“Nobody was disrespectful. Certainly there were people who were indifferent, people who did not know exactly what was going on, but there were people who stopped and blessed themselves and wanted a blessing,” Bishop Cullinan said.

Over 20,000 young people in 21 dioceses throughout Ireland and the UK have successfully completed the Pope John Paul II Award.

Impressive development includes 21 new apartments at St John’s College, with a 10-bed group home and 36 new build one bed apartments overlooking the Folly, costing €12 million.

€12m redevelopment includes 21 new apartments in the college, a 10-bed group home, and 36 one-bed apartments and a range of support services.

Fr Alphonsus Cullinan will be ordained Bishop of Waterford & Lismore this Sunday.