 From London, he returned to his native Kerry in August 1974 to become Diocesan Secretary to Bishop Eamon Casey.During that time he also served as Chaplain to St. Mary of the Angels, Beaufort, a home for children with learning disabilities.The Holy See chose him as Coadjutor Archbishop of Cashel and Emly on 17 December 1985 and he was consecrated on 9 March 1986.