Ballymote native is elected new administrator of Achonry Diocese

Ballymote native, Father Dermot Meehan, Parish Priest of Swinford, Co Mayo, has been elected Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Achonry.

This follows the installation of Bishop Brendan Kelly as the new Bishop of Galway, Kilfenora and Kilmacduagh last Sunday.

In his new role Father Meehan assumes responsibility for the day-to-day running of the diocese and will represent the diocese at the quarterly plenary meetings of the Irish Episcopal Conference (Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference) in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

Father Meehan will continue in his ministry as Parish Priest of Swinford and asks the people of the parish and diocese for their prayerful support as he assumes this additional role.

Father Meehan will work with the priests and people of the diocese to ensure the continuation of all diocesan ministries and initiatives.

Father Dermot Meehan was born in Bal- lymote, Co Sligo. He was ordained a priest in 1985.

Father Meehan has served on teaching staff of Scoil Muire agus Padraig, Swinford, and in the parishes of Killasser, Ballaghaderreen and Swinford.

He also served on the formation team at the national seminary in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

The Diocese of Achonry includes parts of counties Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo.

The Patron Saint of the diocese is Saint Nathy. The diocese has a Catholic population of 34,826 and consists of 23 parishes and 48 churches.

There are 30 diocesan priests in active ministry in the diocese and 8 others who are currently working in other dioceses, retired, on study or on sick leave.