Bishop delegates Confirmations due to injury

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.

Dr Bill Murphy will attend a specialist in the coming days to determine the full extent of a lower back problem that has significantly hindered his mobility as it is aggravated by standing and walking.

Parishioners have been told the bishop will not be able to preside at every ceremony. In his absence, children will be confirmed by 12 vicars forane, whose role it is to spearhead countywide pastoral areas.