In another change, the first lay principal, Carmel Honan, has been appointed to the school.

Fr Ignatius McCormack, who is also vocations director for the Killaloe diocese as well as administrator of Quin parish, said he was delighted with his new appointment.

Near death experience prompted retired Bishop of Killaloe to reflect on his own life, his faith and his ministry for over fifty years.

Fr Des Hillery, parish priest of Nenagh, to oversee the running of the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.