Bishop of Lismore, Ireland facts for kids

The Bishop of Lismore was an important religious leader in Ireland. This special title was named after the town of Lismore in County Waterford. A bishop is a senior leader in some Christian churches, overseeing a specific area called a diocese. Think of a diocese as a region or district that a bishop is responsible for.

History of the Lismore Diocese

The area overseen by the Bishop of Lismore was called the Diocese of Lismore. This diocese was one of twenty-four such areas created in Ireland. They were officially set up at a big meeting called the Synod of Rathbreasail in the year 1111. This synod was a very important event in the history of the church in Ireland.

Later, in the late 1100s, another church area called the see of Ardmore joined with Lismore. This meant the Bishop of Lismore then looked after both areas.

A big change happened in 1363. Pope Urban V, the leader of the Catholic Church at the time, decided to combine the Lismore diocese with another one nearby, called Waterford. After this, the two areas became one united diocese. The first bishop of this new, combined area, known as Waterford and Lismore, was a man named Thomas le Reve.

Who Were the Bishops of Lismore?

For many years, different bishops led the Diocese of Lismore. These leaders played a key role in the church and local communities. They helped guide people and manage church affairs in their region.

The first known bishop was Niall mac Meic Áedacáin, who was bishop around 1113. Over the centuries, many other bishops followed. They each served for different lengths of time. Some bishops resigned, meaning they stepped down from their role. Others stayed in office until they passed away.

One notable bishop was Gilla Críst Ua Connairche. He was consecrated in 1151. People say he was the first papal legate in Ireland. This means he was a special representative sent by the Pope.

The last bishop to serve only the Lismore diocese was Thomas le Reve. After him, the diocese joined with Waterford in 1363. From that point on, there was one bishop for both Waterford and Lismore. This union created the bishopric of Waterford and Lismore, which continues to this day.