Latest News from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

Journey of Hope Reaches Crookhaven as Liloma Walk Raises More Than €7,500

Posted on July 10, 2026 by mediaccr

After eight weeks, twenty organised walks and visits to every parish across the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Liloma Journey of Hope came to a joyful conclusion last Sunday, 5th July 2026, with a service of Compline in St Brendan’s Church, Crookhaven, the most westerly church in the Diocese.

Beginning on 14 May at St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal, the Diocese’s most easterly church, the pilgrimage took the Revd Tony Murphy and the Revd Andrew Coleman through all 22 parishes of the Diocese. Along the way they met parishioners, shared the story of the Liloma Project in Sierra Leone, walked in solidarity with communities rebuilding their lives after conflict, and encouraged support for Christian Aid and the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal.

The journey concluded having raised an estimated more than €7,500, with further donations still to be counted.

Walking in Hope

The Liloma Project is a partnership between the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and Christian Aid Ireland.

Liloma, meaning “hope” in the Mende language of Sierra Leone, supports women in Upper Malen Chiefdom as they rebuild livelihoods following the loss of two thirds of arable land to a Palm Oil Multinational leading many families without reliable access to farmland or stable sources of income.

Working through the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, the project strengthens women’s savings groups into enterprise clusters, providing training, practical support and opportunities to develop sustainable livelihoods. By helping women establish secure incomes, the project enables families to provide food, education and stability for future generations while contributing to peace and reconciliation within their communities.

Throughout the Journey of Hope, Tony and Andrew explained the work of the project in each parish, inviting participants to walk as a visible expression of solidarity with sisters and brothers in Sierra Leone.

From East to West

The pilgrimage stretched from the shores of Youghal to the rugged coastline of West Cork, with every parish offering its own distinctive welcome.

There were presentations in parish halls and churches, walks through towns, villages and woodland paths, opportunities to visit local schools, and countless conversations over tea and refreshments. Parishioners joined for short sections or longer walks, learning more about the Liloma Project and the difference their support can make.

Among the many memorable moments were a walk through Ballybrack Woods following services in Douglas, a stroll around Rosscarbery Lagoon, the ringing of the Sam Maguire Bells in Dunmanway, generous hospitality across West Cork, and the final walk into Crookhaven before Compline in St Brendan’s Church.

The campaign was formally launched in Youghal by the Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Mary Lenihan Foley, together with Archdeacon Andrew Orr, now Bishop-elect of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

More Than a Fundraiser

While fundraising formed an important part of the initiative, the organisers emphasised that the walks were about much more than financial support.

The Revd Tony Murphy explained:

“Our objectives in visiting each parish were threefold: to help people understand the Liloma Project, to walk in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Sierra Leone, and to encourage support for the work. The generosity we have encountered throughout the Diocese has been deeply heartening, and the welcome we received everywhere has been quite extraordinary.”

For Tony, the project carries particular significance, having served as a volunteer teacher in Sierra Leone from 1977 to 1979. Andrew also brought considerable experience to the initiative, having worked with Christian Aid Ireland for more than twenty years before his ordination to local ministry.

Reflecting on the completion of the pilgrimage, Andrew Coleman said:

“Reaching Crookhaven after visiting every parish across the Diocese was a wonderful way to conclude the Journey of Hope. Everywhere we went we experienced tremendous generosity, hospitality and encouragement. It has been a privilege to walk alongside so many people while sharing the story of Liloma and standing in solidarity with communities in Sierra Leone. We are immensely grateful to everyone who welcomed us, walked with us and supported this appeal.”

A Diocese Walking Together

The Journey of Hope demonstrated once again the generosity and commitment of parishes across Cork, Cloyne and Ross in supporting communities beyond our own shores. By walking together, participants not only raised vital funds but also strengthened the partnership between the Diocese, Christian Aid Ireland, the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal and the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone.

As further donations continue to be received, the final total will be announced in due course. Every contribution will help women in Upper Malen Chiefdom build sustainable livelihoods, support their families and create new opportunities for future generations. Liloma means hope. Over the past eight weeks, that hope has been carried, quite literally, from the easternmost to the westernmost corner of the Diocese, one step at a time.

Posted in Christian Aid, Liloma | Comments Off

Behind the Scenes at ACC-19

Posted on July 6, 2026 by mediaccr

The Dean of Cloyne, the Very Rev. Susan Green reflects on helping to host the Anglican Communion in Belfast

As the nineteenth meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-19) concluded in Belfast, members of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross played an important part not only in the Council’s discussions, but also in the planning and delivery of this significant gathering of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Hosted by the Church of Ireland from 27 June to 5 July, ACC-19 brought together bishops, clergy and lay representatives from across the Anglican Communion under the theme “Called to One Hope“ (Ephesians 4:4-6). Throughout the week, delegates shared in worship, Bible study, discussion and decision-making while exploring some of the most pressing issues facing the Church today, including creation care, safeguarding, reconciliation, migration, discipleship and the future life of the Anglican Communion. Consideration was also given to the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, which seek to strengthen relationships across the Communion while reflecting its growing diversity.

