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

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

Following the announcement, he spoke of being “hugely sad” to be leaving the Ossory Diocese, while also “humbled” 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.

Addressing the packed pews, he paid tribute to his parents, both formative influences in his life and priesthood.

His father sadly passed away two years ago, but his mother was present at the special ceremony. She beamed with pride as she watched her son announced as Bishop on the altar of St Eunan’s Cathedral, where he was ordained almost 40 years ago.

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

Bishop Coll pictured with family and friends.

He spoke warmly about his pride and gratitude in returning to his roots, and it was clear from the crowd – filled with family, friends, neighbours and pupils from local schools – that the people of the diocese shared that feeling.

“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.

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

Bishop Coll also served as 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 of the people of Ossory, describing them as “very welcoming” and “kind”, and reflected on 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.

Despite the sadness of departing, Bishop Coll said he is deeply grateful to be back among his own community. He described being greeted by dozens of priests on his return to Donegal on Thursday morning and said that knowing each of them personally will be 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.