A new rector – the Reverend Graham Sawyer – was instituted as incumbent of the Church of Ireland parish of Kilcooley Union with Fertagh last Friday night, January 11th.
The event took place in Kilcooley Church where parishioners, clergy and friends gathered for this special occasion.
The preacher was a former diocesan colleague from Blackburn, the Reverend Anne Morris, vicar of Knuzden, who paid tribute to Graham’s ministry as one of great integrity, courage and care.
Bishop of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory, the Right Reverend Michael Burrows said that the diocese was delighted to welcome Graham.
“He is bringing rich experience and fresh skills not least in communication and outreach,” he said, “and we hope he will now have many happy years in Irish rural ministry amongst the always supportive and positive parishioners of Kilcooley / Fertagh.”‘
Graham has been Vicar of Briarville in the Diocese of Blackburn in the UK and succeeds the Reverend Victor Fitzpatrick who is now rector of Clonenagh (Mountrath) parish.