17.12.2023
The Revd Niall Stratford Appointed Rector of Blessington Union
The Revd Niall Stratford has been appointed as the new Rector of Blessington Union of Parishes in the Dioceses of Glendalough.
Niall grew up in a rectory in Ballisodare, Co Sligo being the youngest son of Archdeacon Ralph Stratford (deceased) and Phyllis Stratford. He has worked in the commercial world of Insurance – latterly as a Liability Adjuster / Investigator for some four decades.
His ministerial service has been as a Non Stipendiary Minister within the Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough which he provided in conjunction with his Insurance career.
Following ordination in 2009, Niall served as curate in St Matthias’ Ballybrack. Subsequently in 2015, he was appointed as Rural Deanery Priest to Taney Deanery, serving in the parishes of St John’s in Clondalkin and Rathcoole and then in the parish of Zion. As of 2017 Niall was appointed as Youth Pastor in Powerscourt with Kilbride.
In 2019 and 2020, Niall provided relief duty in Blessington Union and Narraghmore Union. During 2021 and 2022 Niall served in the parish of Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy with Calary and also in the parish of Donnybrook with Irishtown. Currently he is attached to the parish of Christ Church, Bray.
Commenting on his appointment, Niall stated: “I am humbled and excited at being appointed as Rector to the Blessington Union of Parishes – rekindling previous acquaintances and making new ones as I embark upon a new chapter in my ministry”.
Niall is widowed. He says of his beloved wife: “ Vivian was a such a wonderful encourager throughout my ministry and had been looking forward to journeying with me on the latest chapter “. His family are Nicholas, Robin and Amy, Nicholas’s partner Fódhla and grandson Naoise. Niall’s interests include travel and reading and being an avid follower of ‘Inspector Morse’ and ‘Inspector Lewis’.
The date for Niall’s institution has yet to be set.