The Bishop of Killaloe has described the reduction in people identifying as Catholic in Clare as no surprise.
New census data shows that a record 16,000 people in this county claimed to have no religion last year.
As it stands, 95,000 people in this county are currently practicing in the Catholic faith, representing 74% of Clare’s population.
Although this figure is above the national average of 69%, the figure has fallen by 9% here in just the last six years.
Additionally 27 of Clare’s 58 parishes have no resident priest under the age of 75.
Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monaghan says while the figures are discouraging its vital that the church continues to play an appropriate and important role in people’s lives.
Catholocism’s loss however has been reflected in a major endorsement of secular services in Clare.
Last year , 15% of all marriages in this county were conducted in a humanist ceremony while just five years ago twelve celebrants were practicing in the country, with that number now having grown to 52.
The number of people identifying as non-religious in Clare meanwhile has now reached a record high of 16,200, which is up a massive 60% from 2016.
Shannon based Humanist Celebrant , Pat Clarke Browne believes the greater inclusivity and choice of non-faith ceremonies is becoming increasingly attractive to all generations.
