"This is a great personal honour for Msgr. Michael as it is for his family and the Diocese of Cloyne," said Bishop William Crean, wishing his colleague well in Ougadougou.

Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo is the first African to hold the role of Papal Nuncio to Ireland.

Priest of the diocese of Killaloe, Archbishop Eugene Nugent, has been serving as apostolic nuncio to Madagascar, the Commorros and Mauritius.