04.12.2022
Archdeacon Ruth Elmes appointed Rector of Dalkey
Archdeacon Ruth Elmes has been appointed as the new Rector of St Patrick’s Parish, Dalkey in the Diocese of Dublin. Ruth is currently Rector of Tinahely and Carnew in the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory and Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin. The announcement was made in the parishes this morning.
A daughter of the rectory (Archdeacon Donald and Janet Keegan), Ruth says she railed against the idea of becoming ordained herself for many years. She was what she says is politely called a ‘late vocation’ and had another career in uniform before she donned her clerical garb. She trained as a nurse in the Adelaide Hospital like both her mother and her sister and then worked in Beaumont and Tallaght before entering the Theological College.
She served her curacy in Stillorgan and Blackrock in Dublin from 2009 to 2012 and pays tribute to the recently retired Rector, Canon Ian Gallagher, for his support. She has served in Tinahely and Carnew in County Wicklow for 10 years, since 2012. There are four churches, two national schools and two agricultural shows in the parish.
“Steeped in rural life I have learned a lot living there and it has increased my admiration for those who work the land. My first incumbency gave me opportunity for pastoral care, conducting services and being involved in parish life which is the foundation of clerical life for those who are blessed to be part of it especially in the key moments of other’s lives through baptisms, weddings and sadly, funerals,” Ruth explains.
She adds: “I look forward to starting ministry in Dalkey. I know the area a little as a past boarding pupil of the late Glengara Park School. I happily anticipate getting to know the people of the parish, school and local communities as well as walking opportunities”.
Ruth is widowed with two adult children, Jessica and Jonathan. Jonathan and his fiancé Sarah have recently moved to Vancouver but Jessica lives in Dublin and has been left the responsibility of assisting with the move from Tinahely. Ruth says this worries her as Jessica loves a good clearout. Ruth has a small dog, Timo, who has passed his obedience test at puppy training school. Her interests include laughing a Timo, photography and Formula 1 motor racing.