The Bishop of Galway position may remain vacant for a year following the retirement of Bishop Martin Drennan.
A new administrator for the Galway, Kilfenora and Kilmacduagh diocese will be appointed in the coming days.
Bishop Martin Drennan retired on Friday on health grounds, after serving as Bishop of Galway for 11 years.
The 72 year old Kilkenny native succeeded Bishop James McLoughlin and was installed at Galway Cathedral in July 2005
A diocesan administrator will now be put in place to fulfill administrative duties in the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.
The new administrator will be a priest elected by the College of Consulters, who are the 12 canons of the diocese.
Meanwhile, it may take up to a year for a new bishop of Galway to be appointed by Pope Francis.
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