Appointment of bishop of Achonry, Ireland

The Holy Father has appointed as bishop of Achonry, Ireland, the Reverend Paul Dempsey, of the clergy of the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, currently vicar forane and parish priest of Newbridge.

Reverend Paul Dempsey

The Reverend Paul Dempsey was born in Carlow, in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, on 20 April 1971. He carried out his studies in philosophy and theology first in the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy, of the Spiritan Fathers, and then at Saint Patrick’s College in Carlow, as a seminarian of the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.

He was ordained a priest for the aforementioned diocese on 6 July 1997.

After ordination he served as deputy priest, first in Clane (1997-2004), then in Kildare (2004-2008), and at the same time director of vocational pastoral care and the apostolate of the young. After a sabbatical year, he was again deputy parish priest in Naas, Sallins and Two-Mile House (2009-2014) and then in Newbridge (2009-2014). In 2014 he was appointed as diocesan consultor and vicar forane for the deaconate of Kildare and Leighlin North. In 2015 he became parish priest of Newbridge.