Some priests in Kerry have to seek State wage supports due to impact on income of Covid-19

Wedding stipends have disappeared, collections have dwindled and incomes have fallen by up to 50% across the diocese of Kerry.

Retired Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy celebrating Mass online from St Mary's Cathedral, Killarney with Fr Niall Howard and sacristan Tadhg Fleming. The Diocese has embraced innovation to sustain its connection with Catholics but many parishes have suffered badly economically. Picture: Don MacMonagle / File

Income in parishes across the Catholic Diocese of Kerry have suffered a severe drop, with many reporting falls of up to 50%.

The impact of Covid-19 is being felt in parishes from Adrigole to Waterville, with all income streams, from bingo to baptisms, badly hit.