A new bishop has been appointed to the diocese of Cloyne in Co Cork for the first time in two years following a scandal over the handling of abuse allegations.

The Bishop of Kerry has indicated he will not be in a position to preside at all Confirmation ceremonies in the sprawling diocese this year due to a painful and debilitating back injury.

THE Bishop of Kerry Dr Bill Murphy has announced plans for neighbouring parishes to pool their resources, forming pastoral clusters to be co-ordinated by a priest with the title, vicar forane.