Dr Neary issues statement about priest

THE Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary, yesterday issued a statement following media inquiries concerning the whereabouts of one of his curates.

Dr Neary said he wished to state that the priest was on holiday and was due to return to his duties at the end of the week.

"The Archbishop is aware that (the priest) has been the subject of media inquiries addressed to this office today. He is not in possession of any further information on the matter but expects that (the priest) will address any such inquiries on his return."

It is understood the archbishop has not been in contact with the priest, who is in the US and has not left a way of being contacted by the archdiocese.

The priest is scheduled to say Mass on Saturday night and to attend a local sports fixture on Sunday.