The election of the Church of Ireland's new Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe takes place today at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.
The newly elected bishop will replace the Right Rev Edward Darling, who retired on July 31st after holding the position for almost 15 years. The diocese has 65 churches and about 3,500 members and is, geographically, the largest in the State, stretching from Roscommon to Kerry.
Among those from the diocese whom it is believed will be nominated are the dean of St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, the Very Rev Maurice Sirr, and Canon Joe Condell of Roscrea. Other expected nominees are the Very Rev Dr Michael Jackson, Dean of St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork, a former Oxford don who lectures part-time in philosophy in UCC. His brother-in-law, Canon Michael Burrows, the rector of Bandon, and a former dean of residence in Trinity College, Dublin, is also likely to be on the nominee list.
A possible female nominee, on the 10th anniversary of the ordination of women as priests, is Canon Ginnie Kennerley, rector of Narraghmore and Timolin, the first woman ordained in the Dublin diocese. The result is expected today at 5 p.m.