In the archdiocese of Tuam, islanders on the Mayo islands of both Clare island and Inishturk regularly lead church services when a priest is not available to make the voyage from the mainland.

This has been the case since the last resident priest left Clare Island more than twenty years ago, back in 2001 and stretches back to the late 80s in the case of Inishturk.

Under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Tuam, Clare Island and neighbouring Inishturk, continue to be served by the church through a rota of available priests.

Father John Kenny, the parish priest of Partry and Tourmakeady coordinates the system.

Fr John has been telling Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley how the rota system working with local communities is flourishing...