One priest, helped by 30 volunteer ‘apostles’ in West Cork parish

Just how does a busy parish operate in today’s Ireland? Clonakilty in West Cork is an example of the new model, writes Noel Baker

AT THE onset of the busiest week of the year, Monsignor Aidan O’Driscoll has a comprehensive to-do list, and a dedicated group of people to help him forge through it.

Priest for the thriving parish of Clonakilty in West Cork, he says that the area has not been immune to the fall in numbers within the priesthood, from four, to three, and then two. With his colleague recovering from an illness, he is his own man this Easter week.