Pope appoints Bishop O’Reilly new Archbishop of Cashel

Bishop Kieran O’Reilly is looking forward to dealing with new challenges following his appointment as Archbishop of Cashel and Emly.

The former Bishop of Killaloe was promoted to Archbishop of Cashel and Emly-Elect by Pope Francis on Saturday in succession to Archbishop Dermot Clifford, who submitted his resignation on completion of his 75th year of age.

Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly will remain on as Killaloe Diocese administrator until he is installed as archbishop in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles early in 2015.

While no definite date has been confirmed concerning his installation as archbishop, it is expected he will be installed on February 8 next.
“A new appointment brings with it new challenges but with the support of all those who will collaborate with me in my ministry in Cashel and Emly I know that we will rise to meet those challenges.
”My first task will be to come to know the Archdiocese, its people, its religious and its priests. It will be my privilege to share in their lives of faith and to listen to their concerns so that together we might grow in faith, in hope and in love,” he said.
Former Archbishop, Dermot Clifford will act as administrator of the Diocese of Cashel and Emly until Archbishop Kieran officially takes up his new ministry.
Before Archbishop Kieran moves to Thurles, it is anticipated that Pope Francis will appoint an administrator to run the Killaloe Diocese before a new Bishop of Killaloe is appointed and subsequently installed.
Archbishop Kieran was appointed Bishop of Killaloe in May 2010 in succession to Bishop Willie Walsh and was ordained in Ennis Cathedral on August 29, 2010.
Commenting on his appointment, Bishop O’Reilly said that he is accepting this appointment and is looking forward to serving all of the people in his new diocese.
“I look forward to getting to know all those with whom I will be working so that we can strive together to build up a faith community that lives the joy of the Gospel
“One of the consequences of my acceptance of this appointment is that I must now leave the Diocese of Killaloe where I have served as Bishop for over four years. In that time I have been privileged to work and serve with a deeply committed group of priests and people,” he recalled.
“I have encountered so many people with a great love for Jesus Christ and commitment for the life of the Church. I will always treasure the personal friendships I have made and give thanks to God for the support I have received here in the Diocese of Killaloe.
“I pledge to keep all of you in my prayers and gently request that you might do the same for me as I take up this new appointment,” he said.
Expressing his appreciation for the warm welcome he has received from Archbishop Clifford, he thanked him for almost 30 years of devoted service to this faith community and extended God’s blessing on him for a long and happy retirement.

Dan Danaher