New bishop studied for priesthood in Kildare
Pope Leo appoints Bishop to two diocesess with nearly 100 parishes across Laois, Kilkenny, Offaly, Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford
Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Gerard Nash to minister simultaneously as Bishop of Ferns and as Bishop of Ossory in a significant shake-up to the traditional ministry at diocesan level in Ireland.
Bishop Nash studied for the priesthood with the Diocese of Killaloe in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in Co Kildare.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement by the Catholic Communications Office in Ireland, which also revealed that the two dioceses would now be united in ‘persona episcopi’, and would be pastorally administered by one bishop, Bishop Nash.
Ordained in 1991, the Clare native was appointed Bishop of Ferns by Pope Francis. Pope Leo appointed him as the Apostolic Administrator of Ossory in January 2026 following the departure of Bishop Niall Coll to Raphoe.
It remains to be seen how the move will be greeted by Catholics in both dioceses, especially in Ossory where there has been discontent over the turnover of Bishops in recent years.
Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595 and comprises of 42 parishes with 35 priests in active ministry. It covers most of Kilkenny, six parishes in Laois and one parish in Offaly. Ferns covers most of Wexford and some of Carlow and part of Wicklow and has 49 parishes. Ferns is one of three suffragan dioceses in the ecclesiastical province of Dublin and is subject to the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Areas in Laois parishes in the Ossory Diocese include: Aghaboe, Clough, Ballacolla, Borris-in-Ossory, Camross, Castletown, Durrow, Rathdowney, Errill and Killasmeestia.
Saying he was deeply honoured to be appointed, Bishop Nash indicated that it has come as a result of consultation.
“From the earliest days of my appointment as Apostolic Administrator, we began a consultation to explore the possibilities for what brings most hope for the future of the church, in both Dioceses.
“This appointment is simply the continuation of a journey as the two Dioceses will work together to create a community where our relationship with God will deepen and provide fertile soil for the preaching of the Gospel. This is an opportunity for us to do great things together,” he said.
Bishop Nash said the amalgamation of Dioceses began in the west of Ireland and will continue in the rest of our country as opportunity allows. He spoke about the issues that may present in overseeing to diocese and a greater role for lay people.
“The challenge of being one Bishop for two Dioceses is a mirror of the experience of many priests in modern Ireland as they take on responsibility for more than one parish. The re-imagining of roles and the re- organisation of familiar tasks is true whether it is for a parish or a Diocese and the ultimate test for all change within the Church is whether it builds up the Kingdom of God.
“ One aspect of all the changes at Parish and Diocesan level within the Irish Church at the moment is the opportunity it offers for real roles of responsibility and authority to be offered to lay people to build up the local Christian Community. In both Ferns and Ossory, there is a history of developing and training lay people over many years but it has achieved new focus and energy with the recruitment and training of Lay Pastoral Workers in both Dioceses. It was a great benefit for us here in Ossory that Bishop Niall had already begun the process of discernment and recruitment for those who will begin their studies in Maynooth in September.
“One of the possible collaborations between both Dioceses will be in the area of vocations to priesthood and religious life. Both Dioceses are working hard at this very important task and already some very good prospects for the Diocesan priesthood are emerging. There are certainly green shoot visible. Our Dioceses will not survive without the Sacraments and to be sustainable we will need to provide our own priests who will work collaboratively with a wide range of trained lay ministers to bring the Gospel to young and old, the sick and the well and to welcome those who are searching for answers.
“In Ireland, we have always seen a strong link between our Faith and our History. To nourish faith then in both Dioceses, it will be important to nurture our original faith roots, which began with Saint Aidan and Saint Kieran, was continued by Saint Canice and Saint Senan, and which today is most visible in the affection and energy that people hold for their own local church, cemetery, holy well or pilgrimage. I am convinced that it is by nurturing the local, that we will build communities of faith.
“I am deeply grateful to the people in the parishes of the Diocese of Ossory for their welcome over the past few months but in particular I want to thank the priests and the Diocesan Staff for their collaboration and their welcome at a personal level. I also thank the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Montemayor who has been generous with his time and his wisdom in my discussions with him.
“There is a scripture quotation which always gives me hope in times of challenge and uncertainty. It is from the prophet Jeremiah when he hears the Lord saying “My plans for you are peace and not disaster” I have reserved for you a future full of hope” I pray that here in Ossory and Ferns we will turn our faces towards the future set aside for us by God and that we will journey forward together in faith. Thank you for listening and please remember me in your prayers,” he said.
Bishop Coll congratulated his predecessor.
“During the past six months, following my transfer to Raphoe, Bishop Ger has served with dedication as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory. In that time, he has gained a deep appreciation of the diocese, its people and its pastoral needs. This experience will serve him well as he now assumes the office of diocesan bishop.
“Bishop Ger brings a wealth of wisdom and pastoral experience, shaped by many years of faithful priestly ministry in his native Diocese of Killaloe and, since his appointment as Bishop of Ferns in 2021, by his episcopal leadership there,” he said.