The Right Rev Dom Laurence Walsh has been elected the new Abbot of Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea. He succeeds the Right Rev Dom Colmcille O'Toole, who had held the position since 1964 and was among the longest-serving abbots in the Cistercian Order.
Born in 1929, Dom Walsh is the first native of Roscrea to become head of the community since it was established in 1878. He is a first cousin of the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh. He was educated in the Cistercian College, Roscrea, and entered Mount St Joseph Abbey in August 1946. He was prior and novice master between 1960 and 1981.
Mount St Joseph Abbey was founded on lands bequeathed by Count Arthur Moore, who stipulated a school for boys should be established and maintained by the community. The Cistercian order first came to Ireland in the 12th century, at the behest of St Malachy of Armagh. Last year, the 900th anniversary of the founding of the Cistercian order was celebrated in a ceremony at the abbey attended by past students of the Cistercian College Roscrea.
Dom O'Toole, who retires on reaching the age limit of 75, was a native of Ballintubber, Co Mayo. He entered the Abbey in 1945. He has held the posts of teacher and dean of studies in the college. He has also served as bursar in the Abbey.