14/06/2026
New Rector appointed to Monaghan Group of Parishes in Clogher Diocese
A new Rector has been appointed to the Grouped Parishes of Monaghan, Tydavnet and Kilmore in Clogher Diocese.
Following a meeting of the Board of Nomination for the Grouped Parishes of Monaghan, Tydavnet and Kilmore on Monday, 8th June, the Revd Rodney Magennis, Minister–in–Charge of the Grouped Parishes of Aghaderg, Donaghmore and Scarva in the Diocese of Down and Dromore has been appointed as rector of Monaghan, Tydavnet and Kilmore.
Revd Magennis, a native of Rathfriland, has served in the Church of Ireland in his current group of parishes for the past six years.
The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis, welcomed Revd Magennis to Clogher Diocese.
Bishop Ian said; “I am delighted Revd Rodney Magennis has accepted the nomination to become the next Rector of the parishes of Monaghan, Kilmore and Tydavnet. I know his new parishioners will quickly recognise and appreciate his warm personality and his preaching and pastoral skills.
We welcome Revd Rodney and his wife Ruth to the diocese and trust they will happily settle into parish and community life in Co Monaghan.”
Revd Magennis grew up in the parish of Drumgath, Rathfriland, where he was baptised and confirmed in the sister church of Drumgooland, Ballyward where he was actively involved becoming a helper in the Sunday School, then a Sunday School teacher.
“I became organist in Ballyward Church for 12 years and during that time trained as a Parish Reader and Diocesan Reader. In 2017 I started training in CITI, being ordained in 2019 to serve in the parish of Belvoir,” he said.
“In 2020, during Covid I was ordained Presbyter/Priest serving as Diocesan Curate in the Grouped Parishes of Aghaderg, Donaghmore and Scarva.
“In 2023 I was appointed as Minister-in-Charge of the same group of parishes.”
Revd Magennis married Ruth in 2023.
Life outside church involves the Boys Brigade and the Loyal Orders.
Revd Magennis added; “I came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ at a CEF summer camp in August 1985 at the age of seven.
“While sad to be leaving Aghaderg, Donaghmore and Scarva, I look forward to a new ministry in Monaghan, believing that God has called me to this place!”
Details of the institution will be announced in due course.”
