develop the permanent diaconate in his diocese and in June 2014 ordained two men for service in the Diocese of Dromore. In February 2018, McAreavey was the subject of intense media scrutiny over his handling of the allegations of child sex scandal by a priest of his diocese, Malachy Finnegan. Although not accused of sexual misconduct himself, he denied knowing about paedophile priest, Finnegan, despite media disclosure to the contrary. McAreavey had already concelebrated Mass in 2000 with Finnegan, in Hilltown, Co. Down and was celebrant officiating at the Funeral Mass of the known abuser in 2002. He sent his resignation from his role as Bishop of Dromore on 1 March 2018 to Pope Francis who accepted it on the 26th of the same month. References External links 1949 births Living people 21st-century Roman Catholic bishops in Ireland People from Banbridge Roman Catholic bishops of Dromore Alumni of St Patrick's College, Maynooth Pontifical Gregorian University alumni