Last Updated: Monday, February 25, 2008, 19:43

Dunne named as new Archdeacon

A former Catholic priest has been appointed as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.

The Archdeacon of Ferns, the Venerable Dermot Dunne, will take up the role, succeeding the Very Rev Desmond Harman who died last year.

He previously served as Dean's Vicar in Christ Church Cathedral between 1999 and 2001, after which he was appointed Rector of the Crosspatrick Group of Parishes in the Diocese of Ferns. In 2007, he became Archdeacon of Ferns.

Archdeacon Dunne was ordained a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church in 1983 and a priest in 1984, before leaving the priesthood in 1995. Three years later, he was licensed as a Church of Ireland priest.

The appointment was announced by the the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev Dr John Neill.

"Dermot is taking on a challenge to build on and develop the work of those who have gone before, but he will be generously supported by a loyal chapter, board and the great team which is the Cathedral staff, and by the whole musical foundation," he said.

Archdeacon Dunne is expected to take up his new role on May 30.