Death of retired bishop

The retired Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Michael Russell has died aged 80 years, the Catholic Church said today.

The senior cleric was a former vice-president of St Patrick’s College, Thurles, before being appointed a Bishop by Pope Paul VI in 1965.

He served as head of the Waterford and Lismore diocese for almost three decades until his retirement in 1993.

His successor, Most Rev William Lee, said he was deeply saddened at the loss of a great friend, who would be missed by many people.

“Bishop Michael was loved and admired by the people and priests of Waterford and Lismore. He will be greatly missed by all,” he said.