The Right Rev John Robert Winder Neill has a proud history in the Church of Ireland, being the fourth generation of his family to enter the ministry.
He is originally from south Dublin but has spent most of his time in rural Ireland, most recently in Kilkenny as Bishop of Cashel and Ossory.
Friends and colleagues describe him as a very articulate and outgoing person, with a good sense of humour. "He is always keen to put forward the Christian view, whatever the issues are," said one colleague.
He is the only son of the late Canon E. M. Neill, Rector of Castleknock (1961-1975) and Harold's Cross (1977-1981).
The young John Neill was educated at Avoca School, Blackrock, and Sandford Park, Ranelagh and then attended Trinity College, Dublin. He was a Foundation Scholar in Hebrew and Oriental Languages and graduated with first class honours in 1966. In 1972, he was awarded an MA degree at Jesus College, Cambridge.
From 1984 to 1986 he served as Dean and Archdeacon of Waterford before being elected Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry in 1986. He spent 11 years in Mayo before being selected as Bishop of Cashel and Ossory.
Bishop Neill has been very active on many committees but has been to the forefront in promoting ecumenical relations. He has also been very supportive of the ordination of women and was chairman of the Church of Ireland General Synod Committee on the Ordination of Women.
