'Catholic hold on Kilgarvan is gone' as parishes in Kerry lose resident priests

'We have had some brilliant priests here in Kilgarvan,' said TD Michael Healy-Rae

St Patrick's Church in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry. 'Each of the priests in the Kenmare pastoral area will now minister to the parish of Kilgarvan,' said Bishop Browne. Picture: Denis Minihane

The parish of Kilgarvan is to lose its resident priests in changes in the Diocese of Kerry to be announced on Thursday.

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae, who lives in the village, said it marked the end of the hold of the Catholic Church in Kilgarvan. He has likened the loss of a priest to the closure of a small industry, but he ruled out becoming more involved in lay ministry.