This would not be possible if Dr Martin had not done his clean-up.
His strategy divided clergy and bishops alike, many of whom felt he was too much in the pocket of abuse survivors.
Among the wider faithful, he was well-liked and will be missed. Archbishop Martin turned 75 in April and, as required by church law, tendered his resignation, though he had already told Pope Francis long before that of his wish to retire.
If Diarmuid Martin inherited a poison chalice in 2003, Dermot Farrell’s glass is half full.
The appointment is one of the most significant in the Irish Church involving oversight of up to one million Catholics in what is the most secular Irish diocese.