It was announced in April the dioceses would 'begin a process of leading towards a closer union'- and Bishop Doran now heads both of them

In a statement released this afternoon, Bishop Kevin Doran said it would be naive to suggest child abuse wasn't a reality in schools which weren't run by Catholic religious orders.

Over 2,300 people signed a petition calling for a reversal of the decision to return the 82-year-old to his order in Dublin.

A large crowd attended a farewell party for Fr Hickey in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone last night after hopes of a last-minute reprieve faded.

A recent petition received over 2,000 signatures calling on church leaders to allow Fr Michael Hickey to remain in the parish.

It comes as the Bishop of Elphin confirmed recently that Fr Michael Hickey would return to his order in Dublin after seven years in Roscommon.

Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Achonry Diocese as part of the restructuring this week.

Bishop Kevin Doran has paid tribute to those across the region who give of their time towards pastoral or charitable causes.