17.09.2018
New Canons Installed in Christ Church Cathedral
A large congregation gathered in Christ Church Cathedral for the installation of the new Canon Treasurer and Twelfth Canon yesterday (Sunday September 16). Canon Gary Hastings, Rector of Holy Trinity, Killiney, was installed Canon Treasurer in succession to Canon Robert Deane who retired last June. Canon Leonard Ruddock, Rector of Blessington Union, was installed Twelfth Canon following the retirement of Canon George Butler in July.
The new Canons were joined by their families, friends and parishioners for the service of Choral Evensong at which the cathedral’s Precentor, Canon Roy Byrne, presided. The service was sung by the cathedral choir.
Gary was instituted Rector of Holy Trinity Killiney on April 20 last. He was formerly Rector of the Galway and Kilcummin Group and St Nicholas Collegiate Church, and Archdeacon of Tuam. Prior to his ordination, he taught in the Irish Studies Department of the University of Ulster. He is married to Caitriona. He has a keen interest in ecumenism and interfaith engagement as well as the Irish language and traditional music.
Leonard began studying for the auxiliary ministry while running his retail business in Roscrea and was ordained in 1994 to serve in the Roscrea Group of Parishes (Limerick and Killaloe). He transferred to full time ministry in 2006 and served as Curate in Stillorgan and Blackrock (Dublin) from 2006 to 2008. He has been Rector of Blessington Union of Parishes since 2008 and Rural Dean of West Glendalough since 2010. He is a member of Diocesan Councils. Leonard is married to Hazel and they have a family of two, Gary and Amanda.