Fr Ger Nash appointed new bishop of Ferns diocese

Pope Francis has appointed Co. Clare priest Fr Ger Nash (62) as the new bishop of the Diocese of Ferns, taking the reins from Bishop Denis Brennan.

After this morning’s announcement, Bishop-elect Nash said he looked forward to walking with the people and parish communities throughout the diocese of Ferns “as we respond to that call to synodality”, in the Cathedral of Saint Aidan, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

Speaking of the upcoming national synod in Ireland, he said: “I have a sense that we are at a turning point in our Church story in Ireland, and it is exciting to be asked to take a leadership role at such a time.”

Bishop Brennan welcomed the incoming bishop, saying his ministry begins in Ferns “at a time which poses many choices and challenges for the Church but at a time which is also blessed by possibility”.

He continued: “His ministry as a priest in the Diocese of Killaloe, especially his work in the area of pastoral development and renewal will have prepared him for the task ahead.

“I wish him every blessing and happiness in his new role as Bishop of Ferns.”

Archbishop Eamon Martin also congratulated Bishop-elect Nash and said: “I am sure that Bishop-elect Nash’s gifts and experience in pastoral planning, Catholic education and youth ministry, as well as his insights into diocesan planning and administration, will greatly serve his new ministry and enhance our discussions at the table of the Irish Bishop’s Conference.”

Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe diocese said he is “deeply indebted” to Bishop-elect Nash for his work in the diocese.

“His tremendous work, support, energy, vision, practical, down-to-earth approach and untiring dedication as both diocesan secretary and director of pastoral planning has been immense,” Bishop Monahan said.

“He will bring with him a rich wealth of wisdom, diligence, work ethic, patience, strong faith, pastoral experience and capacity for relating and empathising with so many people. Killaloe’s loss with be a huge gain for the faithful of Ferns.”

Bishop-elect Nash was born in Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co Clare. After school he studied business and then worked in the manufacturing industry for a number of years. After choosing to study for the Diocese of Killaloe in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he was ordained on June 15, 1991 in Drumcharley Church, Tulla by Bishop Michael Harty.

Following his ordination, he was appointed as chaplain/teacher in Roscrea Vocational School and as priest responsible for Roscrea Youth Centre. In 1996 he was appointed as General Manager of Clarecare, which provides a range of social services to the people of Co. Clare.

From 1996 he was also assistant priest in Corofin. Six years later he was appointed as resident priest in Corofin and part of the first grouping of parishes in the Diocese of Killaloe. The newly created area was called Imeall Boirne.

In 2007 he moved to Crusheen, also within the Imeall Boirne Pastoral Area. Fr Nash was appointed Diocesan Secretary in 2010, while continuing to minister in Imeall Boirne. In 2016 he was appointed Director of Pastoral Development for the Diocese of Killaloe.