09.08.2026
The Revd Mike Buchanan Appointed Rector of Tullow
The Revd Mike Buchanan has been appointed the new Rector of Tullow Parish in the Diocese of Dublin. Mike is currently Curate Assistant in Rathfarnham and the announcement was made in the parishes this morning (Sunday August 9).
Making the announcement Archbishop Michael Jackson said: “The Reverend Michael Buchanan has served in both Navan and Rathfarnham Parishes. Mike also brings substantial experience as a Community Garda to this new position. I know that he is looking forward to serving in Tullow Parish and I wish him and all members of the parish and community what is best for the future.”
Mike is the father of three children, Arlo who is 17 and is a leaving certificate pupil in The High School, Rathgar, and Natasha and Dayna, both of whom are pursuing careers and are living away from home. Mike is very happily engaged to Jill, who has worked for many years in senior management in the tourism industry.
On leaving school, despite having an early calling, Mike made the decision to join An Garda Siochana and served for 31 years in a number of assignments, including a tour of duty with the United Nations, and retired with the rank of Sergeant.
Having taken advantage of early retirement, Mike began his full–time Theological Training at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute in 2021, having previously studied for a B.A. in Theology at DCU. He was awarded an MTh at Trinity College in 2024 and served as Deacon in the Navan Union of Parishes.
For the past two years Mike has been serving as Curate Assistant at Rathfarnham Parish, Dublin & Glendalough under the guidance of Canon Adrienne Galligan. Mike has recently spent a very fruitful and rich sabbatical in All–Saints Cathedral in Cairo, where he engaged with both the resident and refugee communities in pastoral matters and also participated in interfaith dialogue.
“I have been extremely fortunate to have been blessed with a strong faith, which has sustained me through many difficult times during my life and service,” Mike explains. “One of the joys of ministry is serving the community of believers, and I have forged many strong relationships which have endured over the years, and which continue to flourish.”
He adds: “Of course, the downside of ministry is moving on to new assignments and leaving those with whom I have walked in faith through the many joys, blessings, and hardships of life. I will especially miss those with whom I have journeyed these past two years in Rathfarnham. I am, however, grateful to Canon Adrienne for the wisdom, advice, and experience that she has imparted.
“I am very excited to begin this new chapter in ministry along with my incredibly supportive family in a Parish which is so obviously committed to faith, and which is a vital and integral part of the local community. I believe that together, as a community of believers, we can continue to grow Tullow Parish into something even more dynamic, enduring, and relevant in a world that is seeking answers to the most fundamental of questions. I am very much looking forward to making new friends!”