Stories from around the Church of Ireland Diocese of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert
The Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, the Rt Rev'd Michael Burrows, has appointed Revd Suzanne Cousins as Incumbent for the Aughaval Group of Parishes – Westport, Castlebar, Turlough and Dugout on Achill Island, in the Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. Suzanne spoke to Monica Morley about her appointment on the Faith Alive programme on Midwest Radio on Sunday 25th June 2023 and will be installed in Holy Trinity Church, Westport on 7th July 2023 at 7:30pm.
Bishop Michael has recently announced the appointment of two new Canons. Revd Canon Michael Cavanagh and Revd Canon Kevin O'Brien. Stephen Fletcher spoke to Canon Kevin O'Brien to find out something of the history behind this position and discover what a Canon is and what a Canon does.
Bishop Michael Burrows gives a reflection on Pentecost as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.
After the enthronement of Bishop Michael Burrows in Killaloe Cathedral Stephen Fletcher caught up with Dean Rod Smyth and talked about the enthronement, which was the first of three that the Dean will be carrying out before he retires as Dean and as Rector of Nenagh at the end of the month. We wish Rod and Rosemary a long and happy retirement. Broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on Sunday 15th May 2022
Stephen Fletcher spoke to the Church of Ireland Primate of Ireland, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Michael Jackson during his first visit to the new United Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. The Archbishop was in the diocese to for the Institution of Revd Canon Arthur Minion as Incumbent of the Parish of St Brendan in Birr, Co Offaly on 1st March 2022. Originally broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on Sunday 6th March 2022
Canon Patrick Comerford talks to Stephen Fletcher about the process of translating a Bishop in the Church of Ireland and looks at the history of the process. Patrick then talks about his earlier career as a journalist starting off working on local papers and then becoming the Foreign Desk Editor of the Irish Times before he became a lecturer and professor of theology. In the original interview, which was broadcast on Clare FM on Sunday 13th February, Patrick chose a piece of music which for rights reasons cannot be included in full in the podcast however I include a link to hear Leonard Cohen Dance Me to the End of Love on Spotify.
On Friday 14th January 2022 it was announced that Michael Burrows, the present Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory had been elected as bishop of the United Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. Here Bishop Michael talks to Alan Morrissey about his new role. Originally Broadcast on Morning Focus on Clare FM on Tuesday 18th January 2022.
During the Episcopal vacancy in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe the Archbishop of Dublin has appointed the Dean of St Mary's Cathedral Limerick to act as his commissary. Here the Very Revd Niall Sloane delivers a Christmas message.
Before Bishop Kenneth retired at the end of October he recorded this three part interview with Mary Fagan of Radio Kerry. It was broadcast on the Horizons Programme on Sunday 31st October. Our thanks to Mary Fagan for letting us use this interview.
On Sunday 31st October there was an historic service at St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick. It was a service to mark the retirement of Bishop Kenneth as our diocesan bishop and it was also the last Diocesan service for the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, that is because at midnight on 31st October our diocese amalgamated with the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry to form the United Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. The service was introduced by the Dean of Limerick, the Very Reverend Niall Sloane.
St Columba's church in Bindon St Ennis is celebration its 150th anniversary with a series of concerts the first of which was given by the Teachers from the Clare Music Makers. You can hear some of the music played and interviews with the Head of the Music Makers Michelle Hennessy as well as two of the Teachers, Adrian Ivicevic and Adityaya Mukherji.
At the end of October the Bishops of the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe and the Diocese of Tuam, Killala & Achonry are both retiring. Then the two dioceses will merge into a single diocese under one new bishop. Stephen Fletcher talks to Revd Canon Patrick Comerford to find out the process of electing a new bishop in the Church of Ireland. Broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on Sunday 3rd October 2021
Bishop Kenneth was interviewed about his retirement and the reorganisation of the Dioceses of Limerick and Killaloe with the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry. The Bishop was interviewed on Clare FM Morning Focus on Monday 21st June 2021
At the Diocesan Council Meeting of the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe Bishop Kenneth Kearon announced his intention to retire on 31st October. At a similar council meeting in the Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, Bishop Patrick Rooke also announced his intention to retire on the same date. Stephen Fletcher spoke to Bishop Kenneth just after he made the announcement.
