Merging of parishes from November in Cashel amid dwindling priest numbers

Half of the priests currently serving in the archdiocese will be over the retirement age of 75 within five years, warns Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly

Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly urged parishioners to pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood.

The Catholic Church will soon face a "new reality" in Ireland amid dwindling priest numbers, the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly has said.

Parishes will be amalgamated, and lay people will be asked to assist priests more in their duties as an increasing number approach retirement age, Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly wrote to parishioners on Saturday.