The death has taken place unexpectedly of Fr Muredach Tuffy, director of the Newman Institute in Ballina, Co Mayo. Fr Tuffy, a prominent theologian, was a native of Castleconnor, Co Sligo, and a priest of the Diocese of Killala.
Ordained in 1999, he was appointed executive director of the institute in 2003. The institute was founded by the former bishop of Killala, Dr Thomas Finnegan and is a charitable organisation. One of its central aims it to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about about their faith through special courses.
In recent years, Fr Tuffy had been working to establish important social links with other service providers in the west and northwest. He had also been active in a number of local community organisations.
He was the diocesan director of pastoral renewal and adult faith development, a member of the diocesan liturgy and music commission, and diocesan vocations director and communications officer.