After the reopening of our churches Stephen Fletcher talks to Revd John Godfrey as two Galway parishes will celebrate the completion of a one thousand kilometre journey in prayer, with the launch of a new YouTube video called 1000K to Pray. Featuring inspirational photographs of the East Galway landscape and the music of renowned guitarist John Feeley, 1000K to Pray chronicles the daily prayers of two clergy who ran 1000 kilometres together over the last seven months of lockdown. It includes a series of 225 prayer-postcards, which invite a daily meditation on the Bible readings of the Church Lectionary through the lens of the natural world, in all its changing lights and seasons. The initiative is the culmination of an appeal called 3K a Day to Pray, which was launched in October 2020 when churches were closed under Level 3 Coronavirus restrictions. At that time Reverend John Godfrey (Church of Ireland rector of the Aughrim and Creagh Parish Unions) and Father Gerard Geraghty (Roman Catholic Parish Priest of Aughrim and Kilconnell Parish) promised to run three kilometres each day to pray for their parishes; stepping up to five kilometres a day during Level 5 restrictions. “Realising how hard lockdown could be, we wanted to encourage our parishioners to join us in taking active steps to look after their mental, physical and spiritual health,” explains Father Gerard Geraghty. “Every day we sent out a prayer postcard, as a way of focussing our prayers and staying connected,” reflects Reverend John. “When lockdown seemed to be going on forever, the postcards reminded us that we were still moving forwards.” The 3K a Day to Pray appeal also proved an important way of fundraising, at a time when normal church giving had dried up. To date, it has raised over €15,000 towards the running costs of the local churches. 1000K to Pray is available to view on the Aughrim and Creagh Parish YouTube channel. For further information, or to donate, visit 3K a Day to Pray on GoFundMe.com. You can see the 1000k to Pray Video HERE
Stephen Fletcher talks to Aidan O'Sullivan from Church of Ireland community in Spanish Point about plans to repair and refurbish the 12th Century St Fachtnan's cathedral in Kilfenora, which has been a place of worship since the 5th century.
Rt. Revd Kenneth Keiron the Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe looks back over the past year and brings hope for the future in this Easter reflection.
Stephen Fletcher talks to Dr Gladys Ganiel who is a Lecturer and researcher at Queens University Belfast in the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace Security and Justice. One of her research interests is the role of religion on the Island of Ireland and last month saw the publication of her report on how Churches on the Island of Ireland have been coping and reacting to the pandemic. You can find the report HERE This podcast was originally broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on Sunday 14th February, you can hear the full programme HERE
Joanne O'Brien talks to Brenda Kindreghan about the relevance of St Brigid for us today.
Fr Gerry Kenny talks to Dr Susan O'Brien, the Ecumenism Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, about plans involving the Church of Ireland in a joint initiative for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. First broadcast on Clare FM Beyond Belief on Sunday 17th January 2021
Back in the Summer Stephen Fletcher spoke to Revd Annmarie Stuart and Revd Isabel Keegan, who had been Franciscan Sisters in the Roman Church, about their ordination in the Anglican Church. He updated the interview by talking again to Revd Annmarie about the the role she had played 40 years ago advising the Archbishop of Canterbury on the role of women in the early church. Originally broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare.FM on Sunday 10th January 2021
Stephen Fletcher talks to Revd Paul Fitzpatrick about the work of the Haven Hub in Limerick. The charity supports people who are self harming or contemplating suicide as well as those suffering from mental illness and depression . The charity has seen an increase in people seeking their help since the pandemic. You can find out more about the charity HERE https://havenhub.ie/ Their phone number is 085 2019 250 This interview was first broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM Sunday 10th January 2021
Bishop Kenneth looks back over a challenging year and reminds us that New Years Day is also World Peace Day. He calls for us all to renew our commitment to peace in our homes, in our nation and internationally.
Bishop Kenneth reflects on what has been a very difficult year and and thinks about the hopes and fears we have all had and how the birth of Jesus shows God's transforming love for us all.
To commemorate and remember all those who have died in their Dioceses as a result of the Covid 19 Pandemic this year the Catholic Diocese of Killaloe and the Anglican Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe have come together with Clare.FM and Tipp.FM to produce a day of prayer and remembrance. This short commemoration was broadcast on ClareFM and TippFM on Friday evening 20th November 2020.
Revd John Godfrey the Rector of the Aughrim and Creagh Group of Parishes updates Stephen Fletcher on the 3K a Day to Pray Initiative now that there are Tier 5 restrictions in place. You can find out more at https://uk.gofundme.com/f/3k-a-day-to-pray-aughrim-amp-creagh-parish-unions
The Venerable Terry Mitchell who was recently appointed Archdeacon of Killaloe talks to Stephen Fletcher about how he sees the role and his journey from South Africa to the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe. First broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on Sunday 8th November 2020.
The Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions introduced around the country last week mean that churches cannot currently open for public worship, with the exception of weddings and funerals. But the local clergy in the East Galway village of Aughrim are keen to remind people that that their parishes are still running and their churches are still active. That’s why Reverend John Godfrey (the Church of Ireland Rector of the Aughrim & Creagh Parish Unions) and Father Gerard Geraghty (the Roman Catholic Parish Priest of Aughrim & Kilconnell Parish) are teaming up to run 3 kilometres a day to pray for their parishes, throughout Level 3. John Godfrey talks to Stephen Fletcher about this ecumenical project. The link to donate is here 3K a Day to Pray – Aughrim & Creagh Parish Unions
Sr Isabel and Sr Annmarie are Fransican Sisters who were members of the Roman Catholic Church but are now ordained priests in the Church of Ireland where they minister to the parishes of St. Cartach's in Castlemaine and St. Michael's in Killorglin in Co.Kerry. In Part 1 of this podcast (HERE) they talked to Stephen Fletcher about their parishes and living on the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle peninsular and the Wild Atlantic Way. In Part 2 of this Podcast the Sisters talk candidly about being Franciscan Nuns and their faith journey from the Roman Catholic Church to being ordained priests in the Church of Ireland. This interview was originally broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on 4th October 2020 - The Feast Day of St Francis
In this Part 1 Podcast Sister Isabel and Sister Annmarie talk about their parishes of St. Cartach's in Castlemaine and St. Michael's in Killorglin and living on the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle peninsular and the Wild Atlantic Way. St Michael's is a modern church which was built by the parishioners and is the only church in the Church of Ireland which was constructed in the last 40 years. Listen to Part 2 of this Podcast (HERE) where the Sisters talk candidly about being Franciscan Nuns and their faith journey from the Roman Catholic Church to being ordained priests in the Church of Ireland. This interview was originally broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on 4th October 2020 - The Feast Day of St Francis
Hear the Funeral Service for The Venerable Wayne Carney, Ardeacon of Killaloe and Rector of Birr. The Service took place in St Mary's Cathedral Limerick under Covid-19 restrictions. It was streamed live on the Cathedral video facility from where the audio is taken.
The Venerable Wayne Carney The death has occurred of The Venerable Wayne Carney, the Archdeacon of Killaloe and Rector of Birr. He passed away unexpectedly yesterday 10thAugust at home. Bishop Kenneth Kearon said: “It’s impossible to describe the shock and sadness we all feel at Wayne’s sudden passing. He was a good and loyal friend, a true pastor and an able and caring Archdeacon. He will be greatly missed by the church communities in Birr and beyond where his ecumenical commitment and community engagement was well known. He served his diocese in many roles and was widely known and respected throughout the church and in wider society. Please do pray for his wife Norma-Jean, their daughter Kathleen (in France) and son Brian (in Canada) and their families, and Wayne’s wider family at this sad time. May he rest in peace.” Wayne was ordained in 1984 in Canada and came to Ireland in 1995, first as Rector in the Clonfert Group of Parishes. He was appointed Archdeacon of Killaloe in 2002 and was installed as Rector of Birr in 2003. He has been a member of the Chapter of St Patrick’s Cathedral since 2012. The Dean of Killaloe, Very Revd Rod Smyth, is working with the family on the funeral arrangements which will be announced later.How Clare FM reported the death of the venerable Archdeacon of Killaloe and Rector of Birr. from the main 1pm News on 11th August 2020.
Pius Murray organises Walks in the Burren and talks to Stephen Fletcher about his early life, his time as a teacher and how he came to set up Walk with Pius. You can hear him talk about some of his walks HERE, HEREand HERE
Bishop Fintan recently announced the appointment of Dr Susan O'Brien as the Ecumenism Officer to the Diocese of Killaloe. Dr O'Brien is the wife of the Church of Ireland Rector of Ennis Revd Kevin O'Brien and talks to Stephen Fletcher about her new role.
In this third episode Pius Murray takes us on another walk in the Burren and takes us around the Templecronan Loop See more at https://walkwithpius.com/ Broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on 31st May 2020
Andy Rooney was an American Radio and Television writer who was best known for his weekly broadcast, ‘A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney’ as part of the CBS ‘Sixty Minutes’ News programme from the years 1978 to 2011. He was well known for his great lines. Joanne shares with us some of the wisdom Andy Rooney learned from his 92 years on this planet.
