A priest from Lisnaskea has been named the new Prior of Lough Derg.

Monsignor Joseph McGuinness will take up the role in the coming weeks, succeeding Monsignor La Flynn, who has led the pilgrimage site in County Donegal since October 2017.

The appointment was announced by Bishop Larry Duffy of Clogher as part of his annual diocesan assignments. Monsignor McGuinness is returning to the diocese after serving as Executive Secretary of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Monsignor McGuinness said he was honoured by the appointment. He has a long connection with Lough Derg, having worked on Station Island as a student and ministered there for many years as a priest. He described the island as a place of spiritual refreshment and hope, and a haven of peace and tranquillity.

As Prior, he will oversee the spiritual and pastoral life of the sanctuary, welcoming pilgrims for the three-day pilgrimage, one-day retreats and other prayer programmes.

Bishop Duffy paid tribute to Monsignor Flynn for his nine years of service, saying he had brought great vision to the role of Prior. He also noted Monsignor McGuinness’s longstanding involvement with Lough Derg and his work documenting its history.

Monsignor Flynn said Lough Derg had been a feature of almost all his 50 years of priesthood, apart from four years on mission in Kenya. He said his time as Prior had brought him many blessings and highlighted the introduction of additional programmes aimed at making the island more accessible to younger pilgrims.

The Lough Derg community, staff and volunteers expressed their appreciation to Monsignor Flynn for his leadership and welcomed Monsignor McGuinness to his new role.