On the evening of Tuesday 4th June the parishioners of Kingscourt Union welcomed Rev Martin O’Kelly as their new rector. He was instituted in St. Ernan’s, Kingscourt by Bishop Pat Storey.

Kingscourt Union of Parishes straddles Counties Cavan and Meath.

Rev Martin was joined by his wife Rev Ruth O’Kelly, family and friends, parishioners and friends of Kingscourt Union, as well as colleagues across the dioceses of Meath and Kildare. Parishioners from Bray also attended the Service. The choir of Christ Church Bray robed, singing two anthems: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ by Howard Goodhall, and ‘A Gaelic Blessing’ by John Rutter. Local clergy from other denominations, members of the community as well as local public representatives were also in attendance.

The preacher was Rev Baden Stanley, rector of Christ Church Bray.

The new rector of Kingscourt Union was ordained to the Priesthood in 2016, in Christ Church Cathedral. He then served as a curate in Christ Church Bray, with rector Rev Baden Stanley.

One of his passions is music. He is also an avid amateur photographer. Martin his wife Ruth have three adult children Daniel, Owen and Rachel, as well as a grandchild.

At the conclusion of the Service a number of speeches were made, formally and warmly welcoming Martin, Ruth and their family to Kingscourt Union and to the dioceses.

After the Service supper was served in the nearby hall.