Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomes the appointment of Father Martin Hayes as the new Bishop of Kilmore

Archbishop Eamon Martin has welcomed yesterday’s appointment by the Holy Father Pope Francis of Father Martin Hayes as the new Bishop of Kilmore.

On Monday, 29 June, Archbishop Martin said, "I warmly welcome the appointment today by Pope Francis of Father Martin Hayes (Cashel & Emly) as Bishop of the Diocese of Kilmore, which is situated in the metropolitan province of Armagh.  I offer my sincere congratulations and prayerful support to Bishop-elect Hayes on what is a joyous day for him, his family, friends and for the faithful of the 35 parishes of Kilmore.
 
Father Martin’s considerable pastoral experience and interest in youth, vocation, marriage and family issues will be of great benefit not only to his leadership and pastoral care in the Diocese of Kilmore, but will also bring fresh ideas and insights to our discussions at the Bishops’ Conference.   I look forward to working alongside Bishop-elect Hayes in the Irish Bishops’ Conference and I pray that his new patrons, Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, will guide him in his ministry.”
 
Archbishop Martin continued, "On this day I also wish to express my deep gratitude to Monsignor Liam Kelly who has been very generous in leading the Diocese of Kilmore since the retirement of Bishop Leo O’Reilly.  Monsignor Liam has faithfully attended the plenary meetings of the Bishops’ Conference in Maynooth and offered valuable perspectives in our deliberations. I thank him for his willingness to take on the extra burden of diocesan leadership for almost two years in addition to his parish ministry.  I wish him every blessing for the future.”