The following friars serve the parish of Knocklyon:

Fr Jimmy Murray, O Carm, Parish Priest
Fr Jimmy, as you know, suffered a serious health scare in June 2005, but thanks in no small measure to the tremendous outpouring of prayer for him by so many, he has made a full recovery. A true Shepherd, his visits to the sick at home and in hospital, combined with his gentle manner and Westmeath wit, has endeared him to us all. We feel very privileged that he has been reappointed as our Parish Priest for a further three years. We wish him the blessings of continued good health and happiness and thank him for his love and care.

Fr Michael Morrissey, O Carm.
We warmly welcome Fr Michael to our parish community! A native of Belfast, he is no stranger to parish ministry, having served as PP in the Carmelite-run parish of Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny in the 1980s and in Whitefriar Street in the 1990s. He joined the Order at the same time as Fr Jimmy and for many years they laboured together in Carmelite College, Moate. He was a member of the Terenure College community up to the time of his appointment here during the Summer. A man of considerable pastoral ability and many gifts, Fr Michael has engaged fully with all the activities of the parish and liaises with several groups. He is also blessed with a 'green thumb' and is responsible for the colourful flower beds in and around the Presbytery and church.

Fr Seán MacGiollarnath, O Carm.
Fr Seán arrived in Knocklyion in October 2008. Born and raised a Galwayman, he was educated by the Jesuits and qualified as a solicitor from NUIG, having spent some time in Boston as a student. After qualifying, it looked as if Sean would settle down to a life in the law, but gradually the draw to religious life led him to join the Carmelites. He spent some years in England where he undertook his doctoral studies in philosophy and theology. Since his arrival in Knocklyon he has thrown himself into working in many parish groups and in the schools. He was instrumental in initiating the 'Do this memory of me' programme for 1st Communion, and the 'You shall be my witnesses' programme for Confirmation. He's confident he will see a Galway team in Croke Park one of these years - well, you gotta have a dream.

Contact presbytery@knocklyonparish.com

Learn more about the Carmelites in Ireland and Carmelite Spirituality