Two new priests are ordained
A former town councillor and a maths teacher can add another title to their name, this time a holy one.
The Reverend Eoghan Healy and the Reverend Andrew Coleman have been ordained to the priesthood by the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton.
Andrew Coleman, was born and raised in Bandon, and has been an active member of community life in the town and wider community throughout his life. He was married to Caroline in St Peter’s Church Bandon in 1993 and has been very active in the church and parish life of Bandon Union of Parishes, including sitting on its Select Vestry.
He was elected to serve as a Town Councillor in Bandon for more than 27 years and was appointed as Peace Commissioner in 1997 and chairperson in 2001.
In later life Andrew returned to education to undertake a number of courses, and finally a master’s degree in 2003 from UCC. Since 2005, Andrew has been the area representative for Christian Aid Ireland in the southern region counties. He served for a time as a member of Diocesan Council and is a member of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland. Andrew was licensed as a Diocesan Reader in 2019, ordained deacon on Sunday 30 June 2024, and is now a priest to serve in the Ordained Local Ministry in Bandon Union of Parishes and with a General Licence in the Diocese.
Originally from Dublin, Eoghan moved to Cork at the age of 18. He has now spent more of his life living in Cork than in Dublin. Eoghan originally trained as a marine engineer, but returned to college in his mid 20s to study mathematics and philosophy. He now teaches mathematics and computer science in the North Monastery Co-Ed Secondary School. During his time in the ‘Mon’ he served on the board of management and was also involved in introducing the new computer science Leaving Certificate subject to the school. Eoghan enjoys learning and understanding the processes involved in learning.
His preferred way of learning is by giving things a go and he tries to incorporate this approach to learning into his classroom. Eoghan was part of the first cohort of students from Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocese to undertake the Certificate in Christian Studies, graduating online during the Covid-19 pandemic. He has been part of Cloyne Union of Parishes for the past nine years, having previously worshipped in St Fin Barre's Cathedral, where he also continues to attend services when time allows. Eoghan was ordained deacon on the Feast of St James the Apostle, 25 July 2024, and is now a priest to serve in the Ordained Local Ministry in Cloyne Union of Parishes.
The Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton presided at the liturgy, and the Dean of Cloyne, the Very Reverend Susan Green preached at the service.
Eoghan and Andrew were presented for ordination by the Archdeacon, the Ven. Andrew Orr, as well as their respective sponsors. Parishioners, family and friends from all over the diocese, as well as diocesan readers and clergy came to the cathedral to support them on this special day.