09.03.2026
The Revd William Burke Appointed to Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy
The Revd William Burke has been appointed as the new Rector of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy. William is currently Bishop’s Vicar and Curate Assistant of St Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny Union of Parishes in the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory. The announcement was made in both parishes yesterday morning (Sunday March 8).
William is married to Mara and they have two daughters. He grew up and lived in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. When he and Mara were married they moved to live in Stradbally, Co Laois where they lived until William was licensed to serve as a priest in the Kilkenny Union of Parises in June 2024.
He began his studies for the priesthood in Holy Cross College, Clonliffe and completed them in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. He was ordained deacon to the Archdiocese of Dublin in 2002 and ordained to the priesthood in 2003. He served as a priest in St Mark’s Parish, Springfield, Tallaght for a number of years before deciding to leave the priesthood.
Before entering the priesthood William worked as a care assistant in Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross. Having left the priesthood he worked as a Regional Youth Officer for Foroige, the National Youth Development Organisation, in Blanchardstown. In 2016 he joined the Prison Chaplaincy Team in the Irish Prison Service and worked in Limerick and the Midlands Prison.
Having been a member of the Church of Ireland for a number of years and through prayer William felt called back into ministry. He was licensed as a priest within the Church of Ireland on June 2 2024 having completed a year long Individual Learning Agreement at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. As well as serving in Kilkenny, in January 2025 he was also appointed as Priest in Charge of the Kells Union with Inistioge.
Commenting on the appointment, Archbishop Michael Jackson said: “I have great pleasure in announcing the appointment of the Revd William Burke, who is currently the Dean’s Vicar in St Canice’s Cathedral Kilkenny, to the incumbency of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy. Billy brings considerable pastoral experience to his new role from a wide variety of contexts. I look forward to working with him and to getting to know members of his family”.
William said he has enjoyed his time in Kilkenny and was looking forward to his new role.
“Both in my life serving as a priest and in my various work roles I have learned how to deal with many pastoral situations as they arose often in extreme circumstances. Central to my role was being readily available to all people especially in times of loss, bereavement and illness and to make the gospel a lived and real experience,” he said.
He continued: “Myself and my family have spent two very happy years here in Kilkenny. From the day we arrived we felt very welcome and will be sorry to leave but we know we have made some lasting friendships here. The people of the Kilkenny Union have contributed greatly to my ongoing formation as a priest for which I will always be grateful.
“I am now looking forward to my future ministry within the community of the Parish of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy. I feel blessed and privileged to be called to serve the people of this parish as I spent much time during my discernment process in prayer and reflection walking through the woods of Avondale and around the lakes of Glendalough in my youth. In the years ahead may I bear witness to our loving God, the God of surprises who has drawn me back to a place that holds many beautiful memories for me. May He guide me and the people of this parish as we continue our pilgrimage of faith united in Christ,” he concluded.
How can I repay the Lord
for all the benefits he has given to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call upon the name of the Lord.
I will fulfil my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people. Psalm 116: 12–14