Statement by Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe on the appointment of Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ossory

Statement by Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe on the appointment of Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ossory
On behalf of the people of the Diocese of Killaloe, I extend warm congratulations to Bishop Ger Nash on his appointment as Bishop of Ossory as complementing his work as Bishop of Ferns.  Bishop Ger has a wonderful capacity for getting to know people and has a great understanding the importance of friendship.  He is a man of great faith, prayerfulness and spirituality. He brings great pastoral zeal and sensitivity along with a grounded business sense and synodal approach to his important role.  Bishop Ger also has a great love and appreciation of the sporting tradition of the area no doubt this will be a great link for him in getting to know so many in the diocese.  On this feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus, may their prayers along with those of Saints Canice, Aidan, Flannan and Senan, be with Bishop Ger in his new and challenging dual role.

ENDS

Notes for Editors
  • Bishop Fintan Monahan is Bishop of Killaloe.
  • On 25 January 2026 Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory.  An Apostolic Administrator is appointed to temporarily govern a diocese when warranted by special circumstances.  An Apostolic Administrator governs in the name of the Holy Father.
  • 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.
  • To read Bishop Nash’s statement on his appointment, please click HERE