Rev. Martin Shanahan was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Killaloe by Bishop Fintan Monahan in St. Mary’s Church, Mullagh, Co. Clare on Sunday 3rd June 2018 at 3.00pm, (the Feast of Corpus Christi). In his homily Bishop Fintan focused on the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the priest. He reminded the congregation of Martin’s great work in spearheading the renewal of Eucharistic Adoration in many parishes throughout the Diocese of Killaloe saying; “The diocese is deeply indebted to him for the outstanding service offered in promoting this powerful prayer apostolate. His work has a long lasting and continuing legacy of prayerfulness and communion with God in such a special way.” Bishop Fintan also expressed gratitude for the experience that Martin brings to the priesthood from his working and family life. Martin’s wife, Mary Margaret, who died in 2011, was especially remembered during the ordination ceremony and their son Eoin was the organist for today’s ceremony.

The Bishop concluded his remarks by welcoming Fr. Martin as a colleague in the presbyterate of Killaloe Diocese saying; “I hope you will be very happy and fulfilled as a priest of Jesus Christ. I know you will continue to do outstanding work. May the Lord reward you for your dedication, commitment and love of the Lord! Go maire tú an ola agus go raibh cóta bhán Chríost timpeall ort inniu agus gach lá mar shagart naofa! Áiméan.” Fr. Martin will celebrate his First Mass of Thanksgiving in the Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea in Quilty on Monday 4th June at 7.00pm. Biography of Fr. Martin Shanahan Fr. Martin is a native of Quilty in the parish of Kilmurry Ibrickane in West Clare. Educated at the local national school and Miltown Malbay Vocational School he worked for over thirty years with the ESB in Milltown Malbay and in Moneypoint. Married to Mary Margaret O’Flaherty in 1992, he has one son Eoin who is currently a third level student. Mary Margaret died in 2011.

Martin worked as a volunteer for many years in community groups and church organisations in the Diocese and in his local parish. He was the first Chairman of the Killaloe Diocesan Eucharistic Adoration Apostolate. He pursued theological studies at the Priory Institute in Tallaght under the direction of the Dominicans. He entered Maynooth to study for the priesthood in the Diocese of Killaloe in 2015. Martin was ordained to the Diaconate in Ennis Cathedral on Sunday 26th November 2017 and has been ministering as a Deacon in Ennis Parish since then.