It remains unclear today how long the Catholic Diocese of Achonry will be without a bishop.
It follows the announcement by the pope this morning that Bishop Brendan Kelly is to be the new bishop of Galway.
There are twenty-three parishes throughout counties Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon in the Achonry Diocese.
Eleven of the parishes are in Sligo.
Achonry diocesan secretary Fr Vincent Sherlock says they are sad to see Bishop Kelly leave:
11am report:
The pope has appointed the Bishop of Achonry, Brendan Kelly, as the new bishop of Galway.
The installation of the new bishop is expected to take place on February 11th.
Bishop Kelly, a native of Ballinakill, Co Galway, was appointed Bishop of Achonry in November 2007.
The Diocese of Achonry includes 23 parishes in Counties Roscommon and Mayo, with 11 parishes in County Sligo.
In Galway, Bishop Kelly will succeed Bishop Martin Drennan, who retired in July 2016.
Achonry diocesan secretary Fr Vincent Sherlock says news of the appointment has come of shock in the diocese, where Bishop Kelly will be sorely missed:
