New Bishop of Raphoe ‘delighted’ to be returning to his native diocese

This morning St Johnston native Niall Coll was appointed Bishop of Raphoe, returning from the Diocese of Ossory where he served as Bishop since 2023.

Following the announcement of his appointment he spoke of being “hugely sad” to be leaving the Ossory Diocese, but he was also delighted to be returning home as Bishop of Raphoe, his native diocese.

“I am delighted to be coming home to my friends and my family and to be nearer to my mother.

“This is the diocese where I was born and where I was brought up.”

Bishop Coll, the eldest of four children, was born in St Johnston to Willie and Kathleen Coll.

In 1989, having completed his studies, Bishop Coll was appointed as chaplain and teacher at St Eunan’s College.

He spoked warmly about his pride and gratitude in returning to his roots.

“It was great to see students from St Eunan’s College, where I myself was a student and my first appointment after ordination was in this very cathedral 37 years ago.”

“So my deepest feeling at the moment is the gratitude that I’m coming home and that I am with my own people.”

He also served as both chaplain in Pobalscoil Na Rossan and curate in the parish of Dungloe.

During his ministry he has spent much time in his native Donegal having also served as parish priest of both Drumholm and Tawnawilly.

In 2023 Bishop Coll was ordained Bishop of Ossory.

He spoke about the people of Ossory who he described as “very welcoming” and “kind” and the bittersweet feeling of having to uproot so soon.

“I thank them from the very bottom of my heart for their kindness and their faith and their support.”

“I wish whoever succeeds me every blessing,” he added.

However, Bishop Coll is extremely grateful to be back home among his own people.

He spoke of being greeted by the dozens of priests on his return to Donegal this morning, and how knowing every one of them offers him a great advantage in his ministry.

“The many people who greeted me at the door know me or they know some of my family and that was encouraging,” he said.

Archbishop Eamon Martin joined well-wishers on the appointment of Bishop Niall Coll as Bishop of Raphoe.

“Bishop Niall has been a much loved pastor and shepherd in the Diocese of Ossory, and no doubt his appointment back to Donegal will come as a disappointment to the priests and people of Kilkenny and Laois, where he was ordained as Bishop of Ossory in January 2023.”

He praised his pastoral leadership which he said has been evident in his work with other churches, his public interventions on Church/State history and relations, and his all-island perspectives on effectively serving the common good.

Archbishop Martin also extend his gratitude to Monsignor Kevin Gillespie who steps down today from the role of Diocesan Administrator of Raphoe, having been elected to serve by the diocesan clergy in March 2024.

“As Diocesan Administrator, Monsignor Kevin’s participation at meetings of the Bishops’Conference in Maynooth has always been insightful and helpful to its work.

“I offer my prayerful good wishes to Monsignor Kevin for his future ministry, and look forward to our continued friendship.”