Franciscans to leave Clonmel after 750 years

Decision to withdraw from Clonmel was a 'sad and difficult' one which was unavoidable, Mass-goers told

The Franciscans have had a presence in Clonmel since 1269. Picture: Dan Linehan

A 750-year-old presence by the Franciscan order in a Tipperary town will end early next year because of ageing clergy and falling vocations.

In a statement read at Masses in Clonmel and Waterford on Tuesday, the minister provincial of the Irish Franciscans, Fr Aidan McGrath, said the decision to withdraw from Clonmel was a “sad and difficult” one which was unavoidable.