Two new priests ordained in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on June 14, 2026 by mediaccr

On Saturday, 13th June 2026, the Rev. Jean Taylor and the Rev. Alan Howe were ordained to the priesthood by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev. Dr Michael Jackson.

As the See of Cork, Cloyne and Ross is presently vacant following the retirement of the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, Archbishop Michael Jackson travelled to Cork to conduct the ordinations on behalf of the Church of Ireland.

The Archbishop presided at the liturgy, and the former Archbishop of Armagh, the Right Rev. Richard Clarke preached at the service. The Lay Vicars Choral of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral Choir sung under their Director of Music, Peter Stobart. The Rev. Martin Steele, Dean’s Vicar at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, sang the Litany.

Jean and Alan were presented for ordination by the Archdeacon, the Ven. Andrew Orr, as well as their respective sponsors. Parishioners, family and friends from all over the Diocese, as well as Diocesan Readers and clergy came to the cathedral to support them on this special day.

Captain Alan J. Howe

Alan Howe lives near Kilbrittain. He is the second son of the late James and Violet Howe. He has four siblings; two brothers live locally and the third lives in Dublin. His sister Jane is married to Canon Patrick Harvey who is Rector of Abbeyleix and Killermogh Union of Parishes. Alan is married to Olivia (nee Travers) and they have three children. Amy and Adam are in London, Rosie and Ian live near Ballylickey. Alan is a parishioner of Bandon Union of Parishes but has close family links to both Holy Trinity, Templetrine and the Church of the Ascension in Timoleague. He went to the National School in Timoleague. He attended Bandon Grammar School and Newtown School, Waterford. He was confirmed in Waterford Cathedral by Bishop John Armstrong in 1970. After leaving school in 1973 Alan was accepted for training as a Cadet within the Shell fleet. It was a career that was to span twenty-four years during which he attained a Certificate of Competency as Master Mariner. His first command in the fleet was in 1992. He joined Ostensjo Rederi AS in 1998, a company which provided marine services within the Port of Cork. He joined Fendercare Marine in 2002 as Berthing Master. Alan’s final career change occurred in 2007 when he joined Chevron Shipping as a Mooring Master. He worked in Nigeria and Angola and achieved the position of Senior Mooring Master before returning to the San Francisco office as Marine Superintendent, Terminal Advisor and Auditor. He retired in 2021 having completed forty seven years of marine service. Alan was licensed as a Diocesan Lay Reader by Bishop Robert Warke in 1998, was recommended by Bishop Paul Colton for training for Ordained Local Ministry in 2023 and ordained deacon in 2025. He will continue to serve as Ordained Local Minister in Bandon Union of Parishes.

Jean Taylor

Jean Taylor was born in the UK and has had a varied career, working in the Civil Service as a Judges’ Clerk in the County Court and then as an Editorial Assistant at the Sunday Telegraph in Fleet Street and subsequently in Canary Wharf. In 2004 Jean moved to Cobh and worked for Charles Daly, Solicitor. Then, from 2007 she worked at Fota Wildlife Park. During this time she qualified as a zookeeper and worked on the animal care team. She spent the last years before her retirement overseeing the Tropical house where she was responsible for the care of reptiles, fish and the sloths. One of the highlights of her career was hand rearing two cheetah cubs rejected by their mother. Jean has been a parishioner at Christ Church, Rushbrook, Cobh since 2019 and became a Church Warden in 2022. She also worships at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Feeling a call to Ordination she spent time in discernment and reflection and, having been encouraged by her Rector, she was accepted for training to the Ordained Local Ministry. Jean embarked on the training course at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in 2023 and was ordained deacon in 2025. She will continue to serve as Ordained Local Minister in Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes.

With special thanks to Eoin Murphy, Operations Manager at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, for the photographs.

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Two new priests to be ordained in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on June 6, 2026 by mediaccr

The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson, will travel to Cork on Saturday 13th June 2026 to ordain two new priests for ministry in the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. The Ordination Service will take place in Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, and will commence at 4pm.

The Rev. Jean Taylor and the Rev. Alan Howe after their ordination to the diaconate in June 2025.

The two candidates to be ordained are the Rev. Jean Taylor and the Rev. Alan Howe, who were ordained to the diaconate in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral last June and are currently serving in parishes across the Diocese. The Rev. Jean Taylor serves in Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes, while the Rev. Alan Howe serves in Bandon Union of Parishes.

As the See of Cork, Cloyne and Ross is presently vacant following the retirement of the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, Archbishop Michael Jackson will conduct the ordinations on behalf of the Church of Ireland.

Ordination to the priesthood marks a significant stage in ordained ministry, authorising priests to preside at the Holy Communion and undertake the full range of sacramental and pastoral responsibilities within the life of the Church.

Clergy, parishioners, family members and friends from across Cork, Cloyne and Ross are expected to gather for this joyful occasion. Anyone wishing to attend the service will be most welcome to do so, and all are invited to join in supporting and praying for Jean and Alan as they begin this new chapter of their ordained ministry.

