Governance

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the oldest institutions in Ireland. Founded in 1191, much of the structure of the way in which the Cathedral is governed has remained the same.

Today those who oversee the life of the cathedral act as custodians of this historic building and try to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin is a registered charity (CHY 23039, Reg. Charity No. 20206551). Funds raised through commercial activity support the life of the building and help meet the enormous cost of maintenance and restoration.

The Cathedral Board is responsible for matters of finance, the maintenance of the Cathedral’s fabric, and the employment of staff. The Board’s membership is made up of clergy and laity. Much of its work is devolved to its sub-committees, which report to the Board at its monthly meetings.

Reports

Annual Report 2017

Annual Report 2018

Annual Report 2019

Annual Report 2020

Annual Report 2021

Annual Report 2022

Annual Report 2023

Strategic Plan 2020-2025

Conservation Plan 2024

The Dean

The first Dean of the Cathedral was elected in the year 1219. The position of Dean of the Cathedral is elected from the Chapter and he/she acts as the head of the Cathedral in all matters.

The Chapter of the Cathedral oversee the life of the building as a place of worship. The Chapter is made up of four Dignitaries (Dean, Precentor, Chancellor and Treasurer), the Archbishop of Dublin, twelve Diocesan canons to represent each of the twelve sees, nine Chapter canons elected by the Chapter, and two Ecumenical canons elected by the Chapter.

The Dean of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is The Very Revd William W. Morton (photographed).

The Cathedral Chapter

The Chapter is the body of clergy responsible for the ministry and mission of the Cathedral. It is composed of four Dignitaries (Dean, Precentor, Chancellor and Treasurer), the Archbishop of Dublin, twelve Diocesan canons to represent each diocese of the Church of Ireland, nine canons elected by the Chapter, and two ecumenical canons elected by the Chapter.

Members of Chapter: Precentor: The Revd P.R. Campion, B.A., B.Th., M.A., M.Phil.

Chancellor: The Very Revd N.J. Sloane, B.A., M.Phil., M.A.

Treasurer: The Ven. D.A. Pierpoint, M.A.

by order of appointment

Prebendary of Cualaun: The Most Revd M.G.StA. Jackson, M.A., Ph.D., D.Phil.

Prebendary of Rathmichael: The Revd C.W. Mullen, B.Th.

Prebendary of Tipper: The Revd J.D.M. Clarke

Prebendary of Clonmethan: The Revd P.K. McDowell, B.A., B.Th.

Prebendary of Wicklow: The Revd S.E. Doogan, LL.B., B.Th., LL.M.

Prebendary of Maynooth: The Revd M.D. Gardner, M.A.

Prebendary of Stagonil: The Revd P.A. Harvey, M.A.

Prebendary of Tymothan: The Revd P.M. Willoughby, B.A.

Prebendary of Dunlavin: The Revd G.V. Wharton, B.Th., M.Phil.

Prebendary of Clondalkin: The Revd B.M. McKay, O.Carm., B.A., B.D., M.Phil., D.D.

Prebendary of St Audoen’s: The Revd D.W. Oxley, B.A., B.Th.

Prebendary of Yagoe: The Revd M.T. Kingston, B.Sc., M.Sc., B.Th.

Prebendary of Newcastle: The Revd A.W.A. Mayes, B.A., M.Litt.

Prebendary of Swords: The Revd K.M. Poulton, B.A.

Prebendary of Tassagard: The Very Revd K.R.J. Hall, M.Phil.

Prebendary of Castleknock: The Revd P.I. Arbuthnot, M.A., M.Litt., B.Th.

Prebendary of Taney: The Revd J.K. McWhirter, B.Sc., B.Th., M.Th.

Prebendary of Kilmactalway: The Ven. J.M. Godfrey, B.A., M.A., M.Th.

Prebendary of Tipperkevin: The Revd C.W.L. McCauley, B.A., B.Th., M.A.

Prebendary of Finglas: The Revd S.J. Yambasu, B.D., M.A., Ph.D.

Prebendary of Mulhuddart: The Revd E. Yendall, B.A.

Prebendary of Donaghmore: The Revd P. Thompson, B.A.

Prebendary of Monmohenock: The Revd S.A. Farrell, M.A. (Oxon.) LL.M., B.Th, F.C.L.R.

Prebendary of Howth: The Revd H. Gilmore, B.A., B.D.

The Cathedral Board

The Cathedral Board is composed of 11 lay members elected at a triennial vestry meeting, and 11 clergy. There are 4 sub-committees of the Board: Music, Fabric, Safeguarding, and Finance.

The positions on these sub-committees are filled by Board members. External members can be co-opted onto the sub-committees for the duration of the Board’s three-year term, and can be co-opted for another term when the Board is re-elected.

Members of The Board: Clerical

The Very Revd W.W. Morton (Dean)

The Revd P.R. Campion (Precentor)

The Very Revd N.J. Sloane (Chancellor)

The Ven D.A. Pierpoint (Treasurer)

The Revd C.W. Mullen (Dean’s Vicar)

The Revd D.W. Oxley (Succentor)

The Revd J.D.M. Clarke (Prebendary of Tipper)

The Revd B.M McKay, OCarm (Prebendary of Clondalkin)

The Revd J.K. McWhirter (Prebendary of Taney)

The Revd P.I. Arbuthnot (Prebendary of Castleknock)

The Very Revd N.E. Dunne (R.C.B.)

Lay

Mr B. Dobson

Mr A.J. Fenton

Mr G.A. Good

Mr A.G. Graham

The Hon. R.M.B. Guinness

Ms J.E. Hall

Mr D.R. Johnson

Ms H. Prentice (R.C.B.)

Mrs S.E. Ruttle

Mr D.W. Seymour

Dr M.J.T. Webb

The Constitution of The Church of Ireland

Certain parts of the Constitution of The Church of Ireland apply to the structure and organisation of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Complaints and Feedback

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin is committed to ensuring that anyone interacting and engaging with the Cathedral on any level has the best possible experience. We actively listen and respond to views. We therefore welcome all positive and negative feedback so that we can continue to attain the highest level of standards. Please see our Complaints page for more information.