Press Releases / Archdeacon of Glendalough Announces Intention to Retire

It was announced today that the Archdeacon of Glendalough and Rector of Greystones, the Venerable Edgar Swann is to retire at the end of the year.

The Venerable Edgar John Swann was born in 1942 in Belfast and was educated in Grosvenor High School, Belfast and Trinity College Dublin. After study in Church of Ireland Theological College he was ordained a Deacon in 1968 and a priest the following year. He initially served as Curate in Crumlin (Diocese of Dublin) from 1968-1970 and Curate in Howth (Diocese of Dublin) from 1970-1973. In 1973 he was appointed Rector of Greystones and he has served there since then. In 1969 he married Gladys Harman and they have two children and two grandchildren.

During his ministry he has served in many other capacities both in the Dioceses and in the Church of Ireland as a whole, including as a lecturer in the Church of Ireland College of Education, as a member of the Diocesan Board of Education and the General Synod Board of Education (Republic of Ireland) and as Chairman of the Diocesan Committee for Church Music.

In 1990 he was made a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral and in 1993, he was appointed Archdeacon of Glendalough by the then Archbishop of Dublin, Donald Caird.

Speaking from Singapore, where he is attending an important Anglican Conference, the Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, the Most Revd Dr John Neill said "Edgar has been a close friend and colleague since my student days. His wise advice and counsel, always delivered with compassion, warmth and humour have been invaluable. He and Gladys are much loved members of the Diocesan family and I wish them both every blessing in retirement."

Archdeacon Swann said, "I've had a wonderful time as Rector of Greystones and as Archdeacon of Glendalough and I've thoroughly enjoyed my ministry here. I'd like to express my thanks to the people here for all their kindness down through the years and assure them that they will remain in my prayers."

During his retirement Archdeacon Swann and his wife will continue to reside in Greystones.

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