Diocesan News
The Revd Neal O’Raw appointed Archdeacon of Glendalough
The appointment of the new Archdeacon of Glendalough has been announced. The Revd Neal O’Raw, Rector of Donoughmore and Donard with Dunlavin, has accepted the invitation of Archbishop Michael Jackson to become Archdeacon in succession to the Ven Ricky Rountree who retired on September 30.
Neal has been serving in West Glendalough since January 2016. Prior to that he served in the United Dioceses of Tuam, Killala and Achonry where he was a Rural Dean. Neal is married to Síobhan and they have three grown up sons.
Making the announcement, Archbishop Jackson noted that Neal was well known and liked in the dioceses.
“Neal’s parishes are in the heart of the rural diocese of Glendalough and this is one of the many perspectives he will bring to the work of Archdeacon of Glendalough. His warm personality and strong faith in God have already endeared him to many across the United Dioceses,” he commented.
He added: “In looking forward to working with Neal, who has accepted my invitation to undertake this role, I wish to put on record once again my appreciation of the work of Archdeacon Richard Rountree who has recently retired. To both Neal and Ricky and their families I wish happiness and health long into the future.”
Neal said it was an honour to be offered the role of Archdeacon of the Diocese of Glendalough.
“The Diocese of Glendalough has a rich history within the Church in Ireland, ably ministered by its many Bishops, Archdeacons and clergy. Archdeacon Rountree, in his years of service to the diocese, has left a great legacy to follow, but in doing so I hope to make the role my own,” he stated.
“I feel I have much to offer in experience. Growing up on the Northside of Dublin, in Raheny and Artane, and spending 13 years ministering in Tuam, Killala and Achonry, I believe give me a perspective on the diverse communities, both rural and urban, in the Archdeaconry of Glendalough,” he added. “Having worked with the clergy of the Diocese over the past two and a half years, I can see that they have a great heart for the people they serve, and work well together to continue the traditions of this Archdeaconry.”
Neal said that he and Siobhán had been welcomed with open arms by the parishioners of Donoughmore and Donard with Dunlavin and the wider West Wicklow community. They were now looking forward to meeting and getting to know others in the parishes of the diocese.
“The Diocese of Glendalough does not work in isolation, and I look forward to the opportunity to be involved more closely with the workings of the United Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough. I would like to thank Archbishop Michael for this opportunity and I look forward to working with and supporting him in the coming years,” Neal concluded.
Neal and Síobhan have been married for 39 years. In his spare time Neal enjoys tinkering with anything mechanical and carpentry. He also partakes in sea and fly fishing and enjoys anything nautical. He has a keen interest in reading.
The Archdeaconry of Glendalough spans an area from Arklow, Inch and Kilbride in the south to Kilternan in the north and reaches west to Athy and Celbridge and Straffan with Newcastle–Lyons.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough
087 235 6472
Mrs Lynn Glanville
dcodublin@gmail.com