Fr Tom Healy is new Diocesan Administrator for Ardagh and Clonmacnois

The new Diocesan Administrator of Ardagh and Clonmacnois says the ageing priest population will be one of his main challenges in his new role.

Fr Tom Healy was speaking on the Let's Talk show today after the announcement of his appointment.

Fr Healy, who was born in Rooskey, has already been based in Longford for several years, and has served as Secretary of the Diocese, and as Administrator at St Mel's Cathedral where he oversaw the rebuilding project following the 2009 fire.

He's been serving as Parish Priest of Edgeworthstown for the past four years and will be continuing in that role, in addition to his new duties.

The Rooskey native says that one of the major challenges facing the church is the low number of priests.