New Irish National Vocations Director and team

 Newly appointed National Vocations Director Fr Willie Purcell, Bishop Donal McKeown and Fr Paddy Rushe.

Fr Willie Purcell of the diocese of Ossory has been appointed head of the new 'leadership team' of the National Conference of Dioceasn Vocation Directors in Ireland. He and his team take over from Fr Paddy Rushe (Armagh diocese) who has held this post for the past five years. Fr Willie will be assisted by Fr Eamonn Bourke (Dublin), Fr Ignatius McCormack (Killaloe), Fr Muredach Tuffy (Killala) and Fr Rory Brady (Raphoe).

In wishing Fr Willie and his team all the best in the years ahead, Irish Dominican Vocations would like to pay tribute and offer thanks to Fr Paddy Rushe the outgoing national director. Fr Paddy has done an excellent job in the promotion of vocations during a very difficult period in the life of the Irish Catholic church. His enthusiasm was vital during the Year of Vocation which took place during the middle of his term and the success of that venture is in many ways due to him. He has fostered strong links and deepened the relationship between the dioceasn vocation directors and the religious vocation teams in Ireland. It is fair to say that the Irish church owes him a real debt for his sterling service.