05.11.2015
Canon Neal O’Raw Appointed New Rector of Donoughmore and Donard with Dunlavin
Canon Neal O’Raw has been appointed Rector of Donoughmore and Donard with Dunlavin in the Diocese of Glendalough. Canon O’Raw, who is currently Rector of Killala in the Diocese of Tuam, will be instituted by Archbishop Michael Jackson on Friday 15 January 2016.
Neal (pictured) was born in Raheny in Dublin and grew up in Artane, attending secondary school in St David’s, Dublin. Prior to ordination he worked for in the Department of Post and Telegraphs for five years. He spent the next 20 years working in warehouse logistics and long distance haulage, both in driving and management.
Neal was ordained in 2002 for the curacy of the Killala Kilmoremoy Union of Parishes. In 2005 he was appointed Rector of the Killala Union of Parishes. He is a Canon of both St Mary’s Cathedral, Tuam and St Patrick’s Cathedral, Killala and is Rural Dean of the Diocese of Killala and Achonry.
Neal has been married to Siobhán, a Montessori teacher, for 36 years. The couple has three sons: Árainn, married to Ãna, daughter Sorcha, living in Madrid; Alan living in Dublin; and Eoin living in Manchester, England.
His main interests revolve around woodwork and metalwork and his boat project. He is also learning to play the guitar and enjoys a bit of cycling to stay fit.