Pope Benedict has appointed the Reverend Denis Brennan as the new Bishop of Ferns to fill the post vacated by Bishop Brendan Comiskey who resigned in 2002 over his handling of sex abuse complaints.
Bishop Brennan (60) is Parish Priest of Taghmon, Co Wexford, and the current diocesan delegate for child protection. He has worked on the implementation of the recommendations of the Ferns Report.
The appointment was today welcomed by Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin, who wished Bishop Brennan "every grace and blessing in his new ministry".
Born in Rathnure, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Bishop Brennan attended the Kiltealy National School and received his secondary education in St Peter's College, Wexford.
In September 1964 he entered St Peter's Seminary, Wexford, and ordained for the Diocese of Ferns. He was later appointed to the House of Missions, Enniscorthy, and for several years conducted parish missions and retreats in Ireland, England and Canada. He has been based in Tagham since 1997.