Press Statement from Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan
Clerical Changes 2025 – Diocese of Waterford & Lismore
I wish to share with you the following clerical appointments and changes in our Diocese, most of which took effect from 1st September 2025.
- Rev. Fr. Billy Meehan will retire as Parish Priest of St. Mary’s, Clonmel. Fr. Billy has given outstanding and faithful service to the people of St. Mary’s and far beyond over many years, and I thank him sincerely for his priestly dedication, pastoral care, and deep love for his parishioners. We are blessed that he will continue to reside in Irishtown and minister part-time.
- Fr. Zeljko (Desiderio) Babic will take on the role of Priest Administrator of St. Mary’s Parish, Clonmel.
- Fr. Luke De Masi (HM) will begin a new ministry as Assistant Pastor (Curate) in Clogheen & Burncourt.
- Fr. James Ayuba will take up his new appointment as Assistant Pastor in Abbeyside, where he will reside.
- Rev. Brendan Gallagher is appointed Deacon to the Parish of Stradbally from Sept 8th.
- Fr. Taddeo Hammerle is appointed Assistant Pastor in Cahir, with additional responsibilities in the wider pastoral area, while continuing part-time with Holy Family Mission.
These changes come at a time when the Church faces both new pastoral challenges and fresh opportunities. While we recognise the real difficulties that exist in many areas of parish life, we also see signs of hope and renewal. There is a deep hunger for the Gospel, a growing desire among the faithful for prayer, community, and service, and a spirit of mission that is taking root in many hearts.
I am deeply grateful to the priests and deacons who, with generosity and courage, take up these new responsibilities in service of the Lord and His people. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to all who minister in our parishes — priests, religious, and lay faithful — who continue to witness daily to the love of Christ in so many ways.
Let us keep these men in our prayers as they begin their new appointments. May the Holy Spirit guide them in their ministry, and may Our Lady, Mother of the Church, watch over our Diocese as we journey together in faith, hope, and love.
+ Alphonsus Cullinan
Bishop of Waterford & Lismore