Diocesan News07 Oct 11

New Clerical Honorary Secretary for Down & Dromore

The Down and Dromore Diocesan Council has elected Revd Canon David McClay as  Clerical Honorary Secretary replacing The Rt Revd John McDowell, now Bishop of Clogher.

“It’s a real privilege and honour to be asked to serve the diocese in this way,” said Canon McClay. “I look forward to contributing to the vision and future direction of our church in the Diocese of Down and Dromore.”

Born in 1959 in Co Donegal, David is the eldest son of Roland and Kathleen McClay. He has two younger brothers and one younger sister. He grew up in south Donegal attending the Robertson National School in Ballista and later the Royal School Raphoe. It was after David left school that the faith he had been taught as a child became real to him and real in him.

After seven years in industry David trained in Trinity College Dublin and was ordained in 1987. He spent three years in Magheralin as a curate before being appointed rector of Kilkeel in 1990. He remained until May 2001 when he was appointed rector of Willowfield.

Speaking of the appointment, Bishop Harold said, “I’m very glad that David is to be the new Clerical Honorary Secretary for Down and Dromore. He is a brilliant strategic thinker and knows the diocese through and through.”