Diocesan News
Appointment of Succentor of Limerick
Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, is delighted to announce the appointment of a succentor, the Revd Keith Barry (Rector of Nenagh). In consultation with the Dean, the Precentor, the Very Revd Lynda Peilow, has appointed Mr Barry as her Vicar (Succentor) in the Cathedral.
A succentor is the deputy or assistant to the precentor (in charge of music) in a cathedral, monastery, or other church. The succentor assists with the planning, preparation, and performance of the liturgy and helps lead the church choir. In the case of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, the position is honorary and Mr Barry continues in his role in Nenagh. The position of Succentor of Limerick has been in existence since at least 1892 but has been vacant since 1938.
About the Revd Keith Barry
The Revd Keith Barry was born in Dublin in 1967 and educated in Monkstown Primary School Co. Dublin, St Andrew’s College, Dublin, and then from ages 12–16 in Machabeng High School, Lesotho, up to O–Level before being sent home to board at St Columba’s College, Rathfarnham, to Leaving Certificate.
He then entered TCD to read Geology but changed to Theology after a year after struggling with a vocation to Christian Ministry. He commenced BA in Biblical and Theological Studies before attending an accelerated two–year course at the Church of Ireland Theological College and succeeded to MA status after Ordination in 1994.
During his secular student years he acted as both a server and verger in the National Cathedral of St Patrick, Dublin, under the tutelage of the renowned Canon Bradley, the Dean’s Vicar.
After ordination in 1994, he served his title as Curate Assistant in Templemore Parish in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and at the same time was appointed Vicar Choral of Derry Cathedral, the parish church of the parish. After a year, he was installed as Dean’s Vicar and continued in such post, adding to it, temporarily Priest–in–Charge of Derry Cathedral for several months during an interregnum before leaving to join the British Army as a Chaplain.
From 1997 to 2023 he served as an Army Chaplain with deployed roles in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq, the latter tour earning him a Commendation for Distinguished Service and he has ministered as a Unit Chaplain and a Senior Chaplain leading other clergy as well as in instructional posts, most notably in the pastoral and ethical formation of army officers at the world–renowned Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
He retired from his army commission in 2023 and took up the cure of the Nenagh Union of Parishes in the same year, attracted by its rural quiet and the fact that his Scottish great–grandfather had met and married his local wife in the church of which he is now Rector, thus making his branch of the Barry family Irish in the 19th Century.
He enjoys shooting, fishing and the more contemplative pursuits of life, both secular and spiritual.
Welcome
The Dean of Limerick, the Very Revd Niall Sloane, has welcomed the appointment stating: “I’m delighted that Precentor Peilow has appointed Mr Barry as Succentor. Keith brings a wide range of gifts and talents to Saint Mary’s, along with a deep love and appreciation of cathedral life.”
Diocesan Communications Officer, Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe
089 448 9353
Stephen Fletcher
[email protected]