19.02.2026
New Rural Dean of Monkstown South Appointed
The Revd Ruth Elmes has been appointed Rural Dean for Monkstown South in the Diocese of Dublin by Archbishop Michael Jackson. She will assume the role following the retirement of the current Rural Dean, the Revd John Tanner, at the end of this month.
Ruth came to St Patrick’s in Dalkey as incumbent in 2023 from the parish of Tinahely and Carnew in County Wicklow. She was also Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin in the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.
Making the announcement, Archbishop Jackson said he was delighted to make the appointment. “Ruth brings important skills and perspectives to the work of Rural Dean. Her long term experience across the Church of Ireland is a considerable resource ,” he commented.
Ruth said she was delighted to take on the role and wished the current Rural Dean well in his retirement.
“Coming from a Rectory background I have unintentionally followed my parents’ example in many ways. I trained in the Adelaide Hospital as a nurse like my mother who also taught me to bake and answer the phone in the rectory politely. When I was nursing I thought I was safe from following in my late father’s footsteps but I, like him, have been ordained and been a Canon, Archdeacon and Commissary. I am sure he was Rural Dean along the way but I am delighted to take on this new role entrusted to me,” she said.
She added: “I know that I have big shoes to fill as the Revd John Tanner is known to have been so effective in this role for many years. When I came as incumbent to St Patricks in Dalkey, I arrived into a parish that had been tended to and cared for pastorally during the vacancy and indeed many parishes and clergy have reason to be grateful to John for his gentle but skilled guidance to parishes during interregnum. I wish John and Vera a well earned, happy and fulfilling retirement following many years of devoted service to the church”.