Highly regarded Longford priest to retire as Bishop announces wide ranging Diocesan changes

Dromard parish priest Fr Pat Lennon, who celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordination in June 2023, is to retire in August and Mount Temple native Fr PJ Hughes, who is currently parish priest in Mullahoran and Loughduff, will replace Fr Lennon as PP in Dromard.

It is one of a host of Diocesan changes announced by the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Paul Connell. 

Ordained on June 6, 1973 in Ballinamuck Church, Fr Pat Lennon was a curate based in Kiltoghert parish until 1978, after which he served on the diocesan mission in Chipata, Zambia, until 1985.

When he returned to the local diocese he was a curate in St Mary's Parish, Athlone, and became its administrator in 1991.

PICTURES | Longford audience treated to top class performances at gala concert in Abbeyshrule

Six years later, he was appointed as parish priest of Ballinahown, before going on to spend a second spell abroad on the missions, this time in Zimbabwe, until 2005. He has since been based in county Longford where he was initially administrator in Ardagh, becoming parish priest in 2011. In September 2018 he was appointed  as parish priest in Dromard.

Also retiring is Fr Cathal Faughnan PP Kilronan, (Keadue, Arigna & Ballyfarnon) and he is being replaced by Fr Tom Cox, the former administrator of Clonmacnois. 

Fr Michael Bannon, parish priest of Lough Gowna & Mullinalaghta is remaining as PP but he is retiring as Diocesan Chancellor. Fr Tom Healy PP Edgeworthstown & Diocesan Secretary will take over as Chancellor of the Diocese.

PICTURES | All the fun of the fair in Longford as Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day returns in style

Fr Michael McGrath CC Longford has also been appointed as Vicar for Marriages. 

Fr Charlie Healy, who has been serving as parish priest in Carrickedmond and Abbeyshrule, is returning to St Mary’s Parish, Athlone as a curate.

Fr Liam Murray, parish priest in Ballymahon, will be taking on additional responsibility as the administrator of the parish of Carrickedmond and Abbeyshrule.

Also taking on additional responsibilities are Fr Vincent Connaughton, PP Ardagh and Moydow has also been appointed administrator in Legan, with Fr Simon Cadam, PP Granard, also becoming administrator for Abbeylara. 

Fr Joe McGrath, who is currently based in Mount Temple, will be moving to Mullahoran as parish administrator.

BIG PICTURE SPECIAL | Saying goodbye to the Longford sixth class pupils of 2024

The changes will take effect from August 24 next.

Bishop Connell expressed his sincere gratitude to the priests of the diocese who have so generously agreed to take on extra responsibilities.

He continued, "As a diocese we continue to prepare for the future and as part of that process I am issuing a pastoral letter to the diocese this coming weekend.”

PICTURES | Plenty of activities as Longford folk enjoy second Lisryan Family Fun weekend