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Unique Gift to Bishop Paul Colton from Saint Luke’s Home, Cork to mark his 27 years of Leadership of the Charity.

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Now in retirement, the former Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, and his wife, Mrs Susan Colton, were the guests of honour at a dinner hosted by the Board of Directors and management team of Saint Luke’s Charity and Saint Luke’s Home Cork, on Thursday, 28th May. Saint Luke’s Home, Cork is a 128 bed residential care facility for older people, specialising in dementia care, with a daycare facility and an education centre named Northridge House on its campus.

The charity was founded in 1872, and Bishop Colton is the longest serving President of the Charity and Home since then. More than that, he served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for most of that time also.

To mark that period of Bishop Colton’s hands-on leadership the Board commissioned a gift that is entirely unique – emblematic of the links of the Charity with Cork and with the Church of Ireland. A section of a wooden beam which supported the tenor bell in St Anne’s Church at Shandon since the bells were installed in 1752, and which was being replaced in the recent restoration work, was salvaged by Keith Starr of the contractors, Hearthstone, and has been specially turned to create a beautiful and bespoke gift for the Bishop by craftsman Ray Timmins.

At the presentation to the unique hand-crafted ‘bell’ made from wood from the old frame of the Shandon Bells, were (l-r). Patrick Mayes (Chairperson, Board of Directors of Saint Luke’s Home Cork CLG), Malcolm Tyrrell (Chairperson, Saint Luke’s Charity,Cork CLG ), Alan Campbell, Bishop Colton, Susan Colton, the Reverend Meghan Farr (Chaplain, Saint Luke’s Home) and CEO, Tony O’Brien.

It features a plinth beautifully turned from the beam, proudly showing the work undertaken by the beam over the centuries with water damage and nail holes still on display, adding to its unique beauty. Fitted to this plinth is a skillfully crafted replica of one of the bells of Shandon.  The gift is completed by a wooden pen, also crafted from the same beam, which rests on the plinth.  As St Luke’s Home has always been part of St Anne’s parish, this gift seems especially fitting and captures the history and essence of St Anne’s Church.

Receiving the gift, Bishop Colton said:

It am truly very moved by this thoughtful and unique gift with its profound connection to Shandon, the icon of Cork. There is nothing else like this anywhere in the world. Thank you very much.

The craftsman who created these pieces is Ray Timmins, whose wonderful mother-in-law was a beloved resident of St Luke’s Home until her sad passing in March.  Everyone is truly grateful to Ray for the skill, creativity and passion he poured into creating these beautiful pieces for Bishop Colton who has left his very definite mark on the development and well-being of the Home and its caring work.

Director of Saint Luke’s, Alan Campbell (left) presents the uniquely crafted gift to Bishop Colton, with Malcolm Tyrrell (Chairperson of the Board of Directors in succession ot the Bishop of Saint Luke’s Charity Cork CLG)

Describing the piece, Ray Timmins said:

The pieces are made from pine, a soft wood, with evidence of historical water damage at the side of the plinth (porous side). The black marks on the bell are the entry and exit points of the old nails holding the beam in place for centuries.

Replica of one of the Shandon Bells in Cork on a plinth, both made from wood salvaged during the restoration of the bellframe of the Shandon Bells, together with a pen crafted from the same wood, commissioned by the Board of Directors of Saint Luke’s Home, Cork as a gift to Bishop Paul Colton.

Speeches were made also by director, Alan Campbell, reminding people of the Bishop’s lifelong association with Fota Island (where the reception was held) through scouting, and by the new Chairperson of the Charity, Malcolm Tyrrell, who mentioned how hands-on the Bishop has been, and well-known to everyone in the Home over the years, and approachable by all.

CEO, Tony O’Brien said that he had worked with Paul Colton for 8 years and that he wanted to use these words to describe him at work in the Charity: ‘grounded, hard-working, wise, supportive, setting and expecting high standards’, and one quality he highlighted, in particular, he summed up in the word ‘grasp’. Tony told how he would frequently present the Bishop with a lengthy and complicated document, often complex and highly technical, and reading it in a matter of minutes, he had grasped the key issues from it which needed to be addressed. A tribute was also read from former CEO David O’Brien who was unable to be present.

In response, Bishop Colton emphasised that

This charity is the gospel in action. Our work has changed beyond recognition since I first started to chair the board 27 years ago, and even more so since I first visited the old Home on Military Hill as an 8 year old Cub Scout in the 1960s to sing Christmas Carols for the residents in those times.

The Home has become what it is because of the partnership with the residents themselves, their families, our generous volunteers, donors and fund-raisers, our professional and caring staff and management team, and also you the directors. Everyone of those people has – all of us have – one thing in common – we care – and we care most of all for the residents.

The gathering at Fota Island on Thursday 28th May of directors and management in honour of Bishop Paul and Mrs Susan Colton on the occasion of the bishop’s retirement as chairperson of the charity and President of the Home..
Posted in Bishop, Bishop Paul Colton, Bishops of Cork, Charities in the Diocese, People from Cork, People from the Diocese, Saint Luke's Charity, Saint Luke's Home, Saint Luke's Home Education Centre | Comments Off on Unique Gift to Bishop Paul Colton from Saint Luke’s Home, Cork to mark his 27 years of Leadership of the Charity.

