The number of people identifying as Roman Catholics dropped by 10% in last year's Census.
A belief the church 'has too much power' is one of the main reasons for a decline in the number of people identifying as Roman Catholic.
That's according to Athlone priest, Father Pierre Pepper, after new figures from the Census have shown a 10% decline compared to 2016.
Three point six million people identified as Roman Catholic on Census day last year, which represents 69% of the population.
But Father Pepper says it's not a surprise, for anyone that has been paying attention:
Man Convicted Of Assault Remains Offaly GAA Club Treasurer
SIPTU President Pledges Focus On Housing
Public Consultations Set For Midlands Windfarm Project
Sinn Féin Pushes For Action On Garda Staffing Shortages
Support Programme For Former Fastway Workers To Launch In The Midlands
Midlands Schools Secure Funding For Summer Improvement Projects
Former Offaly GAA Chair Headlines 'Breakfast And Banter' Event
Westmeath Pharmacist Urges Older People To Get Flu Vaccine
Mental Health Charity Urges People To Consider Alcohol Free Christmas
Lands Of Offaly Farmer Flood Completely Following Heavy Rain
Tánaiste Takes Finance Portfolio In Cabinet Shuffle
Offaly Instructor Labels New Driving Test Rules As ‘Long Overdue’
Offaly Boy Given All Clear After Life Saving Surgery
Offaly TD Calls For Emergency Following UK Asylum Reforms
Enoch Burke Sent Back To Prison For Fourth Time
Offaly County Council Announces 5% Budget Increase For 2026
Temperatures To Drop As Bitter Cold Snap Arrives
Three People Hospitalised Following Midlands Garda Car Collision
Offaly Food Plant Workers To Extend Strike Into Weekend
Westmeath Man Urges Men Over 45 To Get Prostate Checks