Former Newbridge parish priest is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin

Bishop Paul Dempsey, up until now Bishop of Achonry, has been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dublin.

The former columnist with the Leinster Leader was appointed by His Holiness Pope Francis.

Bishop Dempsey said: "Though I was born in Carlow, the Cathedral town of Kildare and Leighlin Diocese, I am no stranger to the Archdiocese of Dublin. 

"My family moved from Carlow to Athy in the Archdiocese when I was a child.  We lived in Athy for a number of years.  It was there that I received my Confirmation from Bishop Donal Murray when he was an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese.

"In my ministry in Dublin, I will work with and support Archbishop Dermot Farrell in his role as Chief Shepherd.  I thank him for his welcome and support.  I will also be working with Auxiliary Bishop-Elect Donal Roche as he begins his ministry in the coming weeks.  I look forward to meeting and serving the people, priests, religious and deacons of the Archdiocese."  

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dublin, Archbishop Dermot Farrell said: 

"I am also grateful for Bishop Dempsey’s willingness to minister among us and for us, the people and priests of the Diocese of Dublin.  Bishop Paul brings the fruit and wisdom of his extensive pastoral experience, as priest and bishop to the leadership of the Church in Dublin."

Bishop Dempsey's first appointment was as young curate was in Clane & Rathcoffey Parish.

In 2004 he moved to Kildare town as curate and was also appointed Youth Director and Vocations Director for the diocese by Bishop Jim Moriarty.

On completion of studies, Fr Paul took up his appointment as curate in the parish cluster of Naas, Sallins and Two-Mile-House in 2009.

In August, 2014, he was appointed to Newbridge Parish and also as Vicar Forane for the Kildare & Leighlin North Deanery consisting of 17 parishes.

In September 2015, he was appointed Parish Priest of Newbridge and Administrator of Caragh and Prosperous Parishes.

On January 27 2020, he was appointed Bishop of Achonry by Pope Francis.