloo & Carnteel), to be PP, Kilcluney (Ballymacnab, Clady & Granemore).

Rev Patrick Rushe, VF, in addition to chaplaincy duties, to be part-time CC, Kilkerley, and Diocesan Education Secretary (Co Louth).

Rev Neil O’Donoghue, CC, Holy Redeemer, Dundalk (part-time), to be full-time Vice-Rector of the Redemptoris Mater House of Formation, Dundalk.  Fr Neil will assist with the parish of Crossmaglen (Creggan Upper) until January 2017.

Rev. Brian White, CC, Hagardstown and Blackrock, also to be Director of the Permanent Diaconate, Archdiocese of Armagh.

Rev Liam McKinney, CC, VF, Crossmaglen (Creggan Upper,) to act as Adm, Crossmaglen (Creggan Upper) until appointment of a new Parish Priest in January 2017 (effective 30 September 2016.)

Rev. Thomas McHugh, CC, Armagh, also to be Chairperson, Armagh Diocesan Youth Commission.

Rev Sean McGuigan, CC Cookstown (Desertcreight & Derryloran), to be CC Holy Redeemer, Dundalk, and to offer support in the Armagh Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Dundalk.

Rev Damien Quigley, newly ordained, to be CC, Middle Killeavy, and a member of the Chaplaincy Team to Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry.  He will also become a member of the Diocesan Vocations Commission.

29 July 2016

Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnoise - Clerical Appointments 2016

 

Diocesan Changes "Ardagh & Clonmacnois" 

---

Fr Brian Brennan PP Clonbroney to retire

Fr Francis Gray PP Ballymachugh to retire

Fr Gerard Brady PP Clonmacnois to be PP Ballymachugh.

Fr Tom Murray CC Longford to be PP Clonbroney & Diocesan Secretary

Fr Tom Cox CC Ferbane to be Adm. Clonmacnois

Fr Michael Morris, St Patrick’s Missionary Society, to be CC Ferbane

A Syro-Malabar priest to be chaplain to that community and CC Longford

For Someone Who Did You Wrong - John O'Donohue

 

For Someone Who Did You Wrong

Though its way is to strike
In a dumb rhythm,
Stroke upon stroke,
As though the heart
Were an anvil,
The hurt you sent
Had a mind of its own.

Something in you knew
Exactly how to shape it,
To hit the target
Slipping into the heart
Through some wound-window
Left open since childhood.

While it struck outside,
It burrowed inside,
Made tunnels through
Every ground of confidence.
For days, it would lie still
Until a thought would start it.

Meanwhile, you forgot,
Went on with things
And never even knew
How that perfect
Shape of hurt
Still continued to work.

Now a new kindness
Seems to have entered time
And I can see how that hurt
Has schooled my heart
In a compassion I would
Otherwise have never learned.

Somehow now
I have begun to glimpse
The unexpected fruit
Your dark gift had planted
And I thank you
For your unknown work.

-John O’Donohue
Benedictus

CW - In The Mood For Returning

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday February 18th 2014, we here at CW decided to suspend publishing on this site, and after 2 and a half years, we have decided to make a return.

We know this will cause some concern amongst a few but that is what we are here for - to tell the uncomfortable truth....and our CWI unit will be taking centre stage with quite a few exposés on the way that will certainly promise to b a talking point.

So, keep watching as we swing back into action over the next while and we look forward to having your views and comments come our way.

Kieran McCartan
Editor, Clerical Whispers

Maverick cleric Buckley willl 'keep highlighting Maynooth sex scandal' despite blog ban

Controversial cleric Bishop Pat Buckley has accused the Catholic Church of attempting to censor him after a blog, in which he revealed a gay sex scandal in Maynooth training college, was deleted by Google.

For six weeks the Larne-based bishop has disclosed details of a gay sub-culture in Maynooth with some students having profiles on the gay dating app Grindr, and using the site to solicit sex with priests and laymen.

Bishop Buckley also revealed that a former seminarian was filing a complaint of sexual harassment with gardai against a staff member. He claimed that whistleblowers were dismissed from the seminary after bringing the issue to the authorities.

His blogs, exposing the scandal, were picked up by the mainstream media and led to Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin announcing that he would no longer send student priests to Maynooth.

Archbishop Martin said that the college wasn't "the healthiest place" for his trainees, and he would be sending them to Rome instead.

However, other members of the hierarchy have not supported him.

In a recent blog Bishop Buckley had raised the question of whether some figures in the Church could possibly be compromised through direct involvement in the sex scandal or in the cover-up.

He has since received notification from the Google-owned platform, Blogger, that his blog has been taken offline.

In an email, Blogger stated: "Your blog at http://wisecatholic.blogspot.com has been reviewed and confirmed as in violation of our terms of service for: HATE. In accordance to these terms, we've removed the blog."

Bishop Buckley said: "I was shocked when I received this email.

"In about five years of blogging, I've never before had a problem with Google.

"I don't know how they could accuse me of spreading hate.

"As a gay man who lives with his husband, and as a cleric who has performed blessings for same-sex couples for 30 years, it is crazy to suggest that I hate gay people.

"All I have been doing is trying to tell the truth about Maynooth and shining a light into darkest corners of the Church.

"This is a blatant attempt to censor me."

Google had last night not responded to the Belfast Telegraph's request for comment on the issue.

Bishop Buckley said he believed his blog had "got too hot" for the Catholic Church to handle and it had asked Google to block it.

"Since I started writing about Maynooth, the traffic on my blog had increased dramatically," he said.

"It had gone up from about 1,000 to 15,000 views a day. Seminarians and former seminarians were contacting me constantly with new information. I published all this material and it made certain individuals in the Church very nervous.

"Google's European headquarters are in Dublin so the Church has ample opportunity to make their voice heard against my blog."

Blogger has given Bishop Buckley the opportunity to appeal its decision.

"I will do that, but I have already set up a new blog, Bishoppatbuckleynet.wordpress.com."

He added: "The Catholic Church should know by now that, if they try to get rid of me, I don't just go quietly - I pop up somewhere else.

"I am more determined than ever to keep digging on Maynooth and to keep revealing what they want hidden."

Maynooth has introduced a stricter regime in the wake of the gay sex scandal.

Students are now required to eat dinner in the college rather than being allowed to dine wherever they choose.

They are also required to attend evening rosary at 9pm, which had not been obligatory until now.

A review of "appropriate use of the internet and social media" by students and staff has also been announced.