A TULLA priest is “privileged” and “humbled” to become the new Bishop-elect of Ferns to replace Bishop Brennan following his retirement.
In bis first address as Bishop of Ferns, Ger Nash said he is privileged to be be chosen by Pope Francis to lead this historic Diocese.
The former Killaloe Diocese part-time secretary thanked His Excellency, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, for leading the celebration of the Eucharist, as well as his kind support and detailed preparations for this announcement.
In 2010, Fr Nash moved to Crusheen and six years later, took on the role of pastoral development director.
His links to Ferns Diocese is principally through the Ferns students who were classmates in Maynooth.
Father John Carroll, Diocesan Secretary, has been a source of both welcome and help over the past week to Bishop Nash and whose deep knowledge of the Diocese he know he will draw on frequently during the coming years.
He also mentioned with great affection, the late Fintan Morris who was a great friend in Maynooth and afterwards and who would no doubt have a raised eyebrow at his elevation.
“It is with a great sense of unworthiness that I accept the gracious invitation of Pope Francis to the ministry of Bishop here in the historic Diocese of Ferns.”
His faith story began in the parish of Tulla in East Clare. The eldest of a family of four, he grew up with three sisters, who were blessed to have Tommy and Mary Nash as their parents.
His parents passed away in the early years of this century as did his sister, Bernie. His other sisters, Teresa and Margaret and his brother-in-law, Jim were present in the cathedral.
He also acknowledged his late aunt, Rita, who was a significant figure in their lives.
After attending primary and secondary school in Tulla, he worked in industry after studying business for a few years.
He went to Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth, to study for the priesthood for the Killaloe Diocese and was ordained on 15 June 15, 1991.
Dan Danaher
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.