News - Athlone franciscans

The long term future of the church has yet to be decided.

Patsy McGarry. Roscommon native and Religious Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times, says the withdrawal is a sign of things to come in the religious sector in Ireland.

A statement issued from the Franciscan Minister Provincial Fr Aidan McGrath said the decision had been difficult, but had to be made in response to their ageing and reducing membership.