Our Parish
Personnel
Bishop Ger Nash
Bishop Gerard Nash was born on 27 February 1959 at Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co Clare. After completing his Leaving Certificate, he studied business and then worked in manufacturing industry for a number of years, subsequently choosing to study for the priesthood with the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. On 15 June 1991 Bishop Nash was ordained a priest, by Bishop Michael Harty, in Drumcharley Church, Tulla. On 11 June 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ferns.
Having served as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory from Sunday 25 January 2026, on Wednesday 29 July it was announced that Pope Leo XIV had appointed him Bishop of Ossory in addition to his ministry as Bishop of Ferns. He began that ministry as Bishop of Ossory on Sunday 13 September.
The two dioceses are now joined in persona episcopi, maintaining their own identity but working together under the pastoral care of one Bishop. This is a moment of great hope for our two dioceses as we continue the process of consultation to see how this can bring most fruit in our service of the Gospel together in the years to come.
Bishop Ger is the 97th bishop of Ossory.
Address: Diocesan Office, James’ Street, Kilkenny.
Tel +353 (0)56 776 2448
Email: bishop@ossory.ie
Rev Dermot Ryan – Administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral
Dermot, was born in Ferrybank in the South of the Diocese, but grew up in St Patrick’s Parish in Kilkenny. After Ordination he returned to Ferrybank as Curate for three years before been sent to pursue further studies in the Gregorian University in Rome where he attained his Doctorate for a study in Ecclesiology with a work entitled “Method to Mission: The Ecclesial Vocation of a Theologian”.
On his return to the Diocese Dermot was appointed Director of Adult Faith Development where he, along with a dedicated group of people, continually explore ways to help people deepen their knowledge and love of God. They have developed a number of national faith programmes – Aspal, Ireland’s Digital Faith Formation platform and the MyFaith Programme of Sacramental Preparation. Dermot lectures in Dogmatic Theology in Carlow College and continues to serve as the President of St Kieran’s College, as a proud past pupil, a role he has undertaken since 2012.
Dermot has a keen interest in sport, particularly hurling, and distance running, theology and bringing faith to life – all of which he will continue as Administrator of the Cathedral Parish.
Address: St Mary’s Cathedral, James’ Street, Kilkenny. R95H1K1
Phone: + 353 (0)86 609 7484
Email: dermotryan@ossory.ie
Sr Maria Comerford – Sacramental Coordinator
Sr Maria, a native of Tipperary, is a member of the Sisters of Mercy, Callan. Sr Maria worked in St Bridgid’s Secondary School in Callan before being appointed to the Regional Mercy Office in Cork in 2013. On her return to Callan, Sr Maria joined the team in St Mary’s Cathedral and is the sacramental co-ordinator. Sr Maria works with the local parish school, co-ordinates the parent committee associated with First Communion and Confirmation and assists with the parish celebrations of the sacramental groups.
Rita Neary – Parish Secretary
Rita, a native of St Mary’s Parish, has worked in the Parish Office for six years. As secretary Rita is responsible for records and is available to organise Mass Bookings and the issuing of Sacramental Certificates. The Parish Office is open on Monday to Friday. All enquiries by phone 056 77 21253 or email stmaryscathedral@ossory.ie
St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Council
Formed in 2019 the Parish Council assists Fr Ryan in the pastoral work of the parish. Members have been drawn from the choir, eucharistic ministers, readers, and others. Meetings take place in the Presbytery. Members of the Parish Pastoral Committee: Sr Betty Cagney, Mr Ger Cody, Sr Nuala Horan, Ms Melanie Hyland, Ms Mary Kealy, Ms Rita Neary, Rev Dermot Ryan (Chairperson). Sr Nuala is the parish representative on the Deanery Pastoral Council. Sr Betty Cagney is the Child Protection Officer for the parish.
St Mary’s Cathedral Finance Committee
St Mary’s Cathedral Finance Committee was founded in 2019 and assists Fr Ryan in the financial administration of the parish. Meetings are held regularly, and a financial report is given by the Administrator. Members of the Finance Committee: Ms P Davis, Ms Tina Lawlor, Ms Rita Neary, Rev Dermot Ryan.