Re:  Irish priest challenges authorities over ..:  Glad to hear a priest having the courage to speak out.  The article notes:  "In September 2014, two months before it was announced he had been appointed Archbishop of Cashel, then Bishop O’Reilly announced he was delaying introduction of the permanent diaconate there following strong protests by women mainly."  I remember the reporting on that episode, too, when the women of that diocese were angered at another area of responsibility and authority being opened to men but not women.  I think it is possible that Archb. O'Reilly could set up the system by which deacons could be selected and trained but make it open to women when Rome decides it is allowed.

In a recent follow-up item at the Irish Times on the same issue:  "The leadership of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) has said it fully supports a parish priest in Limerick who has publicly opposed moves in his diocese to have male-only deacons."