The Bishop of Cork and Ross has manned an information stand at a careers fair in Cork as part of efforts to attract vocations to the priesthood.

Dr John Buckley issued his appeal to young men to consider the priesthood as a viable career at Rochestown Park hotel on the city’s southside.

Diocesan spokesman Fr Tom Deenihan said: “We have seen the need for more vocations in recent years and we would encourage those who might be thinking of devoting their lives to carrying out God’s work.”

There was just one ordination in the Diocese of Cork and Ross in the last 12 months. There are three men currently studying to become priests in Cork and Ross.

Only nine priests are due to be ordained nationally this year.