This Sunday, March 1, we welcome the Very Rev. Dermot P. M. Dunne to the Cathedral of St. Philip! Dunne is the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland. He will preach at the 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. services, and present a special Dean’s Forum at 10:10 a.m. in Child Hall. He will be joined by the Rev. Canon Roy H. Byrne, precentor and sub-dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.
The Very Rev. Dermot Patrick Martin Dunne has served as the 35th Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, since 2008. He leads one of Ireland’s most historic and significant ecclesiastical foundations, a Cathedral that has stood at the heart of Dublin’s spiritual and civic life since the 11th century and now approaches its millennium in 2028.
Dean Dunne is a native of Mallow, County Cork. Having completed his primary and secondary education, he was accepted by the bishop of Cloyne for training for ordination. He entered the Seminary at St. Patrick’s College Maynooth in 1978 where he pursued qualifications in both Philosophy and Theology. Dean Dunne was ordained deacon in 1983 and Priest in 1984. His academic pursuits include diplomas in both philosophy and theology, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dublin City University and a Masters degree in Applied Christian Spirituality from Dublin City University.
Dean Dunne served as a curate in the parish of Milford, County Cork for six years. In 1990 he was appointed as hospital chaplain to the Whittington Hospital, London and subsequently served in three parishes including: St. Mellitus Parish, Tollington Park, St. George’s Cathedral Southwark and St. Mary’s Church, Caduggan Street, Chelsea. Whilst in London Dean Dunne graduated as a psychotherapist from the Chiron Centre in Ealing, London. In 1995 dean Dunne stepped aside from active ministry and worked with the Environment Council London and the Safe Start Foundation, London.
On transferring his ministry to the Anglican Communion, in 1999 Dean Dunne became the Dean’s Vicar of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Having served his title there until 2001, Dean Dunne was appointed incumbent of the Crosspatrick and Carnew Group of parishes in County Wicklow. During his incumbency he was appointed Precentor of Ferns and subsequently Archdeacon of Ferns before his appointment as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral Dublin in 2008. Dean Dunne is married to Celia, daughter of James and Dorothy Burl late of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
At Christ Church Cathedral, Dean Dunne champions worship rooted in the Anglican tradition, theological reflection, and community engagement. Under his leadership the Cathedral has maintained its rich liturgical and musical heritage while expanding its outreach across the city. The Cathedral is a living center of faith, culture, and service, attracting visitors from across Ireland and the world.
Dean Dunne is a committed advocate for ecumenical and inter-church engagement, fostering partnerships with other Christian traditions. Christ Church Cathedral has appointed ecumenical canons, including leaders from the Romanian Orthodox Church, reflecting the Cathedral’s commitment to visible unity and dialogue across Christian communities.
He is also strongly engaged in global fellowship and cultural exchange. Dean Dunne has represented the Cathedral at international gatherings, including participation recently in a major cultural festival in India, where he delivered a keynote address focused on unity, harmony, and global belonging. The Cathedral has also supported charitable initiatives linked to India, reflecting a commitment to global justice and outreach.
Alongside his ecumenical and global work, Dean Dunne is attentive to social concerns, particularly homelessness and marginalized communities, emphasizing the Church’s role in compassionate witness and practical support.
He and his wife, Celia, together continue to serve the life of the Cathedral and the wider Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough.