29.01.2026
New Wardens of Lay Readers for Dublin and Glendalough
Archbishop Michael Jackson has announced the appointment of two new Wardens of Readers for the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough following the retirement of the Revd John Tanner. The Revd Conor O’Reilly, Rector of Athy Union, and Canon Prof Anne Lodge, Priest Scholar at Christ Church Cathedral, are to carry out the role jointly.
The Revd John Tanner, who has held the role of Warden of Readers since 2009, retires as Rector of Tullow at the end of February.
Making the announcement Archbishop Jackson paid tribute to John for his contribution and wished Anne and Conor well as they take up the role.
“I have great pleasure in appointing Canon Professor Anne Lodge and the Reverend Conor O’Reilly as Joint Wardens of Readers in the diocese. They embark on this work following the thorough and painstaking contributions of the Reverend John Tanner as Warden over many long years. I wish to express my appreciation to John for everything he has done in this role and as Rector of Tullow.”
He added: “Every generation needs, and needs to appreciate, Readers. Our generation is no different. I have every confidence that both Anne and Conor over the next five years will work to broaden and deepen the values and appreciated contribution of Readers to the work of God and the worship of God’s people in Dublin and Glendalough. I thank them too for undertaking this role”.
The Revd Conor O’Reilly said he hoped to contribute positively to the ministry of lay people.
“I would like to thank the Archbishop for appointing me as Joint Warden of Readers in the Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough. I greatly look forward to collaborating with Canon Prof Anne Lodge in this endeavour and to be of service and support to the Lay Readers of our Dioceses. Lay Ministry empowers the People of God to participate actively in the mission, service and witness of the Dioceses and is essential to the shared mission and responsibility of the Church. I hope to make a positive contribution to the ongoing development of this ministry over the next period of time. I wish the Revd John Tanner every blessing for a happy and long retirement,” he said.
Canon Prof Anne Lodge said she was looking forward to serving and supporting Lay Readers in Dublin and Glendalough.
“I am very thankful to the Archbishop for inviting me, in collaboration with my colleague the Revd Conor O’Reilly, to take up the role of Warden of Readers in Dublin and Glendalough. I very much look forward to working collaboratively with Conor and to engaging collegially with those who are licensed Readers in these United Dioceses and those who are in training. I have had the good fortune to serve alongside a number of Diocesan Lay Readers in the last decade. I look forward to serving and supporting all licensed and trainee Readers and to engaging fruitfully with the Guild of Lay Ministries over the next five years. I wish to express my gratitude to the Revd John Tanner for his dedication to this work over many years,” she said.