In this second episode Pius Murray takes us on another walk in the Burren and tells the story of Colman's Bed. See more at https://walkwithpius.com/ Broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on 17th May 2020
Revd Jim Stephens, the Rector of the Tralee and Dingle Group of Parishes, talks about what is happening in his parishes. Recorded in May 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Pius Murray tells the story of his walk in the Burren and his discovery of Iníon Baoith’s Holy Well. Broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on 3rd May 2020
In Beyond Belief this Sunday, Fr Gerry Kenny is in Kilkee and Stephen Fletcher is in Hertfordshire in UK. They talk about how church communities in Ireland and UK are dealing with isolation, bereavement and domestic violence and hear from a 99 year old army veterain who is walking every day to raise money for the Health Service in England. The total raised is now over £28m.
Revd Ann Marie Stuart from Kilcolman parish talks to Mary Fagan about isolation during this pandemic and reflects on fear. Broadcast on Horizons on Radio Kerry on Easter Day 12th April 2020.
During this Easter like no other Bishop Kenneth sends us his Easter Message of hope.
Bishop Kenneth talks to Joe Nash about the realities of celebrating Easter when everyone is affected by Covid-19. It was broadcast on Limerick's Live95 on Good Friday 10th April 2020
Fr Gerry Kenny and Stephen Fletcher introduce a Coronavirus Special programme from Kilrush.
Fr Brendan Quinlivan, the Communications Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Killaloe and Stephen Fletcher the Communications Officer of the Anglican Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe discuss communications in Rural Ireland. This podcast is taken from the Clare FM Sunday evening programme Beyond Belief on 8th March 2020.
Fr Brendan Quinlivan, Brendan O'Brien and Stephen Fletcher discuss what is happening in the Anglican Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe. Broadcast on Beyond Belief on Clare FM on Sunday 8th March 2020
Fr Brendan Quinlivan, the Communications Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Killaloe and Stephen Fletcher the Communications Officer of the Anglican Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe discuss communications in Rural Ireland. This podcast is taken from the Clare FM Sunday evening programme Beyond Belief on 8th March 2020.
In the Diocese of Killaloe, the Nenagh Union has three churches in Killodiernan, St Marys, Nenagh and Templederry and members from each of these parishes come together to form the Nenagh Union Choir. Rosemary Smyth, whose husband is Rector of the Nenagh Union, is currently the Director of the Choir which has 18 adult singers together with a Senior Girls’ Choir with eight teenage members, as well as a Children’s Choir which rehearses prior to major Services such as Confirmation, Christmas, GFS Enrolments etc. Nenagh has just had an Advent Carol Service, and a Service of Nine lessons and Carols where the combined choirs totalled 35 in number with ages ranging from 4 to 89! The choirs sing a broad range of music, from Plainsong and Taizé, to living composers such as John Bell and Bernadette Farrell. They also sing a simple setting of most parts of the Eucharist, and they find that the congregation is now heartily joining in with the Gloria and plainsong responses in the sursum corda! For the past two years the Union Choir has competed in Limerick Choral Festival. On both occasions they were awarded first place in the hymn singing category, and second place in the part-singing section. They also received a highly commended in the plainsong section! They have also sung Choral Evensong in Killaloe Cathedral. Being a Union of Parishes means that they only have the full choir present in St Mary’s, Nenagh on certain Sundays in the month as choir members like to attend their own local parish church. This inevitably means that Rosemary, who is also the organist, has to rush off from one service to the next, making it impossible to rehearse with children on a Sunday after church. Rosemary says that they only have two men in their choir. One tenor, and one bass who happens to be the Rector, so that can be interesting if they are trying to sing a sung part of a service and the bass part is coming from a different part of the church! Anyone interested in joining the Choir should contact the Rector. The Choir is a great bunch of enthusiastic and interesting characters all keen to do their best and make music to the glory of God.
The Church of Ireland Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe Rt Revd Kenneth Kearon delivers his New Year 2020 Message..
On a recent visit to Ennis Fr Peter McVerry sat down and spoke to Brendan O'Brien about his childhood, his education and his campaigning for the homeless.
Over 1000 people visited this years Christmas Tree Festival in St Columba's church in Binden St in Ennis. There were 18 trees decorated by different community groups from Co Clare. Each of the visitors were given the chance to vote for their favourite decorated tree and 755 votes were cast. Listen here to hear the result recvealed on Clare FM!
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