Ireland’s youngest parish priest has been appointed at the age of only 32 years.

Fr Conor McGrath was curate in Drumbo and Carryduff prior to his new appointment as parish priest of Glenravel in Ballymena.

Fr Conor studied history and philosophy at Queen’s University Belfast. As well as training at St Malachy’s Seminary, he read theology at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome and was ordained in July 2012 at St Bernard’s Church, Glengormley.

Of his new appointment, Fr Conor said: “It’s a lot of responsibility and it will be a big change but I am looking forward to it.”

He added that while “in some respects” his new position has placed a lot of weight on his shoulders, he is trusting in God’s providence to take care of him.

Fr Conor’s move to his new parish is part of the Down and Connor diocesan changes announced by Bishop Noel Treanor who was appealed for more men to consider the religious life given the continuing decline of clergy numbers throughout Ireland.

“Undoubtedly, the increasing age profile of clergy and declining numbers of available priests has created its own challenge in fulfilling the Church’s mission and ministry, a challenge which our clergy respond to on a daily basis with generosity and faith-filled dedication,” the bishop said.