STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP JOHN NEILL ON APPOINTMENT OF ARCHDEACON DERMOT DUNNE AS DEAN OF CHRIST CHURCH

"Since becoming Archbishop, I have served with two Deans in this Cathedral, each of whom had been friends since College days or even before - the late John Paterson who installed me as Archbishop and the late Desmond Harman whose recent death has left us all so shocked.

It is a joy to introduce to you today Archdeacon Dermot Dunne who is to be the next Dean. Dermot served with me in my last diocese, and I quickly came to realize his very special gifts and deep spirituality. He is a wise pastor, and very much a man of God. In his ministry, he is warmly supported by his wife, Celia whom we also look forward to welcoming into this Cathedral and Diocesan family. 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 is certainly no stranger to the Cathedral having previously served here as Dean's Vicar.

Dermot I look forward to working with you once again!"

- ENDS –