Statement on incident at Armagh Cathedral on 29 October 2026
The Church of Ireland confirms that the PSNI was contacted following an incident that took place in the grounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh involving the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd John McDowell.
Enoch Burke and members of his family approached the Archbishop following the funeral service for a rector of the Diocese who died suddenly last week, and proceeded to harangue and obstruct the Archbishop as he left the cathedral grounds and returned to the See House.
Enoch Burke has been jailed on a number of occasions in The Republic of Ireland for contempt of court and not for any religious beliefs that he may hold.
A spokesperson for the Church of Ireland said: “Yesterday, Archbishop McDowell and the family, colleagues and friends of a late rector gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh for the funeral service of a dear and much respected pastor. It is a matter of deep concern and sadness that the Burke family considered this was an appropriate occasion to confront the Archbishop in a particularly hostile and aggressive manner. No respect was shown for the occasion or the sanctity of the cathedral grounds. Entry onto the See House property, which is a private residence, is a further concern. Archbishop McDowell, other members of the Church who were present, and the Church’s authorities, will assist with the PSNI’s enquiries.”
The Church of Ireland will not be making any further statement until the police investigation is complete.
Church of Ireland Press Office