The Archbishop of Armagh was taken by ambulance to Craigavon Area Hospital when he began feeling weak at a Confirmation ceremony in the parish church of Kildress, Co Tyrone.

He was discharged by doctors after a medical assessment and is now resting at home in Armagh.

The 70-year-old said: "I wish to thank the staff for their kindness and care during my time at the hospital. I am also grateful for the prayerful support and good wishes that I have received."

Cardinal Brady has been under intense pressure in the last month after admitting holding secret interviews with two young victims of one of the Church's most heinous sex abusers, the late Brendan Smyth, in the 1970s.

Father Patrick Hughes, parish priest of Kildress, said the Cardinal started feeling weak towards the end of the Confirmation service, shortly before 6pm on Tuesday night.

Up to six members of the congregation came to his aid as he began feeling unwell, including a number of nurses.

Fr Hughes, who had to finish the Mass, said the Cardinal was placed on the ground "but he remained conscious at all times".

The primate has faced down calls for his resignation over the disclosures that he failed to report complaints of abuse made against Smyth to gardai.

He has said he will address the issue on Pentecost Sunday, May 23.