More than 20% of priests and brothers have died in past three years

'It is very sad to see so many have died in such a short space of time,' said Association of Catholic Priests director Fr John Collins. File image.

More than 21% of Ireland's entire population of parish priests and brothers — both serving and retired — have died in just three years.

The Association of Catholic Priests says that parishes are going to have to be amalgamated, churches closed, and fewer Masses held.