The Bishop of Achonry has described his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin as 'bittersweet'. Bishop Paul Dempsey's appointment will see two local dioceses merge in a major re-organisation of the Catholic church in the west of Ireland. In a statement today, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland said in time one Bishop will govern both the dioceses of Elphin and Achonry. Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor said as the process evolves further the six Tuam Dioceses will eventually become three. Speaking to Let's Talk earlier today, Bishop Paul Dempsey said it was time for a new chapter:
Meanwhile, Former TD and Senator John O'Mahony, who lives in Ballaghaderreen, says losing Bishop Dempsey is a blow to the area. But he says the changes in the Achonry and Elphin dioceses reflect the Church's troubles.
