POPE Francis has appointed Monsignor Dermot Farrell as the new Bishop of Ossory.
Bishop-elect Farrell, who hails from Co Westmeath, will replace Bishop Seamus Freeman in the diocese which covers Co Kilkenny and parts of counties Laois and Offaly.
A former president of St Patrick's College in Maynooth, he has served as parish priest of Dunboyne and Kilbride in Co Meath since 2007.
Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin last night said he "warmly welcomed" the appointment.
"Today marks a significant new step in his vocational journey and he will be encouraged by the prayerful support of his family, friends and faithful, especially in the diocese of Ossory and in his home diocese of Meath," he said.
