Cashel, Ferns and Ossory – Appointment of the Revd Canon Máirt Hanley as
Incumbent of Leighlin and Dunleckney Group and Dean of Leighlin.
The Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, the Rt Revd Adrian Wilkinson is delighted
to announce the appointment of the Revd Canon Máirt Hanley as incumbent of the
new Leighlin and Dunleckney Group of Parishes and Dean of Leighlin.
In accepting the appointment Canon Hanley states ‘I am deeply touched by the
invitation to become the next incumbent of Dunleckney and Leighlin Group and Dean
of Leighlin. Míle buíochas agus tá. Whilst I am acutely aware of the challenge that
this position will bring, I look forward to working with this new group of parishes to
see what we might do for the diocese and the kingdom.’
Describing his approach to ministry Máirt writes, ‘My spiritual journey began when I
was a child in England, being raised Roman Catholic, and attending the Abbey of
Worth. The Benedictine worldview has had a massive influence on me and the
gracious welcome of the monks, their rhythm of life and their connection with both
themes of place and pilgrimage, has set me on my way in life. After moving home to
Ireland I found the Church of Ireland to be more in tune with my personal theology
and having studied Archaeology and Philosophy in U.C.C I applied for ministry in the
church. After ordination I served in a number of parishes in various capacities.
Through this time, I have engaged a lot with the ideas of retreat and pilgrimage and
tried to bring out the relevance of historic Christianity for addressing our present-day
challenges.
I enjoy nature, walking, kayaking, and the culinary arts. Along with this I play a bit of
music and am in a jazz band.’
Bishop Wilkinson adds, “I am delighted that Canon Hanley has accepted this
appointment. In addition to being incumbent of this new parochial group, I am happy
to also appoint Máirt as Dean of Leighlin. He has served in Baltinglass Group of
Parishes since 2015 and so is well known in the Diocese. He is a caring and diligent
priest, who has an interest in authentic Celtic spirituality, history and pilgrimage. All
of this will be important as he ministers in a setting rich in these traditions. I know his
new parishioners will value his ministry and friendship.”
The details of the Service of Institution in the summer will be publicised shortly.