The Bishop issued a pastoral letter and announced to members of his diocese in St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, that he would retire on July 31st, one week after his 67th birthday.

Originally from Cork, Bishop Darling was educated in Midleton College in Cork, St John's School, Leatherhead in England, and Trinity College, Dublin. He followed his father, Vivian Darling, who was Archdeacon of Cloyne, into the ministry. His maternal grandfather, Dr William Edward Flewett, was Bishop of Cork from 1933 to 1938.

Bishop Darling was ordained deacon in 1956 and Priest in 1957. He served as Curate of St. Luke's, Belfast (Connor) from 1956-1959, St. John's, Orangefield (Down) from 1959-1962, Curate-in-Charge of St. Gall's, Carnalea (Down) from 1962-1972 and as Incumbent of St. John's, Malone (Connor) from 1972-1985.

He was consecrated as Bishop of the united dioceses of Limerick, Ardfert, Aghadoe, Killaloe, Kilfenora, Clonfert, Kilmacduagh and Emly in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin on St. Andrew's Day, 30th November, 1985.

The Bishop is married to Patricia Mann, and they have three sons and two daughters. He said he would be spending part of his retirement gardening and being more relaxed than he has been after doing a lot of travelling.

Bishop Darling is editor of the new edition of the Church of Ireland's Church Hymnal which will be published in September. He also edited 'Irish Church Praise' which was published in 1990. His other publications include 'Choosing the Hymns', published 1984.

The Bishop has been outspoken on education matters, ecumenical relations and the North. At the General Synod 1998 he strongly opposed proposals for a reduction in the number of dioceses from 12 to 10.

His successor will be elected by the Episcopal Electoral College, consisting of representatives from the dioceses of the Province of Dublin.