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Bishop Denis welcomes the appointment of Fr Paul Dempsey as Bishop of Achonry

Bishop Denis Nulty welcomes the appointment of Father Paul Dempsey as Bishop of Achonry

I warmly welcome the announcement today that Pope Francis has appointed  Father Paul Dempsey, Parish Priest of Newbridge and Vicar Forane of Kildare & Leighlin North Deanery, as Bishop of Achonry.

Father Paul was born in Carlow, moving at the age of eight to Athy. He studied Philosophy in Milltown Institute before entering St. Patrick’s College, Carlow to study for Kildare & Leighlin diocese. He is the first native of Carlow town appointed a Bishop in Ireland in 130 years.

Since his ordination as a priest in 1997, Father Paul has served the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin with great distinction and dedication, while always demonstrating an immense capacity for work. His appointments have always been in the more populated Kildare end of the diocese – Clane, Kildare, Naas, Sallins, Two-Mile-House and more recently Newbridge, where he has been Parish Priest since 2015.

In addition to his parish appointments, Father Paul has in the past held responsibility in the areas of youth ministry and vocations. He is a great collaborator with priests and people. Working in one of the largest parishes in our diocese, his many initiatives empowered lay people and encouraged young people. His work expanding the Newbridge Share Food project and reaching out to those living in Direct Provision in the parish has been outstanding.

Father Paul’s going from Kildare & Leighlin leaves a deep void since his contribution to the diocese has been immense. We will certainly miss him but we are also very proud of his achievement and appointment this day. Today is a great day for Kildare & Leighlin, to see one of our own, with his gifts and potential, recognised by Pope Francis.

On a personal level Father Paul has been a tremendous support to me. I appointed him Vicar Forane and Diocesan Consultor in 2014 and in those roles he brought great clarity of thought and fresh perspectives. I have every confidence that he will fulfil his new ministry as chief shepherd of Achonry with the same dedication and commitment that has characterised the years of his priestly life. Father Paul can be assured of the prayers, good wishes and support of the entire Kildare & Leighlin family.