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05 Sept 2025
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05 Sept 2025
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Pictured: Fr David Vard
A Laois based priest has officially been appointed to a local parish.
Ireland's youngest priest, Fr David Vard, has been officially appointed as the Parish Priest for the Stradbally / Timahoe / Vicarstown parish.
Fr Vard had previously worked as an administrator in the parish, with the news of his appointment announced on Friday.
Pictured: Stradbally Parish Priest Fr David Vard (centre-right)
The Leinster Express / Laois Live spoke to the popular priest on his new role.
"I have been officially an administrator for the past two years, doing the work of a Parish Priest," Fr Vard explained.
"It's great to have been appointed, and to be recognised for the great work we have done over the past few years. I'm delighted that Bishop Nulty trusts me to appoint me as Parish Priest to continue this work in Stradbally, Timahoe and Vicarstown," he said.
Fr Vard is known locally for his unique fundraising methods for his parish, including a skydive fundraiser in 2024.
The Laois based priest has appeared on television and phones across the country, having featured on both The Tommy Tiernan Show and The Two Johnnies Podcast.
The Stradbally priest is also the only priest in Ireland to run a full marathon, taking part in the Waterford Viking Marathon in June of 2024.
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Pictured: Fr Vard having completed the Waterford Viking Marathon in 2024
"The people of the parish have been very goof to me, I am delighted to have gotten to know them and to continue working with them. I hope to build up more relationships and to continue making the locality a great place," Fr Vard finished.
Laois locals within the parish have taken to social media to congratulate the young priest on his appointment.
"He has settled in well, we are lucky we have young priests in our area," one user wrote.
"Congratulations Fr David. I am delighted you are so kind and good with everyone," another person commented.
"Congratulations Fr David. You will be well looked after in this little town of ours," another user said.
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