Longford Parish comprises the town of Longford and surrounding area, which is the main town of Co. Longford, itself found in the Midlands of Ireland on the east side of the River Shannon. The traditional name for the parish is ‘Templemichael and Ballymacormack’. There are over 4,000 households in the parish at present.

It is also the Cathedral parish of the Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmancois. Bishop Colm O’Reilly resides in the parish and the diocescan offices and pastoral centre are also located here.

The Catholic faithful of Longford are currently served by five priests. There are three churches: St. Mel’s Cathedral, St. Anne’s Church, Curry and St. Michael’s Church, Shroid. The priests of Longford Parish have also ministered for a number of years to the adjoining parish of Killashee & Clondra. There is also a chapel at St. Joseph’s Hospital served by the chaplain there, Fr. Jim Regan of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan. There is a Convent of Mercy and Mercy sisters living throughout the town. There are six National Schools, one Special School and three secondary schools amongst other educational initiatives.

It is a vibrant parish with many initiatives always ongoing by a people of deep faith rooted in a tradition that stretches from the time of St. Mel in the fifth century to the present day.