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From The Archives: Laois priest the main interview on Ireland’s most listened to Podcast – The 2 Johnnies

The 2 Johnnies Podcast Fr David Vard

Back in Augustof 2023, The 2 Johnnies had a Laois Priest on their podcast.

Fr David Vard appeared on Ireland’s most listened to podcast and proved a big hit.


The latest episode of Ireland’s most popular Podcast features a voice that is very well known to people in Laois.

Fr David Vard is the main interview on the latest edition of The 2 Johnnies Podcast.

A native of Kildare, Fr Vard had been stationed in the Portlaoise Parish since 2017.

The youngest priest in Ireland when originally ordained, has just become Apostolic administrator in Stradbally (while assisting in the wider Portlaoise Pastoral Area).

Several months ago, Fr Vard wrote into the show following a discussion the lads had had about the priesthood.

At the time, he explained how much he loved listening to them and how he hoped to attend their show in Cork but it was due to clash with a friends wedding.

Johnny O’Brien said on that episode that the lads would love to get him on – and so they have.

This is not Fr Vard’s Podcast debut however – as Paul Downey had him on the LaoisToday Podcast back in 2021. 

Johnny ‘Smacks’ O’Brien introduced Fr Vard and explained how just 2.5% of Catholic priests currently serving in Ireland are under the age of 40.

He said: “Last year, just ten men began training to be a priest – so for the smaller number of men, what is life like for them?

“Fr David Vard is one such person as he is 31 and currently serving as a priest in Laois.”

To listen to Fr Vard’s interview, you must have a Spotify account and you can listen to it by clicking here.

SEE ALSO – Fr Paddy – Room in the church for everyone