Among those from Cork, Cloyne and Ross involved in the gathering was the Very Revd Susan Green, Dean of Cloyne, who served as a member of the Church of Ireland planning group responsible for organising ACC-19.

For more than two years, Dean Green worked alongside colleagues across the Church of Ireland in preparing every aspect of the conference. This included planning the liturgies for the daily programme of Morning Prayer, Lunchtime Eucharists and Evening Prayer, as well as helping to coordinate the many practical arrangements required to welcome delegates from across the Anglican Communion.

During the conference itself, members of the Church of Ireland host team worked throughout the week to support delegates, coordinating airport arrivals and departures, assisting with the programme and facilitating a wide range of events. They also helped organise the pilgrimage day to Derry/Londonderry, where delegates learned about the Church’s ministry of peace and reconciliation, and arranged a varied programme of evening fringe events celebrating the culture and heritage of Ireland, including walking tours of Belfast, linen painting, St Brigid’s Cross making and visits to sites associated with C.S. Lewis.

Reflecting on ACC-19, the Very Rev. Susan Green said:

ACC-19 was an extraordinary experience. It was a privilege to worship, pray and deliberate alongside Anglicans from across the Communion, hearing about the many different contexts in which the Church serves around the world. The Nairobi-Cairo Proposals prompted thoughtful and hopeful discussion about the future of our life together, while themes such as climate change were woven throughout the conference. It was particularly encouraging to see Andrew sharing our Diocese’s Communion Forest initiative as part of those conversations. The week concluded with a joyful Eucharist in St Anne’s Cathedral, followed by a closing dinner, bringing to an end a remarkable gathering of the worldwide Anglican family.

Also representing the Diocese were Helen Arnopp, a member of the Representative Church Body Executive Committee, and Bishop-elect Canon Andrew Orr, who contributed to a presentation on the Anglican Communion’s response to climate change. The full report on it can be found here.

The Irish Team with the Archbishop of Canterbury (centre left) including Bishop-elect Canon Andrew Orr and the Very Rev. Susan Green (first and second from the right). Photo Credit: Neil Turner / ACC-19

The Council concluded with the passing of a number of resolutions and elections to the Standing Committee before delegates gathered in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, for the Closing Eucharist. The service was celebrated by Archbishop Hosam Naoum, Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East, with the sermon preached by Archbishop Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury. Delegates were then commissioned to return to their own provinces, carrying forward the conversations, friendships and shared commitment to the Church’s mission that had characterised the week together.

ACC-19 reflected the remarkable breadth of the Anglican Communion, bringing together representatives from churches serving in widely differing contexts across the world. Through worship, conversation and shared discernment, delegates explored how Anglicans can continue to learn from one another while remaining united in their common calling to proclaim the Gospel and serve their communities. For Cork, Cloyne and Ross, it was a privilege both to contribute to those conversations and to play a part in welcoming the Anglican Communion to the island of Ireland.

Posted in Anglican Communion, Anglicanism, Church of Ireland, Dean of Cloyne | Comments Off

Cork, Cloyne and Ross represented at ACC-19

Posted on July 5, 2026 by mediaccr

The United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross have been well represented at the nineteenth meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-19), which took place in Belfast from 28 June to 4 July 2026.

The Anglican Consultative Council is one of the four Instruments of Communion of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Meeting every three years, it brings together bishops, clergy and lay representatives from across the Communion to worship together, strengthen relationships and discuss the mission and ministry of the Church in today’s world. This year’s gathering focused on themes including discipleship, reconciliation, peace building, mission and creation care, bringing together Anglicans from more than 165 countries.

Among those representing the Church of Ireland and in particular the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross was Bishop-elect Canon Andrew Orr, who contributed to a session exploring the Anglican Communion’s response to climate change. Canon Orr shared one of the Diocese’s own initiatives, through which a tree is planted for every person confirmed, offering a practical example of how local churches can care for creation while marking significant moments in the life of faith. His presentation formed part of a wider conversation on how churches across the Anglican Communion are responding to the environmental challenges facing the world.

The Ven. Andrew Orr, Archdeacon and Bishop-elect of Cork, Cloyne and Ross in the Church of Ireland speaks during the Global Conversations Environment session on Day 3 of the nineteenth Anglican Consultative Conference held at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast. Tuesday 30 June 2026. Photo: Neil Turner for ACO

Andrew was accompanied by his wife, the Very Rev. Susan Green, who previously represented the Diocese at ACC-18 in Ghana in 2023, continuing Cork, Cloyne and Ross’s longstanding participation in the life of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Also attending ACC-19 was Helen Arnopp, who participated in her role as a member of the Representative Church Body Executive Committee.

