More than half of priests in the Diocese of Clogher are aged over 70, according to statistics released by the diocese. The figures show 53 per cent of clergy are in that age bracket. Some are fully retired while others continue to serve part-time.

Bishop Larry Duffy said the annual process of making appointments and transfers had become more difficult with each passing year. He described providing a priest for each parish as very challenging and said different options are needed for the short and medium term.

The diocese covers parish areas in counties Fermanagh, Tyrone, Monaghan, Donegal, Cavan and parts of Louth. Among priests aged under 65, there are 21, accounting for 34 per cent of clergy. Only nine priests, or 15 per cent, are under 60. Bishop Duffy thanked priests who have taken on extra duties.

The changes, effective from September 1, include several retirements. Fr Tiernach Beggan, parish priest of Belleek-Garrison, Fr Brendan Gallagher of Fivemiletown-Brookeboro, and Fr Jim Moore of Clones and Killeevan-Currin-Aghabog will retire. Fr Kevin Malcolmson will take a one-year sabbatical from his role in Newtownbutler and Lisnaskea-Maguiresbridge, and Fr Jerry White SScc will retire from parish ministry from January.

Very Rev Cathal Deery, parish priest of Derrygonnelly, will also take on responsibility for the Belleek-Garrison parish. The diocese is increasingly relying on international priests. Fr Bartholomew Uzoma from Nigeria will become priest-in-residence in Enniskillen, Fr Polycarp Okolie from Nigeria will serve in Newtownbutler and Lisnaskea-Maguiresbridge, and Fr Vitus Adiita from Ghana will minister in Fivemiletown-Brookeboro.

Bishop Duffy said he remains in contact with other international priests. He pointed to signs of hope, including the recent ordination of Fr Stephen Sherry and a growing number of men interested in the priesthood. He praised permanent deacons, lay ministers and parish pastoral councils, and asked parishioners to continue praying for vocations.