Gathering in Shannonbridge to mark departure of Fr Tom Cox

A gathering will take place in Shannonbridge Community Centre on August 17 to mark the departure of Fr Tom Cox after 15 years of ministry in West Offaly.

In the recent Ardagh and Clonmacnois diocesan appointments it was announced that Fr Tom would be leaving his current role as parish administrator for Clonmacnois, Shannonbridge and Clonfanlough, as he was being transferred to North Roscommon. He had previously served in Ferbane.

Writing in the parish bulletin recently, Fr Tom stated: “On September 1, 2016, I began a five-year appointment as Administrator of this parish. Due to Covid, and a change of Bishop, those five years became eight, happily!

"However, Bishop Paul Connell wishes me to take on a role as parish priest of Kilronan Parish, beginning August 24. It's in North Roscommon, right on the Leitrim border, adjoining Drumshanbo.

"My Clonmacnois predecessor Fr Sam Holmes was there in 2008, and my Ferbane parish predecessor, Fr Sean Tynan, also.

"It will be very new to me, after 15 years in West Offaly. I don't know anyone there. I thank you for your patience, courtesy and immense help and ask that you simply pray for me," stated Fr Tom.

"I have known Fr Alanga, who comes here in my place, since 2006, and he is my friend. A very good, humble man. He is on a break for a year from Pankshin, Northern Nigeria.

"We are so lucky to have him in this parish as a glance at the Diocesan appointments shows that a further three parishes are without a resident priest, making it six out of 41 in that situation, with a further five served by men over 75 years of age."

Fr Tom Cox will celebrate his last weekend Vigil Mass on Saturday, August 17, at 7pm in Shannonbridge Church, and there will be a cup of tea and refreshments in the Shannonbridge Community Centre afterwards. All are very welcome.