The parish priest of Moycullen Canon Michael McLoughlin is to take over as Administrator of the Galway Diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

This follows the retirement of Bishop Martin Drennan on health grounds.

At a meeting of the Diocesan College of Consulters yesterday, Canon McLoughlin – a native of Galway City – was appointed administrator of the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora and will take up his new responsibility immediately – pending the appointment by Pope Francis of a new bishop for the diocese.