Press Releases
Retirement of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and appointment of Archbishop–elect Dermot Farrell
Statements of Archbishop Michael Jackson and Bishop Michael Burrows
Archbishop Michael Jackson has paid tribute to Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, who has announced his retirement. His successor is Archbishop–elect Dermot Farrell, Bishop of Ossory.
Archbishop Jackson stated: “I want to wish Archbishop Diarmuid Martin all that is best in his retirement. Archbishop Martin has been a valued friend, both ecumenically and personally and I have appreciated the mutual trust that we have enjoyed as Archbishops of Dublin.
“From the day I arrived here as Archbishop of Dublin, I felt welcomed by Archbishop Martin to a city which is his own.
“Archbishop Martin is a confident and compassionate exponent of the Gospel.
“He has helped to develop the ecumenical landscape of the diocese. There is a number of events each year which we share publicly including the annual Good Friday Walk of Witness which we lead together from Christ Church Cathedral to St Mary’s pro Cathedral. We regularly take part together in Ecumenical Bible Week.
“I also wish his successor, Bishop Dermot Farrell, Bishop of Ossory, every blessing as he takes on this work of service and of leadership in Dublin.”
The Rt Revd Michael Burrows, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, has added his warmest wishes to Bishop Farrell on his appointments.
Bishop Burrows remarked: “On my own behalf and that of the Church of Ireland people of Ossory I offer warmest wishes and the assurance of our prayers to my fellow Bishop of Ossory Dr Dermot Farrell on his appointment as Archbishop of Dublin by Pope Francis. We might have wished for a longer partnership in the Gospel in Kilkenny, but I must rejoice realising what a great contribution Bishop Dermot will make to advancing Christ’s Kingdom in my own native city.
“I can only begin to imagine the immensity of the task now facing him, for which he is eminently suited. All Irish Christians will be well aware of how hands of both hope and history will rest on the shoulders of the next Roman Catholic archbishop of our capital city. Bishop Dermot will need every ounce of his considerable spiritual and intellectual energy, as well as great pastoral acumen, for a fruitful ministry. He is fortunate to follow in the footsteps of Archbishop Martin, whose wisdom of utterance and courageous leadership have won him admiration all over the Church of Ireland.
“May Bishop Dermot feel inspired by the example of our shared patrons Ciarán and Canice as he makes his pilgrim way onwards to Dublin.”
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 235 6472
Mrs Lynn Glanville
dcodublin@gmail.com