New Representative for Children and Families Ministry in Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Posted on May 27, 2026 by mediaccr

The Rev. Elise Hanley, Rector of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes, has been appointed as the new Children and Families Ministry Representative for the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

The Church of Ireland Board for Ministry with Children and Families (CFM) exists to equip, resource and advocate for the increased welcome, enhanced inclusion, and full participation of children and their families in the whole life of the Church. Their vision is that every Church of Ireland parish, no matter how big or small, is equipped to provide vibrant and engaging ministry with children and families. The CFM representatives from each Diocese work together to promote, support and develop Children and Families ministry across the island of Ireland.

Upon her appointment, the Rev. Elise Hanley said:

I hope to continue and expand upon the excellent work already done by the Rev. Abigail Sines and the wonderful CFM Committee.

It is very important to me that children and families are not only welcomed in our churches, but fully integrated to a sense of true belonging.

While not a parent myself, I see the struggles and challenges faced by young families in our time that are different than what was typical even just 10 or 20 years ago.

I am very close with my brother back in New York, and he and his wife have two young girls. Through their experiences and the experiences of my other friends with children, I see how difficult it can be to both be a child and a parent in this time.

The Church needs to keep adapting to meet young families where they are at, to care for them, and help them walk the Way of the Gospel in Community.

I am grateful to have been asked by Bishop Paul to lead this important work in our Diocese.

The Rev. Elise Hanley, Rector of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes
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Journey of Hope: Christian Aid walk across the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross supports women rebuilding lives in Sierra Leone

Posted on May 18, 2026 by mediaccr

A diocesan fundraising walk in support of women and families in Sierra Leone is now underway across the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

The Rev. Tony Murphy and the Rev. Andrew Coleman began their Journey of Hope on Thursday, May 14, with a launch event at St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal, attended by the Mayor of Youghal, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley. Since then, the pair have continued their walk through parishes across the Diocese, including visits on Saturday to Carrigaline Union of Parishes and Templebreedy Union of Parishes, where they were joined by parishioners walking in solidarity with the communities affected by poverty and displacement in Sierra Leone.

The walks, which will continue throughout May and June, are raising awareness and funds for the LILOMA Project in Sierra Leone, supported through a partnership between the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Christian Aid Ireland, and the Bishop’s Appeal, the Church of Ireland’s World Development Fund.

The appeal was first launched by Bishop Paul Colton at the Cork Diocesan Synod in October 2024. The project’s name, LILOMA, means “hope” in the local Mende language.

The initiative supports women and families in Upper Malen Chiefdom in Sierra Leone’s Pujehun District, where communities continue to live with the consequences of conflict and land disputes linked to the expansion of large-scale palm oil plantations. Many families lost access to farmland and livelihoods, leaving households economically vulnerable and struggling to provide stability for their children.

One of those affected is Hawa Sannoh, who explained:

“My father’s land was sold without his consent. He used to have lots of land where he would grow palm oil, fruit and vegetables. He was left with nothing.”

Working with the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, the LILOMA Project helps women rebuild sustainable livelihoods and strengthen their communities. Existing savings groups are being developed into women-led enterprise clusters, providing training in business skills, governance, record-keeping and market engagement. The project also supports alternative income opportunities and livelihood diversification, helping women gain greater economic security and independence.

More than 350 women across ten communities are expected to benefit directly from the project.

Beyond addressing poverty, the initiative also seeks to strengthen dignity, resilience and peace within communities recovering from years of instability. Income generated through the women’s enterprises helps families provide food, pay school fees and support children’s education, while also reducing the pressures that economic hardship can place on households and communities.

This is not the first time that the Rev. Tony Murphy and the Rev. Andrew Coleman have undertaken a diocesan walking fundraiser in support of Christian Aid projects. In 2021, the pair visited all 22 parishes in Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocese while raising thousands of euro for Christian Aid’s work in Burundi.

The Sierra Leone appeal holds particular significance for both clergy members. Rev Tony Murphy served as a volunteer teacher in eastern Sierra Leone from 1977 to 1979, while Rev Andrew Coleman previously worked for more than twenty years with Christian Aid Ireland before being ordained into local ministry in the Diocese in 2025.

Rev Tony Murphy said:

“The Diocese has previously supported projects tackling poverty overseas, so I’m confident that parishioners will once again respond generously to help communities rebuilding their lives in Sierra Leone.”

Rev Andrew Coleman added:

“During my years with Christian Aid, I saw first-hand the impact these projects can have on communities facing hardship and hunger. Donations made here in Ireland genuinely help families rebuild their lives and create hope for the future.”

The diocesan walk will continue throughout May and June, eventually concluding at St Brendan’s Church in Crookhaven, the most westerly church in the Diocese, so they will have walked the entirety of the Diocese from East to West. Parishioners are invited to join sections of the walk locally and support the appeal through donations and prayer.

You can find more resources on our website.

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