The Diocese of Kerry has announced its annual clerical changes, bringing a direct swap between two local priests.

Fr Kieran O’Brien, who has been the Parish Administrator in Killarney, is moving to become the Parish Priest of Rathmore.

Moving in the opposite direction, Fr Pat O’Donnell will leave Rathmore to take over as the new Parish Administrator in Killarney.

Both priests are well-known and highly regarded in their communities, meaning they will be missed in their old parishes but widely welcomed into their new roles.

Other changes affecting the Killarney area include Fr Vitalis Barasa moving from Killarney to become the Parish Priest of Ballymacelligott.

Fr Sean Murphy will move from Kenmare to minister in Killarney, and Fr Jim Lenihan will take over as the Moderator for Kilcummin.

With three parish priests retiring across the region this summer, there are eleven changes in total, affecting seven of the diocese’s twelve pastoral areas.

Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne thanked the clergy for taking on their new responsibilities.
“The announcement of the appointments list is an annual opportunity for all of us to remember and reflect on activity and progress through the past year,” Bishop Browne said. “With three parish priests retiring this summer, naturally there are many new appointments.

Sincere thanks to the retiring priests for their lifelong ministry in the priesthood. Sincere thanks to all the priests who have agreed to take up new appointments this summer.”

Photo: Marie O’Sullivan-Carroll

The consultant psychiatrist who blew the whistle on the South Kerry CAMHS scandal, Dr Maya Sharma, is officially opening a new private children’s assessment clinic in Killarney town centre.

The development follows reports in the Killarney Advertiser in May that Dr Sharma was seeking a return to Kerry. The clinic is now confirmed to open within the next two months after suitable town centre premises were successfully secured. The facility will provide a range of specialist assessment services for children, giving local families an alternative option within the county to bypass long public waiting lists. Dr Sharma previously exposed the over-medication and inappropriate treatment of young patients within the South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Her disclosures led to a major state investigation which revealed hundreds of vulnerable children had been harmed or put at risk by unsafe clinical practices. Councillor Martin Grady, who assisted in finding the town centre location, welcomed the finalisation of the plans and praised Dr Sharma’s bravery and dedication. “I am absolutely delighted that we were able to work together to secure suitable premises for Dr Sharma here in Killarney,” Cllr Grady said. “She is a tremendous asset to our town and to County Kerry. The work she has carried out over the years has made a real difference to so many children and families. Personally, I want to sincerely thank Dr Sharma for her bravery and honesty in coming forward and speaking the truth for the betterment and protection of vulnerable young people receiving treatment. Her actions required immense courage, and many families throughout Kerry and beyond recognise the importance of what she did.” Cllr Grady noted that Dr Sharma has a strong personal connection to the area, particularly her love for the local National Park, and is eager to begin practicing in Killarney again. “There are massive waiting times for children requiring assessments through the public system,” Cllr Grady added. “While this private clinic won’t replace public services, it will provide families with another option and will greatly increase local capacity. We are fortunate to have someone of Dr Sharma’s calibre choosing to establish her practice here.”