News

End of an era as Clonard gets a new leader

ONE of Belfast's most cherished institutions is to have a new leader.

After seven years as rector of Clonard Monastery, Fr Michael Murtagh is to leave to take up a new position in Dublin next year.

He will be succeeded by Fr Noel Kehoe from Newry, who is currently co-ordinator of the Redemptorist community in Scala in Cork, home to the order's youth ministry.

Clonard Monastery said: "Fr Michael will be taking a sabbatical before taking up a new appointment in Dublin next January."

It added: "Let us all pray for these two men and all Redemptorists taking up new appointments."

Fr Murtagh, from Newtowncashel, Co Longford, has overseen massive change at Clonard, off the Falls Road in west Belfast, since his appointment as rector in 2008.

The most visible was a four-year, multi-million pound refurbishment of the century-old church.

The refurbishment, which was completed in 2012, saw it restored to its original grandeur.

Fr Murtagh has also been at the helm during the annual Clonard Novena, which attracts around 15,000 people each day over 10 days of Masses.

Since news of his departure was revealed, parishioners have been expressing their gratitude to him.

One woman said: "End of an era!.....good luck Fr Michael, you'll be missed", while another added: "Gonna miss you Fr. Michael! Good luck and welcome to Fr Noel".