ACHONRY, DIOCESE of. - In Eire (Ireland).
The name derives from the Gaelic Achadh Chonnaire, that is, “field of Connaire.” The origin of the diocese dates back to the first half of the 6th century, when St. Finiano of Clonard founded a church and a monastery on land given to him by the prince of the Connaire family. His disciple Nathi, the first superior of the monastery, is regarded as the first bishop of A.; he became the patron of the diocese. His feast is celebrated on 9 Aug. Of the three Irish bishops who attended the Council of Trent, one was the bishop of A., Eugenio O' Hart.
The diocese comprises 22 parishes, two of which belong to the episcopal mensa; 41 churches and chapels; one institute of brothers; and 9 convents of religious women. The number of priests is 68; the Catholic population is approximately 61,500 souls.