Spirituality
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In the Company of Ireland’s Saints
A familiar melody, gently reclaimed on St Patrick’s Night: a song‑poem of saints, landscape, and belonging, reshaped into something quietly Irish and wholly new. Continue reading
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Hymn for Fifth Sunday in Lent — “Spirit, lead us through the valley” (87 87 D)
The hymn “Spirit, lead us through the valley” reflects themes of hope, resurrection, and renewal amid grief, guided by the Spirit’s presence through life’s challenges. Continue reading
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A hymn celebrating the Eucharist — “Upon the hill where grasses bend” (DCM)
At the table, heaven draws near: ordinary bread, quiet grace, and Christ present among us—sending us back into the world bearing peace, love, and holy presence. Continue reading
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A hymn for St Joseph’s Day — “In Patricktide we bless your name” (DCM)
Celebrate St Joseph’s Day with a new Irish hymn. From Rathlin’s cliffs to Antrim’s glens, honour the quiet guardian who sheltered Christ through every fragile day. Continue reading
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A Good Friday hymn along Ireland’s great river — “The sky grows dark on Calv’ry’s hill” (DCM)
The Shannon beneath the Cross—The sky grows dark on Calv’ry’s hill 1.The sky grows dark on Calv’ry’s hill,the Shannon’s waters sigh;by Clonmacnoise the reeds bow low,its ancient stones reply.A wounded Christ hangs silent now,His final hour is nigh;and all the land holds trembling breathto watch the Saviour die.2.“My God, where are you in this pain?”His… Continue reading
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A hymn of inclusion – “Where Christ walks through our city streets” (CM)
A hymn imagining Christ walking Dublin’s streets—by the Liffey, Moore Street, and harbour winds—reminding us that holiness draws people in and leaves no heart pushed aside. Continue reading
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A hymn giving thanks for the Mothers Union — “O God who gathers us in love” (CM)
Celebrating 150 years of Mothers’ Union worldwide. A Mothering Sunday hymn of thanksgiving for faithful service, for Ireland’s witness, and for my own mother — and mothers everywhere. Continue reading
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A hymn of the New Covenant — “In whispered winds You speak again” (CM)
In whispered winds You speak again 1.In whispered winds You speak again,Your covenant made new;Not carved on stone of Sinai’s height,But written deep and true.2.You trace Your promise on our heartsLike sunlight on the dew;As meadowsweet in summer fields,Your mercy rises too.3.The shadows flee the morning light,The ancient rites give way;The tent of cloth and… Continue reading
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Compline hymn – “Beneath Your wings, O Holy One” (Common Metre)
A hymn rooted in the Irish landscape inspired by the ancient compline psalm 91. Continue reading
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A Feast of Grace Unseen: a Eucharistic hymn – “Along the bog-road, dawn alights” (Common Metre)
Inspired by Isaiah 52:3, this hymn imagines Christ’s Eucharistic grace along an Irish bog road, where creation pauses as redemption unfolds. Continue reading
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The Empty Chair: A Liturgy of Absence.
Christy’s absence in the dialysis ward creates a profound sense of loss, highlighting the bond with caregivers and shared memories. Continue reading
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A Hymn for the Quiet Keeping – “Christ, Keeper of our quiet days” (Common Metre)
The congregational hymn, “Christ the Keeper” emphasizes God’s peace, healing, and confidence in faith, celebrating Christ’s victory over darkness. Continue reading
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A quiet milestone in Kildare
A lovely thing happened today. One of my hymns was sung in St Brigid’s Cathedral, written at the kind invitation of Rev Philip McKinley. There’s something very moving about hearing words that started out quietly on a page finally becoming part of the living prayer of the Church. After the service, I had the chance… Continue reading
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Where the Veil Wears Thin: Perpetua and Felicity – “Where earth and heaven brush as one” (Common Metre)
Perpetua and Felicity inspire with their courage and faith, embodying hope and trust in God despite adversity and suffering. Continue reading
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A quiet hour by the Shannon – “By Shannon’s holy, flowing tide (Common Metre)
St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick is depicted as a sacred space where faith, memory, and community intertwine, inspiring continuous worship. Continue reading
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“At Evening, God Has Spoken”: A Vespers Hymn on Psalm 110 (76 76 D)
110 has long been one of the traditional psalms of Sunday Vespers. My new hymn, At Evening, God Has Spoken, reflects on that ancient text through the quiet landscapes of the Irish midlands—heathered hills, the Barrow’s waters, and the stillness of evening prayer—resting in Christ our High King through the night. Continue reading
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From Desert Paths to Living Water: A Lenten Invitation – “By stony paths in desert lands” (88 88 D)
The congregational hymn reflects on spiritual thirst, Christ’s grace, and our Lenten journey from doubt to faith, inviting renewal and reconciliation. Continue reading
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Braided Grace—A Hymn on Psalm 129 – “Long have burdens pressed upon us” (87 87 D)
Despite suffering and oppression, God’s enduring faithfulness and promise bring hope, resilience, and strength to His people. Continue reading
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One Faith, One Hope, One Lord: A Hymn for Unity
The hymn prayerfully calls for unity in the Church, invoking the Holy Spirit to heal divisions and reaffirm faith in Christ. Continue reading
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A Hymn of Soil, Saint, and Sacrament – “Here the fields of Erin whisper” (87 87 D)
This hymn celebrates Christ’s presence in creation, uniting diverse traditions in peace and reconciliation through Eucharistic imagery and Celtic spirituality. Continue reading
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