Congratulations and blessings from all in Killaloe to Bishop Ger, a former priest of the diocese who was recently appointed Apostolic Administrator in Ossory Diocese. Every good wish to Bishop Ger in his new role.
The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory with effect from 3.00pm today, Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Bishop Nash will continue to serve as Bishop of Ferns and his appointment will coincide with the installation cermony at 3.00pm, of Bishop Niall Coll, the former Bishop of Ossory and new Bishop of Raphoe, which will take place during the celebration of Mass in Saint Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, in Co Donegal.
Following his appointment Bishop Nash said, “I have been informed by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Montemayor, that Pope Leo IV has appointed me as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory to take effect when Bishop Niall Coll is installed today as Bishop of Raphoe. This new role will be in addition to my current position as Bishop of Ferns.
“I thank Pope Leo for the trust and faith that he has placed in me with this appointment, and I resolve to carry out my pastoral and administrative duties in both dioceses to the best of my ability.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the priests, Religious, diocesan staff and the people of the Diocese of Ossory. I know that there has been much change in the diocese over a short number of years but I am confident that we can all work well together to build on the proud traditions of the Diocese of Ossory. The diocese is blessed to have many talented priests and people who carry out great work each day, often unheralded, and I hope to be able to assist them in every way I can.
“I am very conscious that this appointment also affects the Diocese of Ferns. I thoroughly enjoy my work and role as Bishop of Ferns and will continue to do so. I consider it a great privilege to be part of Ferns diocese and have always felt a warm and genuine welcome. However, with this extra responsibility, I will not have the same time to devote to every aspect of my life and work in Ferns. I am very confident, though, that we have good strong systems in place in Ferns, a wonderful body of clergy, hardworking diocesan staff and no shortage of people willing to step up to the mark when called upon.
“I wish to thank Archbishop Montemayor for his courtesy in relaying this news to me and I know that I can count on his ongoing support. I take this opportunity to wish Bishop Niall every blessing and happiness in his new role as Bishop of Raphoe. He has been a kind and helpful neighbour during his time in Ossory and I know that he will derive much joy and fulfilment in his new pastoral role.
“May we all continue to pray for each other and our dioceses, that God will continue bless us with the abilities to spread His Word, to proclaim His Kingdom and to live in His peace,” Bishop Nash concluded.
Bishop Coll, who had served as Bishop of Ossory since his appointment by Pope Francis on 28 October 2022, said, “I wish to offer Bishop Ger my warm congratulations and best wishes as he undertakes his additional responsibility as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory. I am greatly heartened by this news and am confident that Bishop Ger will bring a wealth of pastoral, personal and episcopal experience to the diocese.
“On a personal note, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to you, clergy and Religious, for your faithful service – most of you over several decades – to the People of God in Ossory. I also wish to thank you, the lay faithful, who contribute so generously and in so many different ways to the life of faith in the parishes and pastoral areas, and who voluntarily serve on various diocesan committees and pastoral outreaches.
“May you continue to be witnesses to the blessings of Christ Jesus our hope, enriching your communities of faith for many years to come. A Mhuire, a Mhathair na hEaglaise, guigh orainne. Peace and joy in Our Risen Lord,” Bishop Coll concluded.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
- Bishop Gerard Nash was born on 27 February 1959 at Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co Clare. After completing his Leaving Certificate, he studied business and then worked in manufacturing industry for a number of years, subsequently choosing to study for the priesthood with the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. On 15 June 1991 Bishop Nash was ordained a priest, by Bishop Michael Harty, in Drumcharley Church, Tulla. On 11 June 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ferns.
- The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595. The diocese comprises 42 parishes, 35 priests in active ministry, and covers the areas of most of County Kilkenny, six parishes in County Laois, and one parish in County Offaly.
An Apostolic Administrator is appointed to temporarily govern a diocese when warranted by special circumstances. The Apostolic Administrator governs in the name of the Holy Father.