15.06.2026
‘Today is a new beginning’ – Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy Welcome New Rector
With sincere thanks to Tony Monaghan for the photographs.
The parish of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy embarked on a new chapter on Friday June 5 as parishioners and the wider community gathered to rejoice at the arrival of their new Rector. The Revd Billy Burke was instituted in St Saviour’s Church in Rathdrum by Archbishop Michael Jackson, fittingly within two days of the Feast of St Kevin whose ancient monastic settlement lies within the parish.
Billy was joined by his wife Mara and their two daughters as well as family and friends and well wishers from Kilkenny where he served as Bishop’s Vicar and Curate Assistant in St Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny Union of Parishes. The wider parish community was represented by members of the local Catholic parish and local public representatives.
The preacher was the Dean of Ossory, the Very Revd Stephen Farrell, who began by quoting from St Kevin and the Blackbird by Seamus Heaney. He highlighted another story of St Kevin who moved to Glendalough as a hermit, to pray for the world while being slightly set apart from it. However, he observed, “there is nothing like the search for isolation to make the world beat a path to your door” and after seven years of communing with nature would–be disciples arrived along with students and scholars. Kevin sought advice from Saint Columba, Saint Comgall and St Canice of Kilkenny before returning to Glendalough to establish a community. He went from living in isolation to a life of prayer, community, teaching and care, Dean Farrell said.
“I am delighted to say that your incoming Incumbent, whilst he has not consulted Saint Canice, has spent two very happy and fruitful years in Canice’s House in Kilkenny, and there he has shown himself to be a man of prayer, a man who loves community, a man who can teach the faith and perhaps, above all, a man with a gra for pastoral care and a true pastoral heart. He moves here to be with you in that same Spirit that informed Saint Kevin. Potentially with a few nerves, a little trepidation, but with eagerness to answer the call of God, to build up the body of Christ and to grow the community here,” he commented.
Dean Farrell outlined Billy’s rich life experience from his early years in Clondalkin, ministry in Tallaght, to time working in youth services in Dublin, hospice and prison chaplaincy. “He has followed the call of God into some of the most difficult and enriching corners of our society, seeking to meet the people of God where they are and serving each according to their need,” he stated adding that he brings this experience with him to Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy and it will inform his ministry and form part of the rich tapestry of parish life.
Acknowledging the parish’s rich history he urged both the new Rector and parishioners to engage in good and open communication and to encourage and support one another. He suggested that they enter this new relationship, “this solemn commitment to one another” in the same frame of mind as bride and groom in the spirit of partnership.
Dean Farrell described Billy as having a deep spirituality which underpins his priesthood. He seeks to follow Christ and become more like him and is fearless. He is also a pastor through and through. “That was clear to the parish in Kilkenny as soon as he arrived. He will help you to walk the mile and bear the load. In hospital visiting, home visits, bereavement care, Billy will come alongside you be a Christ–like presence in your joys and your sorrows,” he stated.
He concluded by reminding parishioners that each member of the community had been gifted by the Holy Spirit for discipleship and the priesthood of all believers. “Tonight is a celebration of the life of this parish and a moment for everyone to become enthused by the way in which this parish can be good news for the communities it serves. Today is a new beginning, as together you forge ahead to create new opportunities to proclaim the Gospel,” he said.
Billy addressed the congregation after the service and began by saying that it was by the grace of God, who had been with him at each step of his journey, that he had been blessed in all that he had done and received.
He said his institution in Rathdrum brought great joy but acknowledged that it was touched with some sadness as he said farewell to the people of Kilkenny Union who had supported him over the past two years. “We have come to the point where we are to separate on our pilgrimage and I now continue on the pilgrim way with the people of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy,” he commented.
He thanked Dean Farrell for his support and encouragement and the people of Rathdrum who had made himself, Mara and their daughters so welcome.
Round towers had played a large part in his journey through life, he said. Adding that he felt blessed to be working in a parish with Glendalough at its centre. “I grew up in Clondalkin and could see the Round Tower from my bedroom window. I moved to Ballycoolan, Laois and attended mass each Sunday in Timahoe with the Round Tower at its centre. My curacy for two years was in St Canice’s Cathedral with its Round Tower. Now Glendalough, so deeply rooted in Christian spirituality and to where St Kevin travelled, is at the centre of my parish with its monastic city and Round Tower. Round towers seem to be very much attached to my journey,” he said. It was in Glendalough that he spent much time in prayer discerning his vocation to the priesthood, he added.
He thanked his wife Mara for her support and said he felt very much at home in Rathdrum for he had hiked and walked the hills around the area and even went out with Mara on one of their first dates to Avondale and Glendalough.
[All photographs by Tony Monaghan]