The announcement was made this morning during mass at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nathy in Ballaghaderreen.

He grew up in Ballinaheglish, in the parish of Oran in Co. Roscommon where his parents Kathleen and Eamonn still live.

The historic building is the cathedral church of Achonry, which is set to amalgamate with the Diocese of Elphin.

Around 100 people gathered in the Athlone Springs Hotel in Monksland last night to share their views.

Around 80 people attended a meeting in Strokestown last night to discuss the future of two local Dioceses.

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

Three meetings will also be held in Sligo and Mayo. It was announced in April the dioceses of Elphin and Achonry would merge, in a major reorganisation of the Catholic Church in the west of Ireland.

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