Speech by President Connolly at Opening of the Refurbished Deanery Mews
St Patrick's Cathedral, 26 February 2026
A chairde, it is an honour to be here today, as President of Ireland, to officially open the refurbished deanery mews at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. May I thank the Very Reverend Dr William W. Morton for the invitation to be here with you all and to perform the official opening.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the largest church in the country. It is a significant Gothic, historical landmark with a history that spans over eight centuries. Indeed, it is the final resting place of renaissance man and author Dean Jonathan Swift. It is part of our cultural and historical heritage, and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland.
The deanery mews here at Saint Patrick’s has now been transformed into a modern facility for music tuition, community outreach, and congregation. Featuring a multi-purpose space, state-of-the-art music rooms, and a classroom, all done to the highest standard of energy efficiency and sustainable design, the finished mews is a great credit to all those involved in the project.
Music has been deeply intertwined in the daily life of St Patrick’s Cathedral since its foundation in the thirteenth century. The Cathedral Choir School, established in 1432, is the only choir school in Ireland, and is believed to be the oldest school in the country. Members of the Cathedral’s Choir are believed to have added their voices to the first public performance of Handel’s Messiah in 1742 in Neal’s Musick Hall, just down the road on Fishamble Street.
The renovation of the deanery mews will build on this rich musical legacy, providing facilities for the Cathedral’s music department, as well as a welcoming space for local community groups, events and education workshops.
May I congratulate everyone involved in this beautifully realised and sympathetic restoration at one of the most important cultural sites on the island.
Go raibh maith agaibh.