05.07.2017
Appointments to the Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral
Two new appointments have been announced to the Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. The Archbishop has appointed the Revd Sonia Gyles Twelfth Canon following the retirement of Canon Neil McEndoo. Canon Roy Byrne has been appointed by the Chapter to the position of Precentor, also in succession to Canon McEndoo.
The Revd Sonia Gyles is Rector of Sandford and St Philip’s, Milltown, while Canon Byrne is Rector of Monkstown and was appointed a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral by the Archbishop in 2012.
Announcing the appointment of the Twelfth Canon, Archbishop Michael Jackson said: “I am very pleased that the Revd Sonia Gyles has accepted my invitation to be a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral. Sonia has served all her ministry in Dublin and Glendalough and for many years has been involved in the annual National Schools’ Service and in the Clergy Conference both of which cover the whole of the United Dioceses. I wish Sonia and the cathedral well as they form a new partnership through Sonia’s joining the Chapter”.
Dean Dermot Dunne also commented on the appointment saying: “I was happy to agree with the Archbishop’s choice of a new Canon for the cathedral when he invited the Revd Sonia Gyles to accept preferment to the Twelfth Canonry. Sonia will bring much experience and talent to the Chapter which I and the Chapter look forward to sharing. I wish Sonia every blessing in her role and every good wish for her forthcoming marriage”.
The Revd Sonia Gyles said she was very happy to accept the Archbishop’s invitation to join the Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral. “Having been an Acolyte in the cathedral many years ago, I was then ordained in Christ Church in 2001 by the Most Revd Walton Empey. I look forward to becoming more involved in the life of the cathedral once again. I would like to acknowledge the support of the parishioners of Sandford and St Philip’s Milltown with whom I share this appointment,” she said.
Dean Dunne also commented on the appointment of Canon Byrne as Precentor. “I am very pleased with Canon Byrne’s appointment as Precentor of the cathedral. Roy brings much experience to the role. This coupled with a deep attachment and commitment to the cathedral will serve him well when he takes up his new responsibilities. I wish him well in his new post,” he stated.
Canon Byrne said he was delighted to accept the nomination of the cathedral Chapter to serve as Canon Precentor of Christ Church. “Having been involved with the cathedral since my ordination in 1999. I am looking forward to serving the cathedral community and choir in the years ahead in this new role, conscious of the enormous contribution made by my predecessor Canon Neil McEndoo,” he said.
The Revd Sonia Gyles was ordained to service in Taney Parish as curate assistant to Canon Desmond Sinnamon. She was appointed Rector of Sandford and St Philip’s Milltown in 2004, where she is also Chaplain to Alexandra College. Sonia has served on Diocesan committees including the Diocesan Board of Education, the Diocesan Council for Mission and the Diocesan Committee for Social Action and continues to be a member of Diocesan Councils.
A native of Co Offaly, Sonia entered the Church of Ireland Theological College (now Institute) in 1999. She later qualified as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist in 2012. Sonia is due to be married in October this year.
Canon Roy Byrne was ordained in 1999 for the curacy of the Christ Church Cathedral Group of Parishes which included work in the cathedral itself. In 2003, he moved to the diocese of Leighlin to take up the incumbency of the Killeshin grouped parishes but returned to Dublin in 2007 becoming incumbent of Drumcondra and North Strand. He moved to become Rector of Monkstown in February 2016.
He was appointed a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral in 2012 and a board member in 2014. He has been involved with the cathedral’s library and archives committee with special responsibility for the cathedral’s extensive plate collection for many years and has curated a number of historical exhibitions during his time there.