Archbishop Eamon Martin.
Derry-born cleric Archbishop Eamon Martin has become the leader of Ireland’s catholics.
His appointment as the 116th Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland has been confirmed by Pope Francis after he accepted the resignation of Cardinal Sean Brady.
Archbishop Martin, originally from Balmoral Avenue (off Racecourse Road) in the city, was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh in January last year.
Following his appointment as Primate, he said he was “genuinely honoured” to assume the role of “Shepherd” in the Archdiocese of Armagh.
He added: “I feel humbled to be following in the footsteps of St Patrick, and like him, I pray for ‘God’s strength to pilot me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s shield to protect me.”
And he paid tribute to his predecessor, Cardinal Brady.
He said: “This is not just my day. It is a day for us to recognise the years of service which you have given to the Church in Armagh and beyond. On behalf of the people, priests and religious of the Archdiocese of Armagh, I want to thank you sincerely for serving us with love and dedication.
“We appreciate all that you have done for us and we assure you of our continued affection and prayers. We wish you every blessing for a healthy and peaceful retirement.
“I want to thank Cardinal Sean personally for the kindness he has shown me since I came to Armagh last year, and for allowing me every opportunity to get to know the diocese. I know that I can count on his prayers and support in the years to come.”
The son of John and Catherine Martin, Archbishop Martin received his primary school education at St Patrick’s, Pennyburn, after which attended St Columb’s College, eventually his training for the priesthood in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, obtaining BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Science from NUI Maynooth; BD (Hons) in Theology.
He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Derry on 28 June 1987.
After his ordination he served as a curate in St Eugene’s for two years before continuing his studies at Queen’s University in Belfast.
He joined the teaching staff at St Columb’s College in 1990, leaving eight years later to study at St Edmund’s College, Cambridge from where he obtained a MPhil in school development.
He was appointed president (principal) of St Columb’s College in 1999 ahead of being appointed Secretary-General of the Irish Episcopal Conference.
In 2010, he became Vicar General of the Diocese of Derry and in November 2011, following the resignation of Bishop of Derry Séamus Hegarty, he was elected as diocesan administrator.
He was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh in January last year.
As Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, he becomes the leader of Ireland’s 4.6 million catholics.
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