The Diocese was pleased to be represented at this important gathering of the worldwide Anglican Communion and to contribute to discussions on the Church’s mission and ministry in the years ahead.

Posted in Anglican Communion, Bishop | Comments Off

St Fin Barre’s Cathedral Choir BBQ

Posted on July 2, 2026 by mediaccr

The choir year ended in style once again at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral with the annual barbecue for families and friends. The services that day, Sunday 21st June, had included Jonathan’s Dove’s Missa brevis and John Ireland’s Greater love sung by the girls at the morning Choral Eucharist, and Evensong included the canticles by Stanford in B flat and the anthem Evening Hymn by Balfour Gardiner, sung by the boy choristers.

This year’s barbecue included a bouncy castle, back by popular demand, and both adults and youngsters alike attempted to stay upright. The cathedral’s Director of Music, Peter Stobart thanked the choristers, the Lay Vicars Choral and all of the parents for their hard work throughout the year. Mr Matthew Breen, Assistant Director of Music, was also thanked for his three and a half years of service. Matthew is moving to Bradford Cathedral, UK in September and we wish him well.

Posted in Cathedral Choir, Special Events, Summer | Comments Off

A Voice in the Garden – Lapp’s Court Residents celebrate the Feast of St John the Baptist outdoors

Posted on June 26, 2026 by mediaccr

Yesterday, 25th June 2026, the residents of Lapp’s Court gathered beneath the shade of a beautiful tree for a special outdoor celebration of the Holy Eucharist, enjoying glorious summer weather and warm fellowship in the heart of their community.

An outdoor gathering with an audience of elderly people seated on chairs, listening to a speaker in religious attire, under a tree near a building.

The idea for holding the service outdoors came from Paul Smyth, Warden of Lapp’s Court, who transformed a peaceful corner of the residential complex into an open-air place of worship. Benches and chairs were arranged beneath one of the large trees, while a simple table served as the altar, creating a fitting setting for the celebration.

The Eucharist was celebrated by the Rev. Martin Steele, Dean’s Vicar of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, who has pastoral responsibility for Lapp’s Court and regularly celebrates the Eucharist there each month. He was assisted by Derek Johnson and David Hennessy, both former Diocesan Lay Readers who hold permission to conduct the Service of Holy Communion by Extension.

A gathering of elderly people sitting on chairs and benches under a large tree, enjoying a sunny outdoor event at a community garden.

A priest in a white robe conducts a service under a tree, addressing a group of elderly individuals seated nearby, including one in a wheelchair.

Residents themselves played an important part in the service. Martin Dunne and Paul Smyth Senior read the lessons, while John Armitage accompanied the congregation on the piano as everyone joined together in singing the hymns. Ted Ardis, former Dean’s Vicar of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, coordinated the readers for the service and, together with John Armitage, selected the hymns for the occasion, helping to shape a service that reflected both the season and the community gathered in worship.

The service took place on the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, a day that seemed particularly fitting for worship beneath the open sky.

Reflecting on the occasion, the Revd Martin Steele said:

“I am very grateful to Paul Smyth for suggesting that we celebrate the Eucharist outdoors this month. Gathering beneath the trees to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist gave the service something of the atmosphere of the New Testament. Surrounded by God’s creation and worshipping together as a community, it was a joyful reminder that the Church has always gathered wherever people come together in Christ’s name.”

The shade of the tree provided a welcome breeze throughout the service, making it a comfortable and peaceful setting despite the warm weather.

A cheerful elderly couple standing outdoors in a garden setting, the man holds a red and white box while the woman smiles and poses beside him, both wearing sunglasses.

A group of six elderly individuals, including three men and three women, gathering outdoors in a garden setting. Two men are seated in front with mobility aids, while the women and one man stand behind them, all smiling. The background features a modest building, well-maintained greenery, and a clear blue sky.

Following the Eucharist, residents and visitors gathered in the community room to enjoy tea, coffee, sandwiches and homemade cakes, providing an opportunity to continue conversations and share fellowship together.

A group of people socialising around a long table filled with food and drinks in a well-lit community room, with cheerful decorations on the walls.

A group of people enjoying an afternoon tea gathering, seated around tables covered with food and drinks, while a man serves pastries.

Thanks to the careful planning and hard work of Paul Smyth and the Revd Martin Steele, the outdoor Eucharist proved to be a memorable celebration, bringing together worship, community and hospitality in a setting that reflected both the beauty of the day and the warmth of the Lapp’s Court community.

Posted in Care of the Older Person, Charities in the Diocese, Church Services, Diocese, Faith and Service, Lapp's Charity | Comments Off