Departure of Bishop of Killala ‘an end of an era’ in North Mayo

THE departure of Bishop John Fleming from the diocese of Killala has been described as ‘the end of an era’ for North Mayo.

Councillors from the Ballina Municipal District paid tribute to Bishop Fleming’s 22 years of service to the diocese and at their monthly meeting, where they voted hold a ceremony in his honour.

Bishop Fleming’s retirement will result in Archbishop Francis Duffy becoming Apostolic Administrator of Killala diocese while remaining Archbishop of Tuam.

Local councillors expressed dismay that their area will be left without its own bishop in what marks one of the most fundamental changes in the history of the Catholic church in Mayo.

Cllr Michael Loftus described the departure of Bishop Fleming as ‘a very sad day’ while Cllr Mark Duffy described it as ‘the end of an era’.

Cllr Jarlath Munnelly agreed that councillors should make a gesture to thank Bishop Fleming for is service.

“Not only is he retiring as bishop, he is the last bishop of Ballina,” said Cllr Munnelly.

“It is a loss to us in north Mayo, we’ve lost of our identity with the loss of our bishop,” added the Fine Gael councillor noted that the first Bishop of Kilalla, St Muredach, was appointed by St Patrick in approximately 442 or 443.

Carmel Murphy, administrator of Ballina Municipal District, said council staff will look to arrange an event for Bishop Fleming in the coming weeks.

First appointed to Killala in 2002, the 75-year-old is due to retire to his native Limerick.