Former radio journalist assumes new role

A FORMER priest of the Archdiocese of Tuam, now working as a freelance journalist, has taken over an important administrative role in the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP).

Liamy McNally, a native of Westport, took on the role as administrative secretary of the ACP from September 1.

At present, the association has over 1,100 members, which comprises over 30 per cent of all Irish priests.

One of the ACP leadership team, Fr. Brendan Hoban, parish priest of Moygownagh, Ballina, says he regards the appointment of an administrative secretary as ‘an important step in providing an effective and permanent infrastructure of representation for Irish priests’.

He added: “In (the) six years since our foundation, we have established a strong presence among Irish priests and in the public forum.

“At this critical time for the Catholic Church in Ireland, it’s absolutely imperative that the opinions of priests be heard and we see this appointment as helping to bring the organisation and the structures of the ACP to a new level.

“We’re delighted that Liamy has agreed to be part of our team.”

Liamy McNally, now married to Ger, was ordained for the Tuam Archdiocese. He is no longer in active ministry.

In his role as a senior news reporter with Midwest Radio he won several national radio documentary awards. He is no longer involved with the station.

Mr. McNally has contributed widely to national newspapers and radio stations. He also provides publication services for authors and has published 16 books under the CPR imprint.

He is a strong advocate for the ordination to the priesthood of married men.

Addressing last year's annual general meeting of the ACP as a guest speaker, Mr. McNally instanced a neighbouring parish where six ‘former’ priests (now married) lived and where the only one allowed to minister was the local Anglican rector.

The presence of hundreds of ‘former’ priests in Irish parishes is a ready-made part-solution to the present scarcity of priests, he argued.

He pointed out how rural Ireland was being neglected by both the State and the Catholic Church.

Continuing, Mr. McNally referred to the fact that of late the State has removed garda barracks and post offices from the rural landscape.

Now the Church is abandoning rural churches because of the lack of priests. He feels that married priests would bring particular and special gifts to the Christian community.