Surprise at new bishop’s Kerry-Cork switch

It came as no great shock to the vast majority of parishioners in the Co Kerry parish of Cahirciveen that Canon William Crean was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for elevation to the position of bishop.

What has caused some surprise, however, is that the popular parish priest is to cross the county bounds to take up duties in Cloyne, rather than filling the vacancy that currently exists in the Diocese of Kerry.

Speculation was rife that Canon Crean, 61, would be assigned to Killarney, where a replacement is awaited for the long-serving Bishop Bill Murphy, who announced his intention to retire, on reaching the age of 75, in June last year.