# Denis Nulty

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Irish Roman Catholic bishop

The Most Reverend Denis Nulty KC*HS Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Church Roman Catholic Diocese Kildare and Leighlin Appointed 7 May 2013 Predecessor James Moriarty Previous posts Apostolic administrator of Ossory Parish priest of St Mary's, Drogheda Vicar forane of the Duleek deanery Chairperson of the council of priests of the Diocese of Meath Orders Ordination 12 June 1988 by Michael Smith Consecration 4 August 2013 by Diarmuid Martin Personal details Born (1963-06-07) 7 June 1963 (age 63) Slane, County Meath, Ireland Alma mater St. Patrick's College, Maynooth All Hallows College Dublin City University Motto Serve the Lord with gladness Coat of arms

Styles of Denis Nulty Reference style The Most Reverend Spoken style Your Grace Religious style Bishop

**Denis Nulty** [KC*HS](/source/Order_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre_(Catholic)) (born 7 June 1963) is an [Irish](/source/Republic_of_Ireland) [Roman Catholic](/source/Catholic_Church) [prelate](/source/Prelate) who has served as [Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin](/source/Bishop_of_Kildare_and_Leighlin) since 2013.

## Early life

Nulty was born in [Slane](/source/Slane), [County Meath](/source/County_Meath), on 7 June 1963, the youngest of five children to Den Nulty and his wife Nan (née Balfe).[1]

He attended primary school at St. Patrick's National School, Slane, and secondary school at [St Patrick's Classical School](/source/St_Patrick's_Classical_School), [Navan](/source/Navan), before studying for the priesthood at [St Patrick's College, Maynooth](/source/St_Patrick's_College%2C_Maynooth), in 1981, obtaining a [Bachelor of Arts](/source/Bachelor_of_Arts) in 1984 and a [Bachelor of Divinity](/source/Bachelor_of_Divinity) in 1987.[1]

He was [ordained to the priesthood](/source/Holy_orders_in_the_Catholic_Church) for the [Diocese of Meath](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Meath) on 12 June 1988.[2]

## Presbyteral ministry

Following his ordination, Nulty served for ten years as a [curate](/source/Curate) in the cathedral parish of [Mullingar](/source/Mullingar), as well as chaplain to the local Accord centre and [spiritual director](/source/Spiritual_direction) at [St Finian's College](/source/St_Finian's_College).[3] He became the youngest parish priest in Ireland when he was appointed to St Mary’s parish, [Drogheda](/source/Drogheda), in August 1998.[4]

Nulty completed further studies in [All Hallows College](/source/All_Hallows_College), [Dublin](/source/Dublin), and obtained a [Master of Arts](/source/Master_of_Arts) in Management for Pastoral and Voluntary Services from [Dublin City University](/source/Dublin_City_University) in 2006.[1]

He was also appointed chairperson of the diocesan [council of priests](/source/Presbyteral_council) in 2005, and later as [vicar forane](/source/Vicar_forane) for the [Duleek](/source/Duleek) [deanery](/source/Deanery) in September 2006.[5]

## Episcopal ministry

### Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin

Nulty was appointed [Bishop-elect of Kildare and Leighlin](/source/Bishop_of_Kildare_and_Leighlin) by [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis) on 7 May 2013, becoming the youngest bishop in Ireland by succeeding the [Archbishop of Armagh](/source/Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_Armagh), [Eamon Martin](/source/Eamon_Martin), by two years.[6][7][3][8] He was [consecrated](/source/Consecration) by the [Archbishop of Dublin](/source/Archbishop_of_Dublin_(Roman_Catholic)), [Diarmuid Martin](/source/Diarmuid_Martin), on 4 August in the [Cathedral of the Assumption](/source/Cathedral_of_the_Assumption%2C_Carlow), [Carlow](/source/Carlow).[9][10]

