Bishop Gerard Nash was born on 27 February 1959 at Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co Clare.  After completing his Leaving Certificate, he studied business and then worked in manufacturing industry for a number of years, subsequently choosing to study for the priesthood with the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  On 15 June 1991 Bishop Nash was ordained a priest, by Bishop Michael Harty, in Drumcharley Church, Tulla.  On 11 June 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ferns.

The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595.  The diocese comprises 42 parishes, 35 priests in active ministry, and covers the areas of most of County Kilkenny, six parishes in County Laois, and one parish in County Offaly. 

Having served as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory from Sunday, 25 January 2026, on Wednesday 29th July it was announced that Pope Leo XIV has appointed him Bishop of Ossory in addition to his ministry as Bishop of Ferns. He commenced that ministry as Bishop of Ossory on Sunday 13th September.  

The two Dioceses are now joined in persona episcopi, maintaining their own identity but working together under the pastoral care of one Bishop. This is a moment of great hope for our two dioceses as we now continue the process of consultation to see how this can bring most fruit in our service of the Gospel together in the years to come.