Press Releases
Fr. Martin Cosgrove warmly welcomes the announcement of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin’s succession as Archbishop of Dublin
By Damian McNeice, Communications Office
Apr 26, 2004, 12:01

26th April 2004 PRESS RELEASE – IMMEDIATE

Statement of Fr. Martin Cosgrove,
Outgoing Chairman, Twelfth Council of Priests of Dublin on
the succession of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin as Archbishop of Dublin

and on the retirement of Desmond Cardinal Connell.

It is over 80 years since a Coadjutor Archbishop succeeded to the See of Dublin. Today, in very different times, I, on behalf of the priests of the Diocese - and I venture to say in the name of the wider diocesan family - warmly welcome the announcement of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin’s succession as Archbishop of Dublin.

We are very pleased that this time of transition is over. Since Archbishop Diarmuid came amongst us last May he has won the hearts, not only of the priests and religious of the diocese, but also of the laity wherever he has gone. His energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the mission entrusted to him has been evident to all. He has shown a great willingness to get to grips with the numerous issues that now face him in his new role. He is assured of the wholehearted support and co-operation of all of us as he leads us towards the New Evangelisation, which he has often spoken of in his vision for the Church in Dublin.

As Cardinal Connell lays down his onerous responsibilities as Archbishop we express our deep gratitude to him for his sixteen years as our Archbishop. We thank him for his contribution both to the wider Irish Church and to the Universal Church, expressed in his membership of two key Congregations in Rome. We wish him many years to enjoy his retirement in peace and contentment.

His years as Archbishop have been amongst the most difficult for centuries. It is to be hoped that in time to come, the fruits of his very dedicated commitment and hard work - dealing with most painful issues - will be more widely appreciated.

On this very significant day we move forward together with Archbishop Diarmuid in a spirit of hope and enthusiasm. Ní neart gur cur le céile.

Ends.