Clare County Council hosted a Mayoral Reception in Áras Contae an Chláir today, which recognised the distinguished appointment of Right Reverend Monsignor Séamus Horgan as the Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan and Titular Archbishop of Ard Sratha in Tyrone.
The new Archbishop Horgan, from Tobarteascain in Ennis, attended St Flannan’s College and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Harty 30 years ago, in 1994, in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis.
Archbishop Horgan brings a wealth of pastoral and practical experience with him to his new role. A conscientious, diligent and prayerful pastor, his engagement with people is marked with great kindness and courtesy. He served with distinction in his appointments at local level in Bodyke and Roscrea in the Killaloe diocese, and in his various appointments the world over since he entered the diplomatic service.
The ceremony was attended by clergy in Ennis, Bishop Fintan Monahan and Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh, his sister Anne and his brother Liam. The Mayoral Reception was proposed by Cllr Gabriel Keating and seconded by Cllr Mary Howard at the July County Council meeting. This afforded Clare County Council an opportunity to recognise His Excellency Archbishop Horgan’s distinguished appointment by Pope Francis. At the ceremony, Archbishop Horgan was presented with a scroll and ceremonial gifts, including a copy of “The Story of Clare and its People 1570-2020” by Dr Matthew Potter and Dr John Treacy.
Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard, said of Archbishop Horgan, “On behalf of everyone in County Clare I want to congratulate Séamus on this distinguished appointment. Breckan, Cronan, Finian, Flannan, Senan, Tola and all of our saints in County Clare are looking down on him and wishing him well in his important diplomatic work as Apostolic Nuncio. We are all very proud of Archbishop Horgan and wish him every success in his new role.”
Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling, added, “In Clare County Council, we have the privilege as the civic authority to welcome many Ambassadors to our county. It is all the more special when we can welcome home one of our own as a Papal Nuncio and an Ambassador for the Holy See to South Sudan. I congratulate Archbishop Horgan on his Ordination and his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio and I assure him of the very best wishes, prayers and civic support of the Executive and Elected Members of Clare County Council in his mission ahead.”