Bishop doesn't expect cathedral downgrade following dioceses merger

The Bishop of Elphin says he doesn't expect St Nathy's Cathedral in Balllaghaderreen to be downgraded when two local dioceses merge. The historic building is the cathedral church of Achonry, which is set to amalgamate with the Diocese of Elphin. There have been fears it would lose its cathedral status - with the cathedral in Sligo to be the main church when the merger happens. But Bishop Doran says he doesn't intend for that to happen.

Ballaghaderreen councillor Micheál Frain says he welcomes the news.