In 2005 Wenski supplied $1.5 million of diocesan funds for the new school.

Tradition states that he helped all in distress, using diocesan funds to free hostages from pirates.

This money did not come from the Stewardship Appeal or from any diocesan funds designated for charitable or pastoral work.

The rest came from diocesan funds, United Way contributions and individual donations.

Since the mid-19th century, however, the Church has made various moves to 'equalise' the situation and clergy within each diocese now receive standard stipends paid from diocesan funds.

At the time, diocesan funds were heavily committed to finishing the cathedral in Thurles and with resources stretched the bishop dispatched the local priests on fund-raising drives to America.

Dr Casey 'had', of course, Annie Murphy, a liaison that produced a son whom he supported by dipping into diocesan funds.

The diocesan self-insurance fund, ultimately financed by parishioners, is paying the bill.

They said local people would not like to see such a waste of money (even though it would not come from local diocesan funds, whereas the cost of demolition would).

Weakland's retirement was overshadowed by revelations that he paid $450,000 of diocesan funds to a former male lover to prevent a lawsuit.