“Now we pray, be with him who leaves and with us who stay.” The words of the final prayer of the priest and the people of Christ Church Cathedral Dublin struck an emotional note in an uplifting, music–filled Evensong on Sunday afternoon (June 28) as Dean Dermot Dunne celebrated his final service in office.

The cathedral community and many friends gathered for Choral Evensong to bid a fond farewell to the Dean and his wife Celia. After 18 years, the Dean will hand back to the Archbishop of Dublin the pastoral care of the cathedral and its parishes on August 31.

Fittingly and in line with the strong tradition of the Cathedral Choir, music shaped the service with two anthems, one commissioned for the occasion composed by Jack Oades, former organ scholar and acting director of music and assistant director of music. The Cathedral Choir was joined at the end of the service by Christ Church Community Choir for an outstanding rendition of ‘The Parting Glass’ before the congregation made their way out into the sunshine for a party on the labyrinth.

Read more about the service and day on the United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough website.