Local parishioners claim they weren't informed of an important meeting to discuss the amalgamation of two dioceses. It was the fourth such meeting to discuss the merging of the Achonry and Elphin Dioceses chaired by Bishop Kevin Doran. Around 100 people gathered in the Athlone Springs Hotel in Monksland last night to share their views. However, some parishioners from the area say they had no notice of the meeting. Adeline Mee from the Drum/Clonown area said there was no mention of it in the parish newsletter:
Drum/Clonown was recently at the centre of a row with the Bishop over the controversial decision to remove popular priest Fr Michael Hickey from the parish. At last night's meeting, Bishop Doran compared the Church in rural areas to GAA clubs who are struggling to field teams. Adeline said parishioners were once again questioning the decision to send Fr Michael back to his order in Dublin when the Church is suffering from a priest shortage.
