Wexford priest refuses to leave parochial house

An elderly priest protesting at his transfer to a new diocese remained locked inside a parochial house in Co Wexford yesterday…

An elderly priest protesting at his transfer to a new diocese remained locked inside a parochial house in Co Wexford yesterday, refusing to answer the phone or door.

For over two weeks, Father James Cashman (71) has remained behind closed doors at a two-storey house in the curacy of St Leonards in Ballycullane, Co Wexford.

The elderly cleric has refused to vacate the house, despite the appointment of a new curate, Father Patrick Banville, to the area. Since taking up duties in two weeks ago, the new curate has resided over 10 miles away, in Rathangan.

Locals say Father Cashman had expressed fears, prior to the new priest's arrival, that he would be relocated to another parish outside of the diocese and possibly "left homeless".

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A spokesman for the Bishop of Ferns stressing that the appointment of a curate to St Leonards took place following the "usual consultation" and Father Cashman had "acknowledged" the change of clerical personnel.

"It must be pointed out that there is no basis in fact to any suggestion that the former curate at St Leonards would face homelessness or destitution," the spokesperson said.