In light of the Government decision to hold a [referendum](/source/Thirty-fourth_Amendment_of_the_Constitution_of_Ireland) on [same-sex marriage](/source/Same-sex_marriage_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland) in 2015, Nulty emphasised in November 2013 said while there is always a need to [treat homosexuals with compassion](/source/Homosexuality_and_Catholicism), he added that the very nature of marriage and children and their importance to society are worth protecting, saying that "[the] Catholic Church will continue to hold that the differences between a man and woman are not accidental to marriage but fundamental to it and that children have a natural right to a mother and a father and that this is the best environment for them where possible".[11]

Ahead of a [referendum](/source/Thirty-eighth_Amendment_of_the_Constitution_of_Ireland) on [easing divorce restrictions](/source/Marriage_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland) in May 2019, he issued a statement suggesting that "the objective of the proposed referendum is not to support marriage, rather to liberalise divorce", and that "it is imperative that we continue to work together to promote marriage and family.”[12]

### Apostolic Administrator of Ossory

Following the installation of [Dermot Farrell](/source/Dermot_Farrell) as Archbishop of Dublin on 2 February 2021, Nulty was announced as [Apostolic Administrator](/source/Apostolic_administration) of [Ossory](/source/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Ossory).[13][14] He served in this role until the consecration of [Niall Coll](/source/Niall_Coll) as [Bishop of Ossory](/source/Bishop_of_Ossory) on 22 January 2023.[15][16][17][18]

Following the easing of restrictions brought about by the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_the_Republic_of_Ireland), Nulty announced on 4 July that for the first time in living memory, a [confirmation ceremony](/source/Confirmation_in_the_Catholic_Church) would take place in the open-air surroundings of a [GAA stadium](/source/List_of_Gaelic_Athletic_Association_stadiums), with 392 primary school children from four parishes in [Kilkenny](/source/Kilkenny) city receiving the sacrament on 9 September in [Nowlan Park](/source/Nowlan_Park), Kilkenny.[19][20] A similar ceremony took place for 361 primary school children from seven schools in [Portlaoise](/source/Portlaoise) on 18 September in [O'Moore Park](/source/O'Moore_Park), Portlaoise.[21][22][23]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:1_1-2) ["Bishop Denis Nulty"](https://www.kandle.ie/our-diocese/bishop/). *[Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin](/source/Diocese_of_Kildare_and_Leighlin)*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tulow_2-0)** ["Our New Bishop"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181115030426/http://www.tullowparish.com/publications/newsletter/Pentecost_Sunday%5B2013-5-19%5D.pdf) (PDF). *Tullow, Grange & Ardattin Newsletter*. 19 May 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.tullowparish.com/publications/newsletter/Pentecost_Sunday%5b2013-5-19%5d.pdf) (PDF) on 15 November 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_3-1) ["Nomina del vescovo di Kildare and Leighlin (Irlanda)"](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2013/05/07/0279/00624.html#NOMINA%20DEL%20VESCOVO%20DI%20KILDARE%20AND%20LEIGHLIN%20(IRLANDA)). *[Holy See Press Office](/source/Holy_See_Press_Office)* (in Italian). 7 May 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-conference_4-0)** ["Statement by Bishop Smith on appointment of Father Denis Nulty as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin"](http://www.catholicbishops.ie/2013/05/07/statement-bishop-smith-appointment-father-denis-nulty-bishop-kildare-leighlin/) (Press release). Irish Conference of Catholic Bishops. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Donohoe, John (7 May 2013). ["Slane priest named as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin"](https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2013/05/07/slane-priest-named-as-bishop-of-kildare-and-leighlin/). *Meath Chronicle*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-diocese_6-0)** ["Fr. Denis Nulty appointed Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171116205054/http://www.kandle.ie/fr-denis-nulty-appointed-bishop-kildare-leighlin/). Kildare & Leighlin Diocese. 9 May 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.kandle.ie/fr-denis-nulty-appointed-bishop-kildare-leighlin/) on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["New bishop of Kildare and Leighlin appointed"](https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0507/390796-denis-nulty-bishop/). *[Raidió Telefís Éireann](/source/Raidi%C3%B3_Telef%C3%ADs_%C3%89ireann)*. 7 May 2013. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Welcome address by Monsignor Byrne on the appointment of Father Denis Nulty as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin"](https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2013/05/07/address-monsignor-byrne-appointment-father-denis-nulty-bishop-kildare-leighlin/). *Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Episcopal Ordination of Father Denis Nulty as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin to take place on Sunday 4 August"](https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2013/07/30/episcopal-ordination-father-denis-nulty-bishop-kildare-leighlin-place-sunday-4-august/). *Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** O'Boyle, Conal (13 August 2013). ["Bishop Nulty ordained in Carlow cathedral"](https://carlow-nationalist.ie/2013/08/13/bishop-nulty-ordained-in-carlow-cathedral/). *[Carlow Nationalist](/source/Carlow_Nationalist)*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Govt will 'actively support' same-sex marriage referendum in 2015"](https://www.rte.ie/news/2013/1105/484662-same-sex-marriage/). *[RTÉ News](/source/RT%C3%89_News)*. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Pollak, Sorcha (18 May 2019). ["Catholics urged to 'reflect deeply' before voting in divorce referendum"](https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/catholics-urged-to-reflect-deeply-before-voting-in-divorce-referendum-1.3897288). *The Irish Times*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Pope Francis appoints Bishop Denis Nulty as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory"](https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2021/02/02/pope-francis-appoints-bishop-denis-nulty-as-apostolic-administrator-of-ossory/). *Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference*. 2 February 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Doyle, Domhnall (2 February 2021). ["Bishop Denis Nulty named Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory"](https://kclr96fm.com/bishop-nulty-administrator-ossory/). *[KCLR 96FM](/source/KCLR_96FM)*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Pope Francis appoints Father Niall Coll as Bishop of Ossory"](https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2022/10/28/pope-francis-appoints-father-niall-coll-as-bishop-of-ossory/). *Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference*. 28 October 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Kane, Conor (28 October 2022). ["Donegal priest appointed new Bishop of Ossory"](https://www.rte.ie/news/leinster/2022/1028/1331949-fr-niall-coll/). *RTÉ*. Retrieved 29 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Matthews, Sam (22 January 2023). ["New Bishop of Ossory Niall Coll ordained at St Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny today"](https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/home/1016252/new-bishop-of-ossory-niall-coll-ordained-at-st-mary-s-cathedral-in-kilkenny-today.html). *[Kilkenny People](/source/Kilkenny_People)*. Retrieved 22 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Quirke, Ethna (22 January 2023). ["The new Bishop of Ossory will be installed officially later today"](https://kclr96fm.com/the-new-bishop-of-ossory-will-be-installed-officially-later-today/). *KCLR 96FM*. Retrieved 22 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Slater, Sarah (4 July 2021). ["GAA county ground offered as confirmation venue"](https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40329023.html). *Irish Examiner*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Slater, Sarah (10 September 2021). ["A 'first' confirmed: GAA allows celebration of faith in Nowlan Park"](https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/a-first-confirmed-gaa-allows-celebration-of-faith-in-nowlan-park-40835731.html). *independent*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Bishop says 'health has to trump everything' after confirmations postponed"](https://www.rte.ie/news/leinster/2021/0811/1240233-portlaoise-confirmation/). *Raidió Telefís Éireann*. 11 August 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Hayes, Carmel (5 August 2021). ["Plans still on track for Portlaoise Confirmations at O'Moore Park"](https://laois-nationalist.ie/2021/08/05/plans-still-on-track-for-portlaoise-confirmations-at-omoore-park/). *Laois Nationalist*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Hayes, Carmel (23 September 2021). ["One parish, seven schools, 361 students and one extraordinary day"](https://laois-nationalist.ie/2021/09/23/one-parish-seven-schools-361-students-and-one-extraordinary-day/). *Laois Nationalist*. Retrieved 30 March 2022.

## External links

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- [Bishop Denis Nulty](https://catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bnulty.html) on [Catholic-Hierarchy.org](/source/Catholic-Hierarchy.org)

- [Bishop Denis Nulty](https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/kild0.htm#52194) on GCatholic

- [Bishop Denis Nulty](https://twitter.com/BishopDNulty) on [Twitter](/source/Twitter)

Catholic Church titles Preceded by James Moriarty Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin since 7 August 2013 Succeeded by incumbent

v t e Catholic Church in Ireland Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference Dioceses Province of Armagh: Archdiocese of Armagh Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocese of Clogher Diocese of Derry Diocese of Down and Connor Diocese of Dromore Diocese of Kilmore Diocese of Meath Diocese of Raphoe Province of Cashel: Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly Diocese of Cloyne Cork and Ross Diocese of Kerry Diocese of Killaloe Diocese of Limerick Diocese of Waterford and Lismore Diocese of Kilfenora Province of Dublin: Archdiocese of Dublin Diocese of Ferns Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin Diocese of Ossory Province of Tuam: Archdiocese of Tuam Diocese of Achonry Diocese of Clonfert Diocese of Galway and Kilmacduagh Diocese of Elphin Diocese of Killala Bishops Archbishop of Armagh (Eamon Martin) Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise (Paul Connell) Bishop of Clogher (Lawrence Duffy) Bishop of Derry (Donal McKeown) Bishop of Down and Connor (Noel Treanor) Bishop of Dromore (sede vacante) Bishop of Kilmore (Martin Hayes) Bishop of Meath (Thomas Deenihan) Bishop of Raphoe (Alan McGuckian) Archbishop of Cashel and Emly (Kieran O'Reilly) Bishop of Cloyne (William Crean) Bishop of Cork and Ross (Fintan Gavin) Bishop of Kerry (Raymond Browne) Bishop of Killaloe (Fintan Monahan) Bishop of Limerick (Brendan Leahy) Bishop of Waterford and Lismore (Alphonsus Cullinan) Archbishop of Dublin (Dermot Farrell) Bishop of Ferns (Gerard Nash) Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin (Denis Nulty) Bishop of Ossory (Niall Coll) Archbishop of Tuam and Bishop of Killala (Francis Duffy) Bishop of Clonfert and Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora (Michael Duignan) Bishop of Achonry and Bishop of Elphin (Kevin Doran) Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Apostolic Visitor (Kenneth Nowakowski) Churches Armagh Cathedral Belfast Cathedral Cavan Cathedral Derry Cathedral Letterkenny Cathedral Longford Cathedral Monaghan Cathedral Mullingar Cathedral Newry Cathedral Cobh Cathedral Cork Cathedral Ennis Cathedral Killarney Cathedral Limerick Cathedral Skibbereen Cathedral Thurles Cathedral Waterford Cathedral Carlow Cathedral Dublin Cathedral Enniscorthy Cathedral Kilkenny Cathedral Ballaghaderreen Cathedral Ballina Cathedral Galway Cathedral Loughrea Cathedral Sligo Cathedral Tuam Cathedral List of Catholic churches in Ireland See also Knock Shrine St Patrick's Purgatory St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth List of monastic houses in Ireland List of Catholic schools in Ireland by religious order List of saints of Ireland Apostolic Nunciature to Ireland Holy See–Ireland relations Catholicism portal Ireland portal

v t e Roman Catholic Bishops of Kildare and Leighlin John Dempsey Edward Murphy Bernard Dunne Stephen Dowdall James Gallagher James Keefe Richard O'Reilly Daniel Delany Michael Corcoran James Doyle Edward Nolan Francis Haly James Walshe James Lynch Michael Comerford Patrick Foley Matthew Cullen Thomas Keogh Patrick Lennon Laurence Ryan James Moriarty Denis Nulty

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