Pope appoints Fr Paul Connell as bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Paul Connell of the diocese of Meath as the new bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. The appointment was announced this morning (Wednesday) by Msgr Julien Kaboré, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland.

Bishop-elect Connell (65) takes up the role after it was left vacant by Archbishop Francis Duffy’s appointment to Tuam archdiocese.

Archbishop Duffy welcomed the appointment, saying Dr Connell’s experiences have “already equipped him for the responsibilities involved in leading a diocese”.

The Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin joined in congratulating Bishop-elect Connell on his new appointment, praising his “outstanding work” in education.

“This has included his guidance to bishops and school communities engaging in discussions on Catholic patronage, specifically regarding the reconfiguration of primary patronage,” Archbishop Martin said.

“I look forward to his continued leadership in this crucial area as a member of the bishops’ conference.”

Bishop-elect Connell’s appointment comes as the bishops’ and the Government are engaged in a pilot scheme exploring local communities’ interest in divestment.

The Meath priest served in the diocese for more than 40 years and has extensive experience in education, having been president of the Secretariat for Secondary Schools (JMB/AMCSS) from 2013 to 2018.

He is currently director of the JMB/AMCSS and of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA), as well as executive secretary of the Irish bishops’ council for education.

Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan also welcomed the news, praising the Bishop-elect’s experience, ability and dedication.

“He will be remembered in this diocese particularly for his time as president of the diocesan college, St Finian’s, in Mullingar,” Bishop Deenihan said.

“His leadership there was visionary and he steered the development of the diocesan boarding school into a vibrant and successful co-educational post-primary school.”

The bishop of Meath described Dr Connell as being “synodal” in his approach to people and situations, an “attribute that will benefit both him and the diocese” in the years ahead.

The administrator of Ardagh and Clonmacnois Fr Tom Healy said he was very pleased Pope Francis has appointed Bishop-elect Connell.

“The appointment of Fr Paul during Holy Week is a particular joy for the people of the diocese,” Fr Healy said.

“As we unite in prayer together on these most sacred days, we ask God’s blessings on Bishop-elect Paul and on his future ministry.”

Bishop-elect Paul Connell, a native of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, was ordained to the priesthood in 1982. He became vice-president of St Finian’s College, Mullingar, in 1989 and became president and principal in 1998.

He remained in the roles until 2019, when he resigned as principal having been appointed as executive secretary of the Irish bishops’ council for education.

In 2020, he was appointed by Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan as chancellor for the diocese.

The diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois is made up of most of Longford and Leitrim and parts of Cavan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.