Canon Eugene Mathews of Sacred Hearts Parish, Girvan has retired for health reasons.  He was ordained in 1945 and has served in Girvan for the last 24 years.  Canon Denis Quinlan of St St Joseph's Parish, Kilmarnock has also decided to retire on the grounds of ill health.  He was ordained in 1958 and has served in Kilmarnock for the last 29 years.

As they retired Bishop Cunningham said, "Between them, Canon Mathews and Canon Quinlan have served the diocese as priests for a total of 108 years.  I would like to take this opportunity of thanking them for all their good work over the years and, on behalf of the diocese, wishing them every blessing and happiness in their retirement."

Fr Stephen Latham will succeed Canon Quinlan in as parish priest of St Joseph's, Kilmarnock.  Fr Mark Kelly has been appointed as Administrator of Sacred Hearts, Girvan and is resident in Stranraer.  Mgr Peter Magee will be parish priest of Newton Stewart, Wigton and Whithorn.