14.10.2026
New Journey Begins for Tullow – Rector and Parishioners Will Walk Together
The new Rector of Tullow will never walk alone, he was assured as he began his ministry in the parish last night (Tuesday October 13). The Revd Mike Buchanan was instituted as incumbent of the south Dublin parish by Archbishop Michael Jackson before a large congregation who gathered to mark the start of a new chapter for the parish.
Mike was joined in the congregation by his fiancée Jill and his son Arlo as well as many friends. Parishioners from Tullow were joined by parishioners from Rathfarnham where Mike served his curacy. A great number of clerical colleagues were in attendance along with local public representatives including the Cathaoireleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Councillor Barry Saul.
With a nod to Mike’s support of Liverpool, the preacher Canon Adrienne Galligan said he would never walk alone in Tullow, spiritually or pastorally. The readings [Ezekiel 33: 1–20 and John 13: 12–20] presented two stark images of service, she said – a watchman standing tall and alert and a footwashing Saviour on his knees.
“Our scripture readings this evening give us two very stark images of Christian service. And instinctively given the context of this service of institution, we readily apply these images and tasks to Rev Mike beginning his walk with the parishioners of Tullow. As always though with scripture, there are layers of meaning to these readings which puts the focus not just on Mike but on us all as followers of Christ together. Rest assured Mike, support wise, you’ll never walk alone in Tullow Parish!” she said.
Canon Galligan told Mike that she had worked with the Tullow parochial nominators had got a sense that great companionship, support, enthusiasm for God and God’s work, awaited him. She commended Mike to his parishioners for his sense of humour and his steadfast desire to be a servant to them as they are God’s servants. She said he was a faithful – faithful to his call to ministry, to the congregation he serves, to God’s word, in his expectation of God to answer prayer.
“Similar to Ezekiel who never abandoned his charge or calling as a prophet even though his God given message for the children of Israel was not received well, in a similar vein Michael has shown a great command of his mission and calling which align with The Anglican Communion 5 Marks of Mission of telling, teaching, tending, transforming, treasuring God’s word, God’s world, God’s wounded. These are all well within Michael’s capabilities to deliver faithfully,” she said.
When the formal service concluded, secretary to the Select Vestry Jane Bowes took the helm and introduced a number of people who welcomed Mike to the parish and the area.
Saying that he was honoured and humbled to attend the service, Councillor Barry Saul acknowledged that the institution was an important occasion for the parish as they marked both a new beginning and a continuation of the long tradition of faith, service and community engagement in Tullow. Recognising that the role of Rector extends far beyond the church walls he said he was confident that Mike’s leadership would continue to build on the many connections between Tullow parish and the wider community.
Welcoming Mike on behalf of Tullow Select Vestry, Church Warden Nigel Swanwick described the parish as an open gathering spot at the heart of a vibrant community. Keen to ensure that there was no unintended divide between longstanding parishioners and visitors to the church he said the church “is a space where we can regularly celebrate something special together no matter how well we know each other”. He said the institution of a new Rector was a source for great celebration. He added: “Michael as this is your first parish as Rector I know everyone here joins me in hoping and praying that it will be a deeply rewarding journey for you filled with deep companionship and many more gatherings and celebrations”.
Welcoming Mike on behalf of nearby Cabinteely Parish, Fr Arthur O’Neill remarked on the good relations that exist between both parishes and recalled the good experiences of sharing together during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Bringing warm greetings from Rathfarnham Parish Gill Perdue said the parishioners of Tullow were fortunate that Mike was coming to the parish. “We had our turn and it was fantastic. Now it is your turn to be part of Reverend Mike’s ministry and mission. From the minute Mike set foot in Rathfarnham we enjoyed his wit, his wise words and wisdom, kindness, enthusiasm and above all his honest and direct and sincere preaching,” she commented.
The final words of the evening went to the Revd Mike Buchanan who said it was “an honour to stand before you as the new Rector of Tullow Parish Church”. He continued: “I’d like to thank the Archbishop and the Diocesan Board of Nomination, in particular the Parochial Nominators for your trust and confidence in me. It’s a privilege to serve God and to serve this vibrant parish, and particularly to remain within these United Dioceses where I spent my youth and indeed the majority of my service in blue,” the former Garda Sergeant commented.
He thanked the Archbishop for his support and Canon Adrienne for her training and encouragement in her sermon. He commended all who had prepared for the service of institution and all who had supported the parish during the vacancy, particularly the Rural Dean, the Revd Ruth Elmes, and the parish’s lay ministry team of Alan Rhodes and Mandy Swanwick.
