Bishop of Derry to step down

The Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty, is to step down for health reasons at the age of 71.

The Irish Catholic newspaper reported that a formal announcement is expected later today.

Seamus Hegarty has been Bishop of Derry since 1994 having previously served in the Diocese of Raphoe for 12 years.

This will be the fourth Irish diocese to become vacant, with three other bishops already past retirement age and awaiting a successor.