A priest that served in the Diocese of Meath has been appointed as the new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise.
Fr Paul Connell is a former president of Saint Finian's College in Mullingar.
Bishop-elect Connell was ordained to the priesthood in 1982 and he was also awarded a doctorate in history by Maynooth University in 2002.
Fr. Tom Healy took over the day to day duties of the diocese in January last year when former bishop Francis Duffy who was originally from Cavan was installed as the Archbishop of Tuam.
The priest that served in County Meath said we live in interesting times, facing many challenges. Our society is in danger of losing the sense of the sacred, above all the truth that we come from God and will someday return to God.
Fr Paul Connell said he was very grateful to Archbishop Francis Duffy and Bishop Colm O'Reilly for their presence at a special mass this morning in St Mel's Cathedral in Longford, the bishop-elect said he hoped and trusted that he can adequately follow in their footsteps, as I know that their service to this diocese is remembered here with great fondness and gratitude.
Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland wished to congratulate and offer his good wishes to Bishop-elect Paul Connell on his appointment today, by Pope Francis, as